Lesson 41 of 46

Commonly confused words

Pick the right word from look-alike pairs.

The rules

1.Affect is usually a verb ("This affects us"); effect is usually a noun ("a big effect").
2.Then is about time ("first this, then that"); than compares ("better than").
3.Their = belonging to them; there = place or existence; they're = they are. Your = belonging to you; you're = you are.
4.Advice is a noun ("good advice"); advise is a verb ("I advise you"). Accept = receive; except = not including. Lose = not win or misplace; loose = not tight.

Incorrect: ~~The delay will effect our plans.~~

Correct: The delay will affect our plans.

Verb: affect.

Incorrect: ~~This is better then that.~~

Correct: This is better than that.

Comparison: than.

Incorrect: ~~Your welcome to join. Their is a seat.~~

Correct: You're welcome to join. There is a seat.

You're = you are; there = exists.

Watch out: Say the sentence with the expanded form ("you are", "they are") to test contractions.

1. The new policy will ___ everyone.

2. ___ going to the office tomorrow.

3. I need your ___ on this.

Paste any text and see exactly what to fix, with the rule explained.