A field guide to the internet's most misused words
Sixteen commonly confused word pairs, each with a definition, an example, and a tip that actually sticks.
16 entries — jump to one
To be aware of something; to have knowledge.
Do you know how to swim?
Used to give a negative response.
No, I don't need any help.
"Know" has a silent K — like "knowledge," the thing it's about. "No" has no silent letters, because there's nothing more to it.
Belonging to you.
Is this your notebook?
Short for "you are."
You're very creative.
If you can swap in "you are" and the sentence still works, it's "you're." Otherwise, it's "your."
Refers to a place or position.
The keys are over there.
Belonging to them.
That is their car.
Short for "they are."
They're going to the concert.
"There" has "here" hiding inside it — both are places. "Their" shows ownership. "They're" is short for "they are."
Used to indicate direction, place, or position.
She walked to the park.
Means "also" or "excessively."
I want to come too. It's too cold outside.
The number after one and before three.
He has two dogs.
"Too" has more o's — so it means "also" or "extra." "Two" is a number, just like "t-w-o" has two in it.
In this place.
Sit here next to me.
To perceive sound with your ears.
Did you hear that noise?
"Hear" has an "ear" buried in it — the exact body part you use to hear.
Belonging to it.
The cat licked its paw.
Short for "it is" or "it has."
It's raining outside.
"It's" always unpacks to "it is" or "it has." "Its" is possessive, same job as "his" or "her."
Belonging to whom.
Whose phone is this?
Short for "who is" or "who has."
Who's coming to dinner?
"Who's" unpacks to "who is" or "who has." "Whose" shows possession — no apostrophe needed.
Used to compare two things.
She is taller than her brother.
Refers to time; means "at that time" or "next."
We went to the store, then we saw a movie.
"Than" is for comparisons — think "greater than." "Then" is for time or sequence — think "back then."
To receive or agree to something.
I gladly accept your invitation.
Not including; other than.
Everyone is coming except Sam.
"Accept" is to receive something in. "Except" is to leave something out — the "ex" is your clue.
To influence or make a difference to.
The weather can affect your mood.
The result or outcome of something.
The new law had a positive effect.
"Affect" is usually the action (a verb). "Effect" is usually the result (a noun). Rare exceptions exist on both sides, but this covers most cases.
Not tight or not firmly fixed.
My shoes are loose.
To misplace something or to not win.
Don't lose your keys.
"Loose" has two o's and means not tight. "Lose" drops an o — same way you don't want to drop your keys.
Moved in a specified direction; completed successfully.
The runner passed her competitor near the finish line. She passed her driving test.
The time before now; having gone by.
In the past, I lived abroad.
"Passed" is always an action — the past tense of "pass." "Past" refers to time or place, never an action.
The head of a school; most important.
The principal gave a speech at graduation. Cost was the principal concern for most families.
A fundamental truth or law.
Honesty is an important principle.
The "principal" can be a person — "your pal, the principal." A "principle" is a rule you hold to.
The state of the atmosphere: rain, sun, wind.
The weather is beautiful today.
Expressing a choice or doubt between alternatives.
Let me know whether you can attend.
"Weather" is about the climate outside. "Whether" is for weighing options — no climate involved.
Guidance or recommendations.
He gave me good advice.
To recommend or give guidance.
I advise you to study for the test.
"Advice" ends in -ice, like the noun "notice" — something you receive. "Advise" ends in -ise, like the verb "revise" — something you do.
A general rule or principle; in literature, the works considered official.
Shakespeare's plays are part of the literary canon.
A large, heavy gun that fires projectiles.
The soldiers fired the cannon during the battle.
"Cannon" has two n's — picture the two wheels on a big gun carriage. "Canon" has just one, for rules and official works.