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 school).

Front

A lot vs. Alot

Back

"A lot" is a phrase meaning many or a large number (e.g., I have a lot of homework). "Alot" is a common misspelling and is not a word.

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 proposition (e.g., The principle of fairness).

Front

Threw vs. Through

Back

"Threw" is the past tense of throw (e.g., He threw the ball). "Through" means to pass from one side to another (e.g., The ball went through the window).

Front

It's vs. Its

Back

"It's" is a contraction for "it is" or "it has" (e.g., It's raining). "Its" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership (e.g., The dog wagged its tail).

Front

Than vs. Then

Back

"Than" is used for comparisons (e.g., She is taller than him). "Then" refers to a time or sequence (e.g., We went to the store, and then we went home).

Front

Accept vs. Except

Back

"Accept" means to receive (e.g., I accept your apology). "Except" means to exclude (e.g., Everyone except John came to the party).

Front

Effect vs. Affect

Back

"Effect" is a noun meaning a result (e.g., The effect of the rain was flooding). "Affect" is a verb meaning to influence (e.g., The weather can affect your mood).

Front

Complement vs. Compliment

Back

"Complement" means to complete or enhance (e.g., The scarf complements her outfit). "Compliment" means to praise (e.g., He gave her a compliment on her dress).

Front

Stationary vs. Stationery

Back

"Stationary" means not moving (e.g., The car was stationary). "Stationery" refers to writing materials (e.g., I bought some stationery for my letters).