Commonly confused words are words that sound alike or nearly alike but have different meanings and often cause writers trouble. Here are a few common ones with correct definitions and examples.
Advice or advise
- Advice is a noun generally meaning an opinion about what could be done in a situation.
- Advise is a verb meaning 'to counsel' or 'offer advice to'.
Affect or effect
- Affect is a verb, meaning to cause something to happen, 'the business was affected by the downturn in the economy'.
- Effect is a noun, which is the result of something that happened, 'her skills had a great effect on the department.'
Alternative or alternate
- Alternate means ‘every other’ and it is used in relation to time or objects, 'recycling bins are collected on alternate weeks.'
- Alternate can also mean to switch back and forth in turns, 'the wet season alternates with the dry season.'
- Alternative means a choice between two or more objects, 'food services clients have a wide range of menu alternatives.'
Licence or license
- Licence is a noun e.g. Driver Licence
- License is a verb e.g. 'She was licensed to drive a car.'
- Remember it is ‘driver licence’ not ‘drivers' licence’.
Practice or practise
- Practice is a noun, 'the doctor’s practice.'
- Practise is a verb, 'practise the piano.'
Stationary or stationery
- Stationary refers to a fixed or still object.
- Stationery refers to writing materials.
Their, they’re and there
Their is used for possesion, 'their report was due on Monday.'
They’re is a contraction of they are, 'they’re working on the report.'
There is used for location, 'the report is over there.'
Have and of
- Using 'of' instead of 'have' is a common mistake.
- Should’ve - 'should have' not 'should of'.
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