English word pairs that are frequently mixed up
20 cards · words
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| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| affect / effect | Affect = verb (influence); effect = noun (result) The news affected markets. The effect was a sudden drop. |
| there / their / they're | There = place; their = possessive; they're = they are There is the file. Their report is late. They're on the way. |
| your / you're | Your = possessive; you're = you are Your idea works. You're ready. |
| its / it's | Its = possessive; it's = it is (or it has) Its lid is broken. It's been raining all day. |
| than / then | Than = comparison; then = time or sequence She is taller than I am. Finish the task, then rest. |
| fewer / less | Fewer = countable; less = uncountable Fewer tickets; less money. |
| lie / lay | Lie = recline (no object); lay = put down (takes object) I lie down at noon. I lay the keys on the table. |
| who / whom | Who = subject; whom = object Who called you? To whom did you send it? |
| between / among | Between = distinct items; among = group or mass Between two options; among friends. |
| farther / further | Farther = physical distance; further = figurative/extent A farther walk; further discussion. |
| accept / except | Accept = receive; except = excluding I accept the offer. Everyone is here except Dana. |
| imply / infer | Imply = suggest; infer = deduce She implied a delay. I inferred trouble from her tone. |
| bring / take | Bring = toward the speaker; take = away from the speaker Bring your laptop here. Take this box home. |
| amount / number | Amount = uncountable; number = countable A large amount of water; a large number of people. |
| principal / principle | Principal = chief or head; principle = rule or belief The principal reason is cost. Honesty is a principle. |
| compliment / complement | Compliment = praise; complement = complete or go well with A kind compliment; colors that complement each other. |
| desert / dessert | Desert = dry land; dessert = sweet course A hot desert; chocolate dessert. |
| lose / loose | Lose = misplace or not win; loose = not tight Don't lose your keys. Loose clothes fit comfortably. |
| everyday / every day | Everyday = ordinary (adjective); every day = each day Everyday chores are boring. I run every day. |
| who's / whose | Who's = who is/has; whose = possessive Who's coming to lunch? Whose jacket is this? |