Chapter 6: Perfecting Your Writing: Grammar
Commonly Confused Words
Just as we use bricks to build sturdy homes, writers use words to build successful documents. Consider the construction of a building. Tough, reliable materials are required to build a structurally sound skyscraper. From the foundation to the roof and every floor in between, every part is necessary. Writers need to use strong, meaningful words from the first sentence to the last.
Imagine you are writing a grocery list to purchase the ingredients for a recipe but accidentally write down cilantro when the recipe calls for parsley. Even though cilantro and parsley look remarkably alike, each produces a very different effect in food. This seemingly small error could radically alter the flavour of your dish!
Having a solid everyday vocabulary will help you while writing, but learning new words and avoiding common word errors will make a real impression on your readers. Experienced writers know that deliberate, careful word selection and usage can lead to more polished, more meaningful work.
Some words in English cause trouble for speakers and writers because they share a similar pronunciation, meaning, or spelling with another word. These words are called commonly confused words. For example, read aloud the following sentences containing the commonly confused words new and knew:
- I liked their new sweater.
- I knew they would wear that sweater today.
These words may sound alike when spoken, but they carry entirely different usages and meanings. New is an adjective that describes the sweater, and knew is the past tense of the verb “to know.”
Recognizing Commonly Confused Words
New and knew are just two of the words that can be confusing because of their similarities. Familiarize yourself with the following list of commonly confused words. Recognizing these words in your own writing and in other pieces of writing can help you choose the correct word to avoid confusing the reader.
| Common Confused Words | What do they mean? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A, An, And |
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| Affect, Effect |
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| Are, Our |
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| By, Buy |
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| Its, It’s |
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| Know, No |
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| Loose, Lose |
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| Of, Have |
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| Quite, Quiet, Quit |
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| Right, Write |
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| Set, Sit |
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| Suppose, Supposed |
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| Than, Then |
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| Their, They’re, There |
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| To, Two, Too |
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| Use, Used |
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| Who’s, Whose |
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| Your, You’re |
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The English language contains so many words; no one can say for certain how many words exist. In fact, many words in English are borrowed from other languages. Many words have multiple meanings and forms, further expanding the immeasurable number of English words. Although the list of commonly confused words serves as a helpful guide, even these words may have more meanings than shown here. When in doubt, consult an expert: the dictionary!
Self-Practice Exercise 6.1
H5P: Complete the following sentences by selecting the correct word.
- My little cousin turns (to, too, two) years old tomorrow.
- The next-door neighbour’s dog is (quite, quiet, quit) loud. He barks constantly throughout the night.
- (Your, You’re) mother called this morning to talk about the party.
- I would rather eat a slice of chocolate cake (than, then) eat a chocolate muffin.
- Before the meeting, he drank a cup of coffee and (than, then) brushed his teeth.
- Do you have any (loose, lose) change to pay the parking meter?
- Father must (have, of) left his briefcase at the office.
- Before playing ice hockey, I was (suppose, supposed) to read the contract, but I only skimmed it and signed my name quickly, which may (affect, effect) my understanding of the rules.
- Tonight she will (set, sit) down and (right, write) a cover letter to accompany her resumé and job application.
- It must be fall, because the leaves (are, our) changing, and (it’s, its) getting darker earlier.
Answer Key
- two
- quite
- Your
- than
- then
- loose
- have
- supposed, affect
- sit, write
- are, it’s
Strategies to Avoid Commonly Confused Words
When writing, you need to choose the correct word according to its spelling and meaning in the context. Not only does selecting the correct word improve your vocabulary and your writing, but it also makes a good impression on your readers. It reduces confusion and improves clarity. The following strategies can help you avoid misusing confusing words.
Use the online dictionary. Look up words when you are uncertain of their meanings or spellings. Dictionary apps are available for smartphone use.
Be aware of the words that often confuse you. Keep a list of these words and refer to it when you are editing your assignments.
Self-Practice Exercise 6.2
H5P: In the paragraph below, locate all of the misused words and correct them. There are 11 errors in total. You can refer to the list of frequently misused words in this chapter for help as you work.
The original United States Declaration of Independence sets in a case at the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom as part of the National Archives in Washington, DC. Since 1952, over one million visitors each year of passed through the Rotunda too snap a photograph to capture they’re experience. Although signs state, “No Flash Photography,” forgetful tourists leave the flash on, an a bright light flickers for just a millisecond. This millisecond of light may not seem like enough to effect the precious document, but supposed how much light could be generated when all those milliseconds are added up. According to the National Archives administrators, its enough to significantly damage the historic document. So, now, the signs display quit a different message: “No Photography.” Visitors continue to travel to see the Declaration that began are country, but know longer can personal pictures serve as mementos. The administrators’ compromise, they say, is a visit to the gift shop for a preprinted photograph.
