Commonly Confused Words

1. Carl appears to be smarter (then, than) his brother.

• Then

• Than

Answer explanation

The correct word is 'than' because it is used for comparisons, while 'then' refers to time. In this context, Carl is being compared to his brother, so 'than' is the appropriate choice.

1. Randolph (accepted, excepted) my invitation to dinner.

• Excepted

• Accepted

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'accepted' because it means to agree to receive something, like an invitation. 'Excepted' means to exclude, which does not fit the context of the sentence.

1. She usually bought (to, too, two) loaves of bread at a time.

• to

• too

• two

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'two' because it refers to the quantity of loaves of bread. 'To' is a preposition, and 'too' means excessively, neither of which fit the context.

1. The books (were , we’re, where) all lying face down on your desk earlier this morning.

• were

• we're

• where

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'were' as it is the past tense of 'to be', indicating the books were in a specific state earlier. 'We're' is a contraction for 'we are', and 'where' refers to a place, neither of which fit the context.

1. (It’s, Its) been three days since I have heard from Joe.

• It's

• Its

Answer explanation

The correct choice is "It's" because it is a contraction of "it is". The phrase means "It has been three days since I have heard from Joe." "Its" is a possessive form and does not fit the context.

1. I will try not to let his words (affect, effect) me.

• affect

• effect

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'affect' because it is a verb meaning to influence. 'Effect' is a noun referring to a result. In this context, the speaker is expressing an intention to not be influenced by someone's words.

If (were, we’re, where) not supposed to watch TV, then what are we supposed to do?

• were

• we're

• where

Answer explanation

The correct choice is "we're" which is a contraction of "we are." The sentence implies a condition about what we are supposed to do, making "we're" the appropriate word to use.

It is understood (then, than) that there will be no test on Friday.

• then

• than

Answer explanation

The correct word is 'then' as it indicates a time or condition. 'Than' is used for comparisons. The sentence means that at that time, there will be no test on Friday.

You take (to, too, two) many chances when you dive from that cliff.

• to

• too

• two

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'too', which means 'excessively'. In this context, it indicates that taking an excessive number of chances is risky. 'To' is a preposition, and 'two' is a number, neither of which fit the meaning here.

Even though we complained to the school, (there, their, they’re) has been no change.

• there

• their

• they're

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'there' because it indicates a location or existence. 'Their' is possessive, and 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are', neither of which fit the context of the sentence.