Commonly Confused Words

Commonly Confused Words

Because saying it right is important

We're going to look at some words that are used a lot, and are also mixed up a lot...

Its/It's

It’s with an apostrophe is a contraction that means “it is.”

What happens when it’s possible to improve on the human body and mind?

Its without the apostrophe means “belonging to it.”

The technology will sneak its way into our lives.

two/too/to

Two is the number. Too is an adverb meaning “also” or “very.” Use to before a verb or as a preposition.

Claire had to go to town, too. We had too much reading to do. Two chapters is too many.

their/there/they’re

Their means “belonging to them.” There means “in that place.” They’re is the contraction for “they are.”

There is a movie playing at 9 p.m. They’re going to see it with me. Sakara and Jessica drove away in their car after the movie.

affect/effect

As a verb, affect means “to influence.” Effect as a verb means “to cause.” If you want a noun, you will almost always want effect.

How deeply did the news affect him? The students tried to effect a change in school policy. What effect did the acidic soil produce in the plants?

accept/except

The verb accept means “to receive” or “to believe.” Except is usually a preposition meaning “excluding.”

Did the teacher accept your report? Everyone smiled for the photographer except Jody.

than/then

Use than in making comparisons. Use then on all other occasions.

Ramon is stronger than Mark. Cut the grass and then trim the hedges.

could/would/should have

Never of. Always have.

I should have gone to bed earlier last night.