Commonly confused words and how to tell them apart

Learning English vocabulary is exciting, but it can also be tricky. Some words look or sound almost the same, yet they have very different meanings. These are called commonly confused words. If you mix them up, your sentence may sound strange or even change meaning completely. Let’s look at some of the most common examples and learn how to use them correctly.

1. Affect vs. effect

• Affect (verb): to influence something.
  Example: The weather can affect your mood.

• Effect (noun): the result or outcome.
  Example: The new rule had a positive effect on students.

Tip to remember: Affect = action (verb), Effect = end result (noun).

2. Their vs. there vs. they’re

• Their: shows possession.
  Example: That is their house.

• There: refers to a place.
  Example: Please sit over there.

• They’re: short for “they are.”
  Example: They’re going to the park.

Tip to remember: Replace with they are. If the sentence still makes sense, use they’re.

3. Accept vs. except

• Accept (verb): to receive or agree.
  Example: She gladly accepted the invitation.

• Except (preposition/conjunction): excluding.
  Example: Everyone came to the party except John.

Tip to remember: Accept starts with an a like agree.

4. Complement vs. compliment

• Complement (noun/verb): something that completes or goes well with something.
  Example: The red scarf is a perfect complement to her dress.

• Compliment (noun/verb): a kind or flattering remark.
  Example: He gave her a nice compliment about her cooking.

Tip to remember: Compliment with an i is something nice.

5. Then vs. than

• Then: relates to time or sequence.
  Example: First we ate dinner, and then we watched a movie.

• Than: used for comparisons.
  Example: She is taller than her brother.

Tip to remember: Than is for comparisons. Then is about time.

Practice exercise

Try to fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1. The medicine had a strange side ______ (affect/effect).

2. I would love to come, ______ I’m busy that day (accept/except).

3. She received a sweet ______ about her new hairstyle (complement/compliment).

4. He is stronger ______ his older brother (then/than).

5. We can meet at the café, and ______ go to the library (then/than).

How to remember these words long term

1. Make flashcards – Write the word on one side and the meaning with an example on the other.

2. Create personal sentences – Use the words in examples related to your life.

3. Practice in pairs – Study with a friend and test each other.

4. Look for mistakes – Notice when you see these words online, in books, or in movies.

5. Review regularly – A few minutes every day helps you remember for the long term.

Using these tips, you’ll find it easier to tell confusing words apart and use them correctly in your writing and speaking.