Word Usage: Explore commonly confused words and how to use them correctly

The English language has surely created misunderstanding in written and spoken communication. Thus using the right words correctly is considered as a crucial part for effective communication. Many English courses like Advance English course, online intermediate English course can help you to have a good command on this. In this explanation we will surely deal with several pairs of commonly used words and we will provide you with examples in order to illustrate proper uses.

1. Affect Vs. effect:

Affect is typically referred to as a word which means to influence or produce a particular change.

Eg: The rain may affect the outdoor events happening.

Effect is usually considered as a noun and refers to the result or outcome of a particular action.

Eg: The effect of the rain was the cancellation of the outdoor event happening today.

2. Their Vs. There Vs. They're:

Their is a possessive pronoun which indicates ownership by a particular group.

Eg: Their car is parked outside.

There is an adverb which indicates a location or particular place.

Eg: The printouts are over there.

They’re  is a contraction of they are.

Eg: They're going to the movies tonight.

3. Your Vs. You're:

Your is referred to as a possessive pronoun which usually indicates ownership by the person whom you are addressing.

Eg: Is this your printout?

You're is referred to as a contraction for you and are.

Eg: You're my best friend currently.

4. Whose Vs. Who’s:

Whose is referred to as a possessive pronoun and it indicates particular ownership.

Eg: Whose printouts are these?

Who’s is referred to as contraction of who is or who has.

Eg: Who’s coming to the party tonight?

5. Accept Vs. Except:

Accept is a verb meaning in order to receive or agree to a particular thing.

Eg: I accept your apology.

Except is usually referred to as a preposition which indicates exclusion.

Eg: Everyone is here except my best friend.

      6. Lose Vs. Loose:

            Lose is a verb which means to misplace or fail to win.

            Eg: I really didn't want to lose this game.

           Loose is an adjective describing something which is not likely fastened or fitted.

           Eg: Her dress seems to be too loose.

      7. To Vs. Too Vs. Two:

           To is a preposition which indicates the direction or a function.

           Eg: I'm going to the store.

          Too is an adverb which means also or excessively.

          Eg: I want ice cream too.

          Two is referred to as a number in the number system.

          Eg: There are two apples kept under the table.

     8. Then Vs. Than:

          Then Is an adverb which is usually used to situate action in a particular time.

          Eg: First we will conduct this workshop, then we will eat.

Than is a particular conjunction which is used in a particular comparison in statements.

 Eg: She is smarter than her brother.

9. Principal vs. Principle:

Principal can refer to a particular person who holds a high position, like we see a school principal; it can even mean a sum of money, especially when we are referring to a particular loan.

Eg: The school principal is not as good as previous.

Principle It is a noun which represents fundamental truth, rule or even belief.

Eg: Honesty is considered as an important principle of our lives.

10. Complement Vs. Compliment:

Complement is a noun or verb referring to something that completes or goes very well with something else.

Eg: The new furniture complements the kids room.

Compliment is a noun or verb usually expressing admiration, brace or even polite expression of approval.

Eg: I complimented him on his good work today.

12. Passed Vs. Past:

Passed is referred to as a past tense of to past which means to go by or move forward.

Eg: He passes the finish line.

Past is referred to as a noun which indicates a time that has already happened.

Eg: Past few years have been really not good.

13. Stationary vs. Stationery:

Stationary is referred to as an adjective which means not moving or fixed at a particular place.

Eg: The car remained stationary for a longer period of time.

Stationery is referred to as a noun which means writing material such as paper, envelopes or any item.

Eg: I need to buy some stationery for my school.

14. Advice vs. Advise:

Advice is referred to as a noun which means recommending or guiding someone.

Eg: She gave me valuable advice for my work.

Advise It is a verb meaning to offer a particular advise or even recommend something to someone.

Eg: I advise you to study regularly till your exams.

15. Capital Vs. Capitol:

Capital is referred to as a city or town which serves as the seat of government. It can even mean financial assets or wealth.

Eg: She invested her capital wisely this time.

Capitol refers to a particular specific building where legislative members meet.

Eg: The US capitol in Washington DC.

16. Disinterested Vs. Uninterested:

Disinterested refers to an adjective which indicates impartiality or lack of byes.

Eg: The judge should be disinterested in this particular case.

Uninterested refers to an adjective which indicates a lack of interest or enthusiasm.

Eg: He seemed very much uninterested in the topic.

17. Infer Vs. Imply:

Infer refers to a verb which is used when you draw conclusions or make educated guesses which are based on evidence or information.

Eg: from the evidence presented we can infer that he is guilty.

Imply is a verb which is used when you suggest or hint directly without even stating it expressly.

Eg: She didn't say it, but her tone really implied that she was unhappy.

18. Pray Vs. Prey:

Pray is a verb which is used to communicate with a deity or offer a request.

Eg: She likes to pray every morning after waking up.

Prey is referred to as a noun which means an animal that is hunted and killed by another animal for food. It can even be used as a verb to victimize or take advantage of someone.

Eg: The lion stalks its prey for its food.

19. Raise Vs. Rise

Raise is a verb which means to lift, elevate or even cause to increase.

Eg: He wants to raise the curtains.

Rise is a verb which indicates the act of getting up, even encouraging the level.

Eg: The sun will rise in the morning itself.

20. Allusion vs. Illusion:

Allusion is a noun which means an indirect reference to something.

Eg: His speech contained allusions to Shakespeare's work.

Illusion is a noun indicating a deceptive appearance or false belief also.

Eg: The magicians have surely created an illusion of a disappearing coin.

In a nutshell in today's English language using words correctly is fundamental to clear and have effective communication. The above commonly confused word pairs can surely trip up the most experienced writers and speakers itself. By understanding the distinction between these words, even practicing their proper usage, can help you enhance your speaking skills and even avoid misunderstandings. To avoid such confusions one can take an English online course, beginner English classes and even English intermediate course and advance English classes. Remember to proofread your book always and whenever you are in doubt consult a dictionary or style guide in order to ensure that you are using the right word in the right context.