Differences

[Camilus]

Dear teahcers!
Can you explain me what is the difference amongst:
a) inner, internal, interior.
b) ruin, destroy, spoil
c) fit, suit, go well with, match

Superficially, I know a slight difference. I mainly search for some examples and information when it doesn't matter which, relatively of course, to use.

Thank you very much in advance
Best regards

[Pete]

Dear teahcers!
Can you explain me what is the difference amongst:
a) inner, internal, interior.
b) ruin, destroy, spoil
c) fit, suit, go well with, match

Superficially, I know a slight difference. I mainly search for some examples and information when it doesn't matter which, relatively of course, to use.
...

a) inner, internal, interior.
-- I use "inner" to refer to something inside something else. When the usage is not physical (i.e. more metaphorical), it is the one most likely:
- The inner layer of a quilt us usually light and fluffy.
- The governor's inner circle of advisors are all wealthy.
-- I think that "internal" usually refers to a component that makes up a greater whole:
- The internal circuitry protects this device from overload.
-- I use "interior" when there is an implied contrast with "exterior", especially when discussing a building or an area of land:
- The interior walls are painted light blue.
- The interior of that country is quite arid.

b) ruin, destroy, spoil
-- To ruin something is to make it unfit for use.
- The wine she spilled ruined her dress.
-- To destroy something is to make it no longer exist:
- The tornado destroyed 3 houses in one block.
- She took scissors and utterly destroyed the dress that she hated.
-- Spoil means about the same as "ruin", but maybe less strong: to impair the quality of something. When you refer to natural decomposition of food, "spoil" is the appropriate term:
- The bad weather spoiled our picnic.
- The food spoiled after sitting out all day.

c) fit, suit, go well with, match
-- fit: be the right size and shape.
- That dress fits her perfectly.
-- Suit: be appropriate.
- The color of that shirt suits you.
-- Go well with: use this for things:
- That shirt goes well with her slacks.
-- Match: I think of this to show physical similarity:
- That blue dress matches her eyes.