Commonly Confused Words

Front

Your vs. You're

Back

"Your" is a possessive adjective used to indicate ownership (e.g., Your book). "You're" is a contraction of "you are" (e.g., You're going to the store).

Front

Its vs. It's

Back

"Its" is a possessive adjective used to indicate ownership (e.g., The dog wagged its tail). "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has" (e.g., It's raining outside).

Front

There vs. Their vs. They're

Back

"There" refers to a place (e.g., The book is over there). "Their" is a possessive adjective indicating ownership (e.g., Their house is big). "They're" is a contraction of "they are" (e.g., They're going to the party).

Front

Who vs. Whom

Back

"Who" is used as a subject (e.g., Who is coming to dinner?). "Whom" is used as an object (e.g., To whom should I address the letter?).

Front

Then vs. Than

Back

"Then" refers to time (e.g., We went to the park, and then we had ice cream). "Than" is used for comparisons (e.g., She is taller than her brother).

Front

Affect vs. 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 storm was devastating).

Front

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

Loose vs. Lose

Back

"Loose" means not tight (e.g., The shirt is too loose). "Lose" means to misplace or not win (e.g., I don't want to lose my keys).

Front

Principal vs. Principle

Back

"Principal" refers to the head of a school or organization (e.g., The principal gave a speech). "Principle" refers to a fundamental truth or belief (e.g., The principle of honesty is important).

Front

Complement vs. Compliment

Back

"Complement" means to complete or enhance (e.g., The wine complements the meal). "Compliment" means to praise (e.g., She gave me a compliment on my dress).