# emery vs exert

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### emery
*noun · IPA /ˈɛməɹi/ · frequency rank #19,583*
An impure type of corundum, often used for sanding or polishing.

### exert
*verb · IPA /ɪɡˈzɝt/ · frequency rank #18,073*
To make use of, to apply, especially of something non-material; to bring to bear.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/emery-vs-exert