Commonly Confused Words: A Guide to Clear Communication

Affect vs. Effect – Affect (verb): To influence something.Example: The weather can greatly affect your mood. – Effect (noun): A result or outcome.Example: The effect of the new policy was immediate and positive.

There vs. Their vs. They're – There (adverb): In or at that place.Example: The book is over there on the table. – Their (possessive adjective): Belonging to them.Example: Their house is the biggest on the block. – They're (contraction): They are.Example: They're going to the movies tonight.

– Your vs. You're Your (possessive adjective): Belonging to you.Example: Is this your jacket? You're (contraction): You are.Example: You're going to love this movie.

Its vs. It’s – Its (possessive adjective): Belonging to it.Example: The dog wagged its tail. – It’s (contraction): It is or it has.Example: It’s going to rain today.

Accept vs. Except – Accept (verb): To receive or agree to something.Example: She decided to accept the job offer. – Except (preposition): Not including; other than.Example: Everyone is coming to the party except John.

Compliment vs. Complement – Compliment (noun/verb): An expression of praise or admiration.Example: She gave him a nice compliment on his speech. – Complement (noun/verb): Something that completes or goes well with something.Example: The red wine complements the steak perfectly.

Than vs. Then – Than (conjunction): Used to compare two things.Example: She is taller than her brother. – Then (adverb): At that time; next.Example: We went to dinner and then saw a movie.

To vs. Too vs. Two – To (preposition): Indicates direction or purpose.Example: We are going to the park. – Too (adverb): Also; more than enough.Example: She wanted to come too. – Two (noun/adjective): The number 2.Example: I have two cats.