Spelling: Common errors / Homophones
Many words in the English language sound identical when spoken (in certain accents) so we commonly pick the
wrong one when writing. Although the sounds of these words are similar, the meanings can be radically different.
We use software spell checks. They check for spelling, NOT meaning. This means your essay can be FULL of mistakes
that your computer has signed off on.
Using the Correct Word
Word A
Then
They’re
Meaning
Relates to time. Then I left.
Abbreviation (they are). They’re going
Affect
Too
Of
Whose
Decent
Its
In to
Your
Principle
Whole
Lead
Loose
I.e.
Illusion
Except
Cite
Verb. Alcohol affects the liver
Also / excess. I’m going too. Too far.
Possession. In a glass cage of emotion.
Possession. Whose car is that?
Not bad. My hair looks decent today.
Possession. The cat licked its paw
Movement. Jump in to the pool
Possession. Your problem
Moral code. I live by my principles.
Complete. I saw the whole thing
(rhymes with need) Direct/take charge
Not tight
In other words
Magic.
Apart from. Everyone except me
Mention / quote
Coarse
Bear
Break
Allowed
Witch
Weather
Peace
Stationary
Rough
Scary animal / cuddly toy
Damage / a gap
You have permission to do it
With the pointy hat
Sunshine, clouds and so on
Not fighting. Give peace a chance
Not moving
Word B
Than
There
Their
Effect
To
Off
Who’s
Descent
It’s
Into
You’re
Principal
Hole
Led
Lose
E.g.
Allusion
Accept
Site
Sight
Course
Bare
Brake
Aloud
Which
Whether
Piece
Stationery
Meaning
Comparison. Better than you.
Position. Over there
Possession. Their money
Noun. The effects of alcohol…
Preposition. I’m going to work.
Not on / Position. Turn your phone off. Off limits
Abbreviation (who is). Who’s that?
Going down. I began my descent of the stairs.
Abbreviation (it is). It’s important.
Transformation. Turn into stone
Abbreviation (you are). You’re correct.
Leader of the school. The Principal was kind
An opening. I fell into a deep hole of despair
Past tense. (the metal ‘lead’ sounds like led)
You can’t find it. Try not to lose your marbles
For example
Reference to. Lucy made an allusion to The Bible
Take it. I accept your compliment
Area of land / position
Vision
Play golf here / take a few lessons
Uncovered / forgot your clothes
Stops your car
You can hear it
Identifying. Which of these cars is fastest?
Choice. Whether you like it or not
A wee bit. I want a piece of the action
Pens, paper, Envelopes
An exhaustive list of easily confused words: http://www.grammar-monster.com/easily_confused_words.htm
Words & Phrases That Are Not Words or Phrases
Invented word
Relatable
What you meant
Something to which you can easily relate
What it actually means
It’s easy to explain as a story
Could of
Would of
Should of
Upto
Could have
Would have
Should have
Up to
Nothing at all
Ditto
Nada
Zero