Commonly Misused Words

Front

What is the difference between 'their', 'they're', and 'there'?

Back

'Their' is a possessive adjective (e.g., their car). 'They're' is a contraction of 'they are' (e.g., they're going). 'There' refers to a place (e.g., over there).

Front

When do you use 'your' vs 'you're'?

Back

'Your' is a possessive adjective (e.g., your book). 'You're' is a contraction of 'you are' (e.g., you're amazing).

Front

What does 'its' mean compared to 'it's'?

Back

'Its' is a possessive pronoun (e.g., the dog wagged its tail). 'It's' is a contraction of 'it is' (e.g., it's raining).

Front

Define 'affect' and 'effect'.

Back

'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence (e.g., the weather can affect your mood). 'Effect' is a noun meaning the result of a change (e.g., the effect of the new law was significant).

Front

What is the meaning of 'accept' vs 'except'?

Back

'Accept' means to receive (e.g., I accept your apology). 'Except' means to exclude (e.g., everyone except John was invited).

Front

Explain the difference between 'fewer' and 'less'.

Back

'Fewer' is used with countable nouns (e.g., fewer apples). 'Less' is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., less water).

Front

What is the correct usage of 'who' vs 'whom'?

Back

'Who' is used as a subject (e.g., who is coming?). 'Whom' is used as an object (e.g., to whom are you speaking?).

Front

Define 'complement' and 'compliment'.

Back

'Complement' means to complete or enhance (e.g., the scarf complements her outfit). 'Compliment' means to praise (e.g., she gave him a compliment).

Front

What is the difference between 'principal' and 'principle'?

Back

'Principal' refers to the head of a school or organization (e.g., the principal of the school). 'Principle' refers to a fundamental truth or belief (e.g., the principle of equality).

Front

Explain the terms 'stationary' and 'stationery'.

Back

'Stationary' means not moving (e.g., the car was stationary). 'Stationery' refers to writing materials (e.g., paper and envelopes).