To / Too / Two Copy Link
To (Preposition)
Used to indicate direction, place, or position.
Example: She walked to the park.
Too (Adverb)
Means "also" or "excessively."
Example: I want to come too . / It's too cold outside.
Two (Noun, Adjective)
The number after one and before three.
Example: He has two dogs.
Quick Tip: "Too" has more "o's"—so it means "also" or "extra." "Two" is a number, just like "t-w-o" has two in it. "To" is used for direction or place.
There / Their / They're Copy Link
There (Adverb)
Refers to a place or position.
Example: The keys are over there .
Their (Possessive adjective)
Belonging to them.
Example: That is their car.
They're (Contraction)
Short for "they are."
Example: They're going to the concert.
Quick Tip: "There" refers to a place ("here" is in "there"). "Their" shows ownership. "They're" is short for "they are."
Your / You're Copy Link
Quick Tip: "Your" shows ownership. "You're" is a contraction for "you are." If you can say "you are" in the sentence, use "you're."
Here / Hear Copy Link
Here (Adverb)
In this place.
Example: Sit here next to me.
Hear (Verb)
To perceive sound with your ears.
Example: Did you hear that noise?
Quick Tip: "Hear" has an "ear" in it—just like the body part you use to hear!
Know / No Copy Link
Know (Verb)
To be aware of something; to have knowledge.
Example: Do you know how to swim?
No (Adverb)
Used to give a negative response.
Example: No , I don't need any help.
Quick Tip: "Know" is about knowledge. "No" is the opposite of "yes."
Its / It's Copy Link
Its (Possessive adjective)
Belonging to it.
Example: The cat licked its paw.
It's (Contraction)
Short for "it is" or "it has."
Example: It's raining outside.
Quick Tip: "It's" always means "it is" or "it has." "Its" is possessive, like "his" or "her."
Whose / Who's Copy Link
Whose (Possessive pronoun)
Belonging to whom.
Example: Whose phone is this?
Who's (Contraction)
Short for "who is" or "who has."
Example: Who's coming to dinner?
Quick Tip: "Who's" means "who is" or "who has." "Whose" shows possession.
Than / Then Copy Link
Than (Conjunction)
Used to compare two things.
Example: She is taller than her brother.
Then (Adverb)
Refers to time; means "at that time" or "next."
Example: We went to the store, then we saw a movie.
Quick Tip: "Than" is used for comparisons. "Then" is used for time or sequence.
Accept / Except Copy Link
Accept (Verb)
To receive or agree to something.
Example: I gladly accept your invitation.
Except (Preposition, Conjunction)
Not including; other than.
Example: Everyone is coming except Sam.
Quick Tip: "Accept" is to receive. "Except" means to exclude.
Affect / Effect Copy Link
Affect (Verb)
To influence or make a difference to.
Example: The weather can affect your mood.
Effect (Noun)
The result or outcome of something.
Example: The new law had a positive effect .
Quick Tip: "Affect" is usually a verb (an action). "Effect" is usually a noun (the end result). Advanced: Rarely, "effect" can be a verb meaning "to bring about" (e.g., "to effect change"), and "affect" can be a noun in psychology, meaning "emotion or feeling."
Loose / Lose Copy Link
Loose (Adjective)
Not tight or not firmly fixed.
Example: My shoes are loose .
Lose (Verb)
To misplace something or to not win.
Example: Don't lose your keys.
Quick Tip: "Loose" has two o's and means not tight. "Lose" is the opposite of win.
Passed / Past Copy Link
Passed (Verb)
(Past tense of "pass") Moved in a specified direction; completed successfully.
Example: She passed her driving test.
Past (Noun, Adjective, Preposition)
The time before now; having gone by.
Example: In the past , I lived abroad.
Quick Tip: "Passed" is an action (the past tense of "pass"). "Past" refers to time before now.
Principal / Principle Copy Link
Principal (Noun, Adjective)
The head of a school; most important.
Example: The principal gave a speech at graduation.
Principle (Noun)
A fundamental truth or law.
Example: Honesty is an important principle .
Quick Tip: "Principal" can be a person ("your pal, the principal") or main thing. "Principle" is a rule or belief.
Weather / Whether Copy Link
Weather (Noun)
The state of the atmosphere (rain, sun, wind, etc.).
Example: The weather is beautiful today.
Whether (Conjunction)
Expressing a choice or doubt between alternatives.
Example: Let me know whether you can attend.
Quick Tip: "Weather" is about the climate outside. "Whether" is for making choices or showing uncertainty.
Advice / Advise Copy Link
Advice (Noun)
Guidance or recommendations.
Example: He gave me good advice .
Advise (Verb)
To recommend or give guidance.
Example: I advise you to study for the test.
Quick Tip: "Advice" is a thing (a noun) you give or receive. "Advise" is the action (a verb) of giving guidance.
Canon / Cannon Copy Link
Canon (Noun)
A general rule, principle, or law; in literature, the works considered genuine or official.
Example: Shakespeare’s plays are part of the literary canon .
Cannon (Noun)
A large, heavy gun, usually mounted, that fires heavy projectiles.
Example: The soldiers fired the cannon during the battle.
Quick Tip: "Cannon" has two n’s—think of two wheels on a big gun. "Canon" is just one n—for rules or official works.