Commonly Confused Words

Understanding commonly confused words is essential for clear communication in English. These pairs often trip people up, but knowing their meanings and uses can boost your writing and test performance, especially for the PSAT.

1. Accept vs. Except

   • "Accept" means to receive or agree to something.
   • "Except" means to exclude or leave out.
   • Remember: "Accept" has an "a" for "add," while "Except" has an "e" for "exclude."

2. Affect vs. Effect

   • "Affect" is usually a verb meaning to influence something.
   • "Effect" is usually a noun meaning the result of a change.
   • A helpful mnemonic: Affect is an Action; Effect is an End result.

3. Their vs. There vs. They're

   • "Their" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership.
   • "There" refers to a place or location.
   • "They're" is a contraction for "they are."

4. Your vs. You're

   • "Your" is a possessive pronoun indicating something belongs to you.
   • "You're" is a contraction for "you are."
   • To test: Replace with "you are" to see if it fits.

5. Its vs. It's

   • "Its" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership.
   • "It's" is a contraction for "it is" or "it has."
   • Remember: If you can replace it with "it is," use "it's."

6. To vs. Too vs. Two

   • "To" is a preposition indicating direction or purpose.
   • "Too" means also or excessively.
   • "Two" is the number 2.

7. Lose vs. Loose

   • "Lose" is a verb meaning to misplace or not win.
   • "Loose" is an adjective meaning not tight or free.
   • Remember: "Lose" has one "o" like "no," while "Loose" has two "o's."

8. Than vs. Then

   • "Than" is used for comparisons.
   • "Then" refers to time or sequence.
   • A tip: If you can replace it with "next," use "then."

9. Who's vs. Whose

   • "Who's" is a contraction for "who is" or "who has."
   • "Whose" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership.
   • Test: Replace with "who is" to see if it fits.

10. Lie vs. Lay

    • "Lie" means to recline and does not take a direct object.
    • "Lay" means to place something down and requires a direct object.
    • Remember: You lie down, but you lay something down.

11. Complement vs. Compliment

    • "Complement" means to complete or enhance something.
    • "Compliment" means to praise or express admiration.
    • A tip: Complements go together; compliments are nice words.

12. Principal vs. Principle

    • "Principal" refers to the head of a school or an amount of money.
    • "Principle" means a fundamental truth or belief.
    • Remember: "Principal" has an "a" for "administrator."

13. Stationary vs. Stationery

    • "Stationary" means not moving or fixed in place.
    • "Stationery" refers to writing materials, like paper and envelopes.
    • A tip: "Stationery" has an "e" for "envelope."

14. Weather vs. Whether

    • "Weather" refers to atmospheric conditions (rain, sun, etc.).
    • "Whether" is a conjunction used to express alternatives.
    • Remember: Weather is about the sky; whether is about choices.

15. Advice vs. Advise

    • "Advice" is a noun meaning guidance or recommendations.
    • "Advise" is a verb meaning to offer suggestions.
    • A tip: Advice is what you receive; advise is what you give.