Introduction
English has many word pairs that sound alike or look similar but have different meanings. These words confuse even native speakers. For learners of English, the problem can be worse because small mistakes can change the meaning of a sentence.
This essay will explain several common confusing words in English. For each pair or group, you will learn their meanings, how to use them correctly, and how to avoid errors.
Accept vs. Except
Accept is a verb. It means to receive or agree to something.
- I accept your apology.
- She accepted the job offer.
Except is usually a preposition. It means “not including.”
- Everyone is coming except John.
- I eat all vegetables except broccoli.
Tip: If you can replace the word with “receive,” you need accept.
Affect vs. Effect
Affect is usually a verb. It means to change or influence something.
- The weather affects my mood.
- His speech affected the whole audience.
Effect is usually a noun. It means the result or outcome.
- The new law had a strong effect.
- The medicine had no side effects.
Tip: If the word is a noun, use effect. If it’s a verb, use affect.
More on this from https://www.grammarly.com/blog/affect-vs-effect/.
Then vs. Than
Then is used for time or sequence.
- We went to the store, then we went home.
- I’ll call you, then we’ll decide.
Than is used for comparison.
- She is taller than her brother.
- This book is better than the last one.
Tip: Use than only when comparing two things.
Your vs. You’re
Your is a possessive adjective. It shows ownership.
- Your shoes are on the floor.
- I like your idea.
You’re is a contraction of “you are.”
- You’re very kind.
- You’re going to love this movie.
Tip: Try replacing the word with “you are.” If it works, use you’re.
Its vs. It’s
Its is a possessive adjective. It shows something belongs to “it.”
- The dog wagged its tail.
- The company changed its policy.
It’s is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
- It’s raining outside.
- It’s been a long day.
Tip: If you can say “it is” or “it has,” use it’s.
Lose vs. Loose
Lose is a verb. It means to misplace or not win.
- I don’t want to lose my keys.
- They might lose the game.
Loose is an adjective. It means not tight or not fixed.
- The door handle is loose.
- These pants are too loose.
Tip: If the word is about not winning or misplacing, use lose.
To vs. Too vs. Two
To is a preposition. It shows direction or purpose.
- I’m going to the store.
- She gave the book to him.
Too means “also” or “excessively.”
- I want to go too.
- It’s too hot today.
Two is a number.
- I have two cats.
- She bought two tickets.
Tip: If you mean “also” or “very,” use too. If you’re counting, use two.
Farther vs. Further
Farther refers to physical distance.
- He ran farther than his friend.
- The hotel is farther down the road.
Further refers to metaphorical or abstract distance.
- We need to discuss this further.
- She wants to further her career.
Tip: Use farther for actual space. Use further for ideas or progress.
Advice vs. Advise
Advice is a noun. It means a suggestion or opinion.
- He gave me good advice.
- Let me offer you some advice.
Advise is a verb. It means to suggest or recommend.
- I advise you to take the train.
- The doctor advised rest.
Tip: If it’s something you give or receive, use advice. If it’s something you do, use advise.
Who vs. Whom
Who is the subject of a sentence.
- Who is calling?
- Who made this cake?
Whom is the object of a verb or preposition.
- To whom should I send this?
- Whom did you invite?
Tip: Try replacing the word with “he” or “him.” If “he” works, use who. If “him” works, use whom.
Lay vs. Lie
Lay is a verb that requires an object. You lay something down.
- Please lay the book on the table.
- He laid the baby in the crib.
Lie is a verb that does not take an object. It means to recline.
- I need to lie down.
- He lay on the bed for hours.
Tip: Use lay when you are placing something. Use lie when you are resting.
Compliment vs. Complement
Compliment means praise.
- She gave me a nice compliment.
- He complimented her cooking.
Complement means something that completes or matches something else.
- That wine complements the meal.
- Blue complements her eyes.
Tip: Think of compliment as praise and complement as a match.
Principle vs. Principal
Principle is a noun. It means a rule or belief.
- She stood by her principles.
- The principle of gravity is well known.
Principal can be a noun or adjective. It can mean a school leader or the most important thing.
- The school principal gave a speech.
- The principal reason for his success was hard work.
Tip: Remember: The principal is your “pal” (a person), while a principle is a rule.
Stationary vs. Stationery
Stationary means not moving.
- The car remained stationary.
Stationery means writing materials.
- She bought new stationery for her office.
Tip: Stationery with an “e” refers to envelopes and paper.
Conclusion
Using the correct word matters. Confusing one for another can change the meaning of a sentence or make your writing unclear. The best way to master these words is to see them in context and practice using them.
Keep a list of confusing words you meet. Write example sentences. Read often and notice how writers use these words.
For more help, try these resources:
- https://www.uis.edu/learning-hub/writing-resources/handouts/learning-hub/commonly-confused-words
- https://www.grammarly.com/blog/commonly-confused-words/
- https://www.vocabulary.com/articles/commonly-confused-words/