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Commonly Confused Words: A Survival Guide To Speaking & Writing in Proficient English

The document provides a guide to 18 commonly confused word pairs in English. It defines each word and provides an example sentence to illustrate the proper usage of each word. The guide addresses pairs such as "affect" vs. "effect", "farther" vs. "further", "good" vs. "well", and "its" vs. "it's" among others. Defining the nuanced differences between words that sound similar helps improve proficiency when speaking and writing in English.

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60 views

Commonly Confused Words: A Survival Guide To Speaking & Writing in Proficient English

The document provides a guide to 18 commonly confused word pairs in English. It defines each word and provides an example sentence to illustrate the proper usage of each word. The guide addresses pairs such as "affect" vs. "effect", "farther" vs. "further", "good" vs. "well", and "its" vs. "it's" among others. Defining the nuanced differences between words that sound similar helps improve proficiency when speaking and writing in English.

Uploaded by

rossdion
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMMONLY CONFUSED

WORDS
A SURVIVAL GUIDE TO SPEAKING & WRITING IN PROFICIENT ENGLISH
1. A lot vs. alot
 “A lot” means a large amount. Do NOT use this phrase in formal writing.
 “Allot” is a verb that means to give a portion to someone.
 Because you have a lot of notes to write, I will allot you extra time.

2. A while vs. awhile


 Both refer to a vague length of time BUT one is a noun (a while) and the other is an adverb
(awhile)
 “A while” follows a preposition like “for” or “in”; sub with “a year”
 “Awhile” means for a time; sub with another adverb like “quickly” to confirm your usage of the
adverb
 We will swim for a while.
 Let’s swim awhile before dinner.

3. Accept vs. except


 “Accept is a verb.
 “Except” is a preposition that means “but.”
 I accept your invitation.
 Everyone except Jimothy is going.
4. Every one vs. everyone
 “Every one” emphasizes each individual in a group and is usually followed by
the word “of.”
 “Everyone” means “everybody”; refers to all people within a group
 Every one of the dogs is hungry.
 Everyone is here.

5. Farther vs. further


 “Farther” refers to physical distance.
 “Further” refers to a great extent in time, depth or degree. (not specific)
 I will run farther tomorrow.
 We must check into the cost of the tickets further.

6. Fewer vs. less


 “Fewer” refers to things that can be counted individually.
 “Less” refers to amounts that cannot be counted.
 I have fewer gray hairs than some people my age.
 Julie likes less sugar in her tea than I do.
7. Than vs. then
 “Than” is used for comparisons.
 “Then” is used to indicate time or sequence.
 Amy runs faster than Kevin.
 For a warm-up, Amy ran two miles this morning, then she ran ten miles later

8. Its vs. it’s


 “Its” is possessive and it is indicating that something belongs to someone
 “It’s” is a contraction that means “it is” or “it has”.
 A car is not very useful without its wheels
 It’s not a good idea to ignore this lesson
 It’s been a while since you have learned it

9. Whose vs. who’s


 “Whose” is possessive and indicates that something belongs to a person (who)
 “Who’s” is a contraction that means “who is” or “who has”
 Whose fault is it that you do not know this yet?
 Who’s going to do this correctly next time we write?

.
10. Affect vs. effect
 “Affect is a verb that means “to influence.”
 “Effect is a verb that means to “bring about” and a noun that means “the result.”
 Her sore throat affected her voice. (Verb– influenced)
 The new principal effected changes in the school. (Verb– to bring about)
 The effects of chicken pox are usually few. (Noun– results)

11. Lay vs. lie


 “To lay” means “to put” or “to place.” BUT, the past tense of “to lay” is “laid.”
 “To lie” is “to recline.” BUT, the past tense of “to lie” is “lay.” #confusing #sillyEnglish
 Posey will lay out her outfit before she goes to bed. (present) Posey laid out her outfit.
(past)
 Chester will lie down for a nap. (future) Chester lay down for a nap over an hour ago.
(past)

12. Among vs. between


 Use the word “among” to discuss more than two people, places, or things.
 Use the word “between” to discuss two people, places, or things.
 The candy was divided among the three girls.
 The candy was divided between the twins.
13. Any more vs. anymore
 “Any more” describes an amount.
 “Anymore” means from “now on.”
 I don’t want any more carrots.
 I am not in middle school anymore.

14.Beside vs. besides


 “Beside” means “next to.”
 “Besides” means “in addition to.”
 I sit beside Karen.
 Besides Houston, Texas has many other major cities.

15. Can vs. may


 “Can” refers to ability
 “May” refers to permission
 Christie can do a back handspring.
 May I use your pen?
16. Good vs. well
 “Good” is an adjective
 “Well” is an adverb that refers to capability and an adjective that means “in good
health.”
 She is a good student. (adjective)
 She sings well. (adverb)
 She does not feel well. (adjective)
 “Mr. Stark, I don’t feel too good.” Spider-Man may be cute, but he does not use
correct grammar. #dealbreaker

17. Principle vs. principal


 “Principal” as a noun is the person in charge of a school. As an adjective, it
means “most important.”
 “Principle” is a noun and represents a firmly held belief or ideal.
 Mrs. Finnesand is SLHS’s principal.
 A person of strong moral character holds fast to his or her own principles.
18. Apart vs. a part
 “Apart” means separated
 “A part” means a piece or segment of something
 I am lonely because I am apart from my best friend.
 I love being on the team because I feel like I am a part of something bigger than
myself.

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