Nauseous versus Nauseated

Another commonly confused pair of words would be "nauseous" and "nauseated." Again, many labor under the delusion that these words are interchangeable. In reality, "nauseous" and "nauseated" mean quite different things, and you really don't want to get them confused.

The word "nauseous" actually means causing or invoking nausea. If something, like a smell, is described as nauseous, it means it gives others nausea — it makes them feel sick. If you say that you are feeling nauseous, it means you feel like you make others sick.

To indicate that you are experiencing nausea, use the word "nauseated" instead. If you feel nauseated, you feel ill. 

It truly nauseates us when people mix up these two words. Don't let such a nauseous solecism infect your writing!