Hi Everyone! Today I have an English vocabulary blog for you, focusing on 15 commonly confused words in English. In this lesson, I will break down these words with a definition, followed by an example sentence, followed by a quick tip to help you remember the differences. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
1. affect vs. effect
affect (verb): to influence something
example: The weather can greatly affect your mood.
effect (noun): the result or outcome of a cause
example: The effect of the new law was noticeable immediately.
Tip: Remember “A” for Affect is an Action (verb). “E” for Effect is an End-result (noun).
2. advise vs. advice
advise (verb): to recommend or suggest
example: I advise you to check the weather before hiking.
advice (noun): guidance or recommendations concerning the future
example: He gave me sound advice on how to invest my savings.
Tip: “Advise” sounds like “ize” and is a verb, whereas “advice” sounds like “ice” and is a noun.
3. complement vs. compliment
complement (verb/noun): something that completes or goes well with something
example: The wine was a perfect complement to the cheese.
compliment (noun/verb): a polite expression of praise or admiration
example: She received many compliments on her new dress.
Tip: Remember, “I” can give a compliment (both have “I”), and two things that go together well complement each other (both have “E”).
4. principal vs. principle
principal (noun/adj): the person with the highest authority in a school.
example: The principal gave a speech during assembly.
principle (noun): a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief
example: One of his main principles is honesty.
Tip: The principal at school is your “pal”. “Pal” is a fun way to say “friend” in English.
5. Stationary vs. Stationery
stationary (adj): not moving or not intended to be moved
example: The car remained stationary in heavy traffic.
stationery (noun): materials for writing and office use, like paper and envelopes
example: We bought pens and stationery for the new office.
Tip: Think of “stationary” with an “a” as standing “at rest,” while “stationery” with an “er” refers to “paper” products.
6. than vs. then
than (conjunction): used in comparisons
example: She is taller than her brother.
then (adv): at that time/subsequently
example: We had tea, and then we went home.
Tip: When you compare, use “than.” When you talk about time, use “then.”
7. their vs. there vs. they’re
their (possessive adj.): belongs to someone
example: Their house is at the end of the street.
there (adv): in or at that place
example: Look over there.
they’re (contraction): they are
example: They’re coming over for dinner tonight.
Tip: “They’re” is a contraction. “Their” has an “I,” indicating possession. “There” refers to a place, like “where.”
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8. your vs. you’re
your (possessive adj.): belongs to you
example: Is that your book on the table?
you’re (contraction): you are
example: You’re going to love this movie!
Tip: Remember, “you’re” is short for “you are” (it has an apostrophe for the missing ‘a’).
9. loose vs. lose
loose (adj): not tightly fastened, confined, or compact
example: The screws in the shelf are too loose.
lose (verb): to not win or something is gone
example: I hope I don’t lose this game.
Tip: “Loose” rhymes with “moose,” and both are free or unbound. “Lose” has lost an ‘o,’ just like losing something means it’s gone.
10. weather vs. whether
weather (noun): the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc.
example: The weather today is sunny and warm.
whether (conj.): expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives
example: I don’t know whether to wear a jacket or not.
Tip: “Weather” is what you check before deciding what to wear. “Whether” has two “Hs” for you to choose from.
11. desert vs. dessert
desert (noun/verb): a barren area of landscape with little rain
example: The Sahara is a well-known desert.
dessert (noun): a sweet course usually eaten at the end of a meal
example: For dessert, we had apple pie.
Tip: Dessert has two Ss because you always want double dessert!
12. elicit vs. illicit
elicit (verb): to draw out a response, information, or fact from someone in reaction to one’s own actions or questions
example: Her remarks were intended to elicit a lively response from the audience.
illicit (adj.): forbidden by law, rules, or custom
example: He was arrested for his illicit drug activity.
Tip: “Elicit” involves “eliciting” (bringing out) information, while “illicit” is always “ill” (bad or illegal).
13. proceed vs. precede
proceed (verb): to begin or continue a course of action
example: After the interruption, we will proceed with the meeting.
precede (verb): to come before something in time or order
example: The Renaissance preceded the Enlightenment.
Tip: “Proceed” has “pro” which means forward, as in going forward in action. “Precede” has “pre” which means before, indicating order in time.
14. breathe vs. breath
breathe (verb): to take air into the lungs and then expel it
example: When you are anxious, it is good to breathe deeply.
breath (noun): the air taken into or expelled from the lungs
example: He took a deep breath before diving into the pool.
Tip: “Breathe” is a verb and longer because it includes the act of inhaling or exhaling, which takes time. “Breath” is a noun and shorter, just like a quick breath.
15. accept vs. except
accept (verb): to receive or agree to something offered
example: I will accept the job offer.
except (preposition): excludes something; not including
example: Everyone went to the movie except for Joe.
Tip: Remember, “accept” with “a” is agreeing to something, and “agree” starts with “a” as well. “Except” excludes, and both begin with “e”.
