Commonly confused words in English
There are a number of words in the English language which can cause confusion not only amongst foreigners but even native speakers. The reason behind this can be that some of the words look or sound very similar. Unfortunately their meanings are very different.
Take a look at our list of commonly confused words in English and don’t make a mistake ever again!
ACCEPT/EXCEPT
Accept – to agree to take, receive or do
Example: Jane accepted my invitation to go to the cinema.
Except – other than, not including
Example: She doesn’t have any friends except for Mary.
AFFECT/EFFECT
Affect – to influence, impact
Example: The death of John’s sister has affected his relationship with his parents.
Effect – a result
Example: Detention had no effect on his behavior.
BORROW/LEND
Borrow – to receive something from someone for temporary use with the intention of giving it back
Example: I borrowed this book from Jane, she said it was really good.
Lend – to allow someone to use something that belongs to you, but expect to get it back
Example: Jane lent me this book, after recommending it.
COARSE/COURSE
Coarse – rough in structure or texture
Example: The sand on the beach was coarse.
Course – part of a meal, a school subject, a route
Example: I want to take an intensive course in English.
COMPLIMENT/COMPLEMENT
Compliment – a remark expressing admiration
Example: When I wore this outfit I received a lot of compliments.
Complement – to enhance, to complete
Example: This hat will really complement your look.
DESERT/DESSERT
Desert – a sandy region with no vegetation, also the act of leaving someone
Example: The desert was a famous filming location for the director’s new production.
Dessert – something sweet, a sweet course
Example: I feel full, but I’ll find some room for dessert.
ENSURE/INSURE
Ensure – make sure, guarantee, make certain that something will happen
Example: I had to check the iron to ensure it was turned off before I leave the apartment.
Insure – arrange for compensation in the event of loss, accident, injury or death
Example: My parents insured their luggage because they were traveling with a lot of precious items.
FOREWORD/FORWARD
Foreword – an introduction to a book
Example: When I wrote my first book I mentioned my husband in the foreword.
Forward – directed ahead, to pass on
Example: When he’s on vacation, Michael forwards all his emails to his secretary.
IT’S/ITS
It’s – means ‘it is’
Example: It’s (It is) about time to go to bed.
Its – is a possessive pronoun, means belonging to, of
Example: The baby smiled and its smile lit up the room.
QUIET/QUITE
Quiet – without any noise
Example: When she returned very late from the party she tried to get quietly to her room.
Quite – somewhat, completely or actually
Example: She’s quite smart for her age.
SIGHT/SITE
Sight – the ability to see
Example: My grandma lost her sight completely at the age of 84.
Site – a location
Example: The constructing team started working on a new building site.
THEIR/THEY’RE
Their – means belonging to them
Example: Their luggage got lost at the airport, but it was returned to them after a week.
They’re – means ‘they are’
Example: They’re going to the airport to pick up their daughter.
THEN/THAN
Then – later, at that moment
Example: First he arranged a date with Tina, but later he cancelled.
Than – used to compare two things
Example: My brother is much taller than me.
TO/TWO/TOO
To – indicating the destination or the object, until
Example: John climbed to the top of the mountain.
Two – the number 2
Example: I have two sisters, one is called Joanne and the other one Mary.
Too – as well, extremely, more than enough
Example: Betty work too much, she doesn’t have time for anything else.
YOUR/YOU’RE
Your – belonging to you
Example: I really like your car.
You’re – means ‘you are’
Example: I heard you’re going to the cinema with Greg.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and don’t miss another article on CourseFinders.com
Find your perfect language school Search CourseFinders to find the course for you