Commonly Misused Words ThereTheyreTheir These homonyms are the

Commonly Misused Words

There/They’re/Their § These homonyms are the most confused of all commonly misused words.

There § (adverb) in, about, or at a place “It is over there. ” Most times that you use “there”, it involves a direction.

Their § (pronoun) showing third person ownership “Their dog is out of control. ”

They’re § (contraction) “they are” They’re coming to the party after practice. (This homonym should not be a problem since you are not allowed to use contractions!)

There/Their/They’re Practice 1. ______ are a lot of students in this classroom. 2. I was hoping that I would get to see _____ farm. 3. I don’t know where _____ going. 4. Can’t you see the sun setting over _____? 5. _______, in the distance, is a beautiful foal. 6. ______ a bunch of wild teenagers.

To/Two/Too § These homonyms are often confused.

To § (helping verb) “to” is a part of an infinitive phrase. § I want to walk with you. § (preposition) shows direction § I walked to the store.

Two § Numerical value (adjective) § The two girls giggled.

Too § (adverb) Showing to what degree an adjective extends § That cat is too fat. § (adverb) meaning also § I can ride a bike, too.

To/Two/Too Practice 1. I am _____ fat ____ fit into that dress. 2. Jessie has ______ more tickets ____ the concert; it is not ____ late ____ ask her if she still has them. 3. Jeff is _____ old to be playing ______ rounds of racquetball. 4. Joni went ______ the store ______ buy ______ loaves of bread

Your/You’re § These homonyms are often confused.

Your § (adj. ) Belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing. “What is your name? " § (adj. ) Belonging to or associated with any person in general. “The sight is enough to break your heart. ”

You’re § Contraction: “you are” “You're the most treasured person in my life. ” (This homonym should not be a problem since you are not allowed to use contractions!)

Your/You’re Practice 1. The nurse needs to take ___ blood pressure. 2. Put _____ feet are up because ____ very tired tonight. 3. ____ cat is sleeping on the floor next to _____ bed. 4. Please pick up _____ baseball equipment. 5. What are _____ intentions?

Then/Than § These two words are often confused.

Then § (adverb) At that time; at the time in question. "I was living in Seattle then. " § (adverb) After that; next; afterward. “She won the first and then the second game. "

Than § (conjunction) Introducing the second element in a comparison. “He was smaller than his son. " "Jack knows more than I do. " § (conjunction) Used in expressions introducing an exception or contrast. “He claims not to own anything other than his home. "

Then/Than Practice 1. Nothing is worse _____ fighting traffic on Friday afternoon. 2. The dog bit its master; _____ it ran away. 3. If you insist on having a cake, ______ I'll go grocery shopping. 4. Taller _____ her brother, Marlene often teased him mercilessly. 5. It is unfair for him to have more time to study _____ I do.

Accept/Except § These two words are often confused.

Accept § § (verb) Consent to receive (a thing offered) “He accepted a pen as a present. ” (verb) Give an affirmative answer to (an offer or proposal); say yes to. “Tim offered Brian a lift home and he accepted. ” § (verb) Receive as adequate, valid, or suitable. “Credit cards are widely accepted. ” § (verb) Tolerate or submit to (something unpleasant or undesired) “They accepted the need to cut expenses. ”

Except § (preposition) Not including; other than “They work every day except Sunday. ” § (conjunction) Used before a statement that forms an exception to one just made “I didn't tell him anything, except that I needed the money. ” § (conjunction) Unless “Mary never offered advice, except if it were asked of her. ”

Accept/Except Practice 1. My paper has finally been _____ for publication in the journal. 2. The shoppers bought all of my quilts _____ the most expensive one. 3. We will open our summer house to everyone _____ Mr. Smith. 4. Will you _____ a credit card for payment? 5. All of my brothers _____ Bill have agreed to split the money evenly.

Affect/Effect § These two words are often confused.

Affect § (verb) Have an effect on; make a difference to “Your attitude will affect how successful you are. ” § (verb) Touch the feelings of (someone); move emotionally “The atrocities he witnessed have affected him most deeply. ” § (verb) Attack or infect (of an illness) “Malaria continues to affect many people in the developing world. ”

Effect § (noun) A change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause. “Politicians really do have some effect on the lives of ordinary people. ” § (noun) Personal belongings. § “Our insurance covers personal effects. ” § (noun) An impression produced in the mind of a person “Gentle music has been known to have a soothing effect. ” § (noun) The lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play, movie, or broadcast “The production relied too much on special effects. ” § THE ONE AND ONLY TIME THIS CAN BE USED AS A VERB!!! § (verb) Cause (something) to happen; bring about “Budget cuts were quietly effected over the last four years. ”

Affect/Effect Practice 1. The volcanic eruption ______ the entire country. 2. Your answer will not ______ your grade on the test. 3. Your answer will have no ______ on your grade on the test. 4. What he said to her ______ her deeply. 5. The patient asked how the medication would ______ her energy level.

Lose/Loose § These two words are often confused.

Lose § (verb) Be deprived of or cease to have or retain something: “You made me lose my appetite. " § (verb) Cause someone to fail to gain or retain something “Gary made us lose the game. ” § (verb) Lose control of one's temper or emotions “The rowdy class made her lose her temper. ” § (verb) Become unable to find something or someone “How do I keep losing my car keys? ”

Loose § (adj. ) Not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached: “I have a loose tooth. “ § (adj. ) Not fitting tightly or closely “She slipped into a loose T-shirt and shorts. ” § (adj. )Not held or tied together; not packaged or placed in a container “His pockets were bulging with loose change. ” § THE ONE AND ONLY TIME THIS CAN BE USED AS A VERB!!! § (verb) Set free; release: “She set her dog loose in the yard. "

Lose/Loose Practice 1. Selfishness often causes people to ______ friends. 2. The ______ screw in my bed makes a creaking sound whenever I roll over. 3. We might ______ the battle, but we will definitely win the war. 4. The horse does not want to _______ its way. 5. Win or ______ , you still played a good game.