Port Louis — Hello and welcome back to the English Language Clinic. This week I have been asked "What's the difference between 'economic' and 'economical'?" The best way to understand the meaning of these two words is to first look at the meaning of 'economy'.

This word has three possible meanings; 'economy' can mean the financial and business system in a country. An 'economy' can be described as healthy, flourishing, booming or static. 'Economy' can also mean a way of reducing the amount of money spent. For example, Matthew gave up smoking as an economy. The third use of 'economy' is as a modifier. A good example of this can be found in most supermarkets, as in 'Economy Sized Multi-Pack'.

Now that we have defined 'economy', defining 'economic' is quite easy. 'Economic' means relating to the economy of a country, or part of a country. 'Economic growth', for example, means exactly the same as 'the growth of the economy'.

'Economical' describes something which is cheap to buy or use. For example, July walks to work because it is more economical than taking the bus. In a very similar sense, it is also used to describe the fact that the minimum amount of something is being used, as in the expression 'economical with the truth', which is usually used to mean lying. There are two other related words, 'economics' and 'economist'. Very briefly, an 'economist' studies the 'economy' while the study of how money is earned, spent and controlled is 'economics'.

Please send your comments, queries and questionsto "Dr Danny" by emailing the following address p.etienne@lexpress.mu

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