Word list · 15 words
Commonly confused words
Commonly confused words are pairs or trios that sound alike, look alike or mean nearly the same thing, so writers swap them by mistake. Each entry gives the short rule first, then an example that shows the difference, then the exceptions careful writers argue about.
Some of these are firm rules and some are style preferences that usage guides disagree on. Where a pair is in the second group, the entry says so rather than pretending there is only one right answer.
Kept on this device only, for the daily recall in My words.
The words
Affect
To affect something is to have an influence on it or cause it to change: the long drought affected the harvest.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Complement
To complement something is to add to it in a way that improves it or makes it complete: the wine complemented the meal.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Discreet
Discreet means careful in what you say or do, so as to keep something private or avoid embarrassing anyone: a discreet enquiry.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Disinterested
Disinterested means impartial: not influenced by personal feelings or by any chance of gaining something yourself.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Ensure
To ensure something is to make sure it happens or is certain: check the locks to ensure the house is secure.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Farther
Farther means 'at or to a greater distance': how much farther is it?
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Fewer
Fewer means 'a smaller number of' and goes with plural things you can count: fewer cars, fewer mistakes.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Imply
To imply something is to suggest it without saying it directly: is that remark implying I'm late?
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Lie
To lie is to be in, or put yourself into, a flat position: lie on the sofa.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Lose
To lose something is to be unable to find it, to stop having it, or to be beaten: lose your keys, lose your job, lose a match.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Principal
Principal as an adjective means 'most important; main': the principal reason.
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Then
Then is about time and sequence: at that time (we were students then), next (warm the pan, then add the oil), or as a result (if it rains, then we'll stay in).
Grammar & Commonly-Confused
Who
Who is the pronoun for asking about people and for introducing information about them: who's driving?
Grammar & Commonly-Confused