Commonly Confused Words or “Annoying errors” –SAVE this Sheet and MEMORIZE these words and meanings. 1. to, too, two a. to: a preposition expressing “direction toward” Are you going to the show? b. too: an adverb meaning also, more than enough, to a great degree I am going too. You have said far too much. c. two: the number The cost is two dollars. 2. their, there, they’re a. their: a possessive pronoun showing ownership or possession Their shoes were dirty. b. there: an adverb telling where There is a test today in algebra. c. they’re: a contraction of THEY ARE. They’re not coming to the game. 3. its, it’s a. its: a possessive pronoun showing ownership or possession Give the cat its food. b. it’s: a contraction of IT IS. It’s time to turn in your papers. 4. then, than a. then: an adverb meaning “at the time”, later, next in order. His car ran out of gas; then he walked to the gas station. b. than: a word used in comparisons I would rather run than walk. 5. accept, except a. accept: means to take or receive, understand. He will accept the nomination. I accept that you are different from me. b. except: a verb meaning to omit, or a preposition meaning “excluding” Everyone turned in a paper except Matthew. 6. affect, effect a. affect: used as a verb meaning “to influence” His decision will affect your safety. Missing this test will affect your grade. b. effect: used as a verb meaning “to bring out” or “to accomplish” used as a noun meaning “a result” or “consequence” The new principal will effect great changes in dress code policy. The effect of his speech on the crowd was great. 7. have, of a. have: a verb used as an infinitive or used as a helping/linking verb We would have to ask permission first to go to the concert. b. of: a preposition This is the responsibility of the entire class. WRONG: We should of (have) made the correction. 8. your, you’re a. your: an adjective or possessive pronoun This is your notebook. b. you’re: contraction of “you are” You’re special because you’re one of a kind. 9. knew, new a. The student knew the correct answer, but forgot it at the time of the test. b. My new car got smashed in an accident. 10. know, no a. I did not know who had left the mess. b. No, you can not talk to your friend now. 11. loose, lose a. loose: ( adj.) free, unfastened, not tight or firm His jeans were really loose at the waist. b. lose: (verb) to suffer the loss of The dance team did not want to lose the competition. 12. choose, chose a. choose: (verb) to select – present tense I choose not to drink or smoke. b. chose: (verb) PAST tense- only 1 ‘o’ She chose to drink and smoke and it cost her everything. © 2004 - 2011 Clarkston High School > Ms. Yegge. All Rights Reserved 13. quiet, quite a. quiet: (adj.) still, silent All the bus driver wanted was a bit of peace and quiet. b. quite: (adverb) completely or entirely, considerably or very "All this is quite ridiculous!" my mother exclaimed. 14. weather, whether a. weather: (noun) atmospheric conditions We watched the weather channel for updates about the forecast in Florida. b. whether (conjunctive adverb) A conjunction that expresses an alternative "Whether I was planning to give you the money or not, is not the problem here!" 15. who's, whose a. who's: Contraction of "who is" (slang usage) Who's supposed to go with me to the store? b. whose: possessive form of who Whose glove is this? 16. lets/let’s A. Let’s = let us Let’s go meet them at the mall. c. lets = allows This homework pass lets you turn in one assignment late. 17. led/lead a. led = past tense of lead I led them to the creepy basement. b. lead = verb =to start off with others following, or lead –noun-lead paint or pencil. I will not lead you astray. 18. we’re/were we’re = contraction – we are We’re going to show you how to win a game. were = past tense verb of be They were ready to cry when they heard that from us. 19. where/were where = place were = past tense of verb of be “Where have you been?” Mom asked, just holding in her anger. “We were over at the soccer game.” WORDS TO NEVER SPELL INCORRECTLY EVER AGAIN: a lot = two words definitely someone = 1 word throughout = 1 word myself = 1 word beginning surprise beautiful college writing writer author literature academic separation interesting Book Titles or Book Titles NOT “Book Titles” Movie Titles or Movie Titles NOT “Movie Titles” “Song titles” “Poem Titles” “Article Titles” Good vs. Well Good = adjective – modify nouns Well = adverb- modifying a verb – in a proper manner / Well = adjective =healthy All Languages are capitalized - French, Spanish, English, German, Japanese Grammar not grammer CAPITALIZE “I” always! Write out words you, because, with, people, etc. This is school time, not texting time. Write out #s as words when under 100. © 2004 - 2011 Clarkston High School > Ms. Yegge. All Rights Reserved