Commonly Confused Words

Among (preposition)

• Used with two items or people.

• Used with three or more items or people.

• Used to indicate a specific item.

• Used to compare two items.

Less (adjective)

• Used with uncountable quantities. *Example*: Please use less salt in the recipe.

• Used with countable quantities. *Example*: There are less apples in the basket.

• Used to indicate a smaller degree or amount. *Example*: She is less happy today.

• Used to compare two equal quantities. *Example*: He has less money than her.

Lone (adjective)

• Single; solitary.

• A group of friends.

• A loud noise.

• A busy street.

Hear (verb)

• To perceive sound with the ears.

• To see something with the eyes.

• To feel something with the skin.

• To taste something with the mouth.

Loose (adjective)

• Not tight; not firmly attached.

• Tightly secured; firmly fixed.

• Easily broken; fragile.

• Heavy and cumbersome.

Proceed (verb)

• To stop and wait

• To continue; to move forward.

• To go back to the beginning

• To pause for a moment

Peal (noun/verb)

• A loud ringing sound; to ring loudly.

• A soft whispering sound; to speak quietly.

• A sudden silence; to be quiet.

• A gentle breeze; to move air softly.

Alternative (noun/adjective)

• Another option or choice. *Example*: Solar energy provides an alternative to fossil fuels.

• A type of fuel derived from natural resources.

• A synonym for the word 'main'.

• A method of transportation.

Principle (noun)

• A fundamental rule or belief.

• A type of physical law.

• A method of scientific inquiry.

• A financial investment strategy.

Advise (verb)

• To give counsel or suggestions to someone.

• To ignore someone's advice.

• To provide financial support to someone.

• To criticize someone's decisions.