WORDS OFTEN CONFUSED - Pingry School
WORDS OFTEN CONFUSED
18 Units
Many sets of English words sound alike or similar yet are spelled differently. For example, “coarse” and “course” have quite different meanings although they sound the same. To use them correctly, you must connect the correct spelling with the proper meaning. Other pairs of words, such as “quiet” and “quite,” can be confused if they are not pronounced carefully. Still others, such as “bring” and “take,” are included because the words in those sets are often used incorrectly and simply should be understood and learned. When you study the sets of words, be sure to connect each word with its correct meaning, spelling, and pronunciation.
You will be assigned specific units of words to learn throughout the year.
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Unit 1
accept = to receive with consent; to give approval to
Please accept my sincere apology.
except = (verb) to leave out from a number
(prep.) other than; with the exclusion of; but
(verb) This week he was excepted from mowing the lawn.
(prep.) Everyone will be at the party except Peter.
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Unit 2
already = at an earlier time; previously
The game had already begun.
all ready = all prepared; in readiness
The athletes were all ready for the Olympics.
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Unit 3
all right = everything is right and satisfactory (This must be written as two words.)
Anne did all right in her tennis match.
Was my answer all right?
alright = THIS SPELLING IS NOT CORRECT. ONLY USE ALL RIGHT.
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Unit 4
altogether = entirely
There was altogether too much talking in that study hall.
all together = everyone in the same place
The family was all together at the dinner table last night.
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Unit 5
brake = a device to stop a machine
Can you fix the brake on my bicycle?
break = to fracture; to shatter
Be sure to pack your dishes carefully so they will not break.
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Unit 6
bring = to come carrying something
Please bring me your paper when you are ready.
take = to go carrying something
Please take your gym bag home on Friday.
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Unit 7
can = to be able to do something
Can you do the math problem?
may = to be allowed to do something; to ask for permission
May I go the bathroom now?
to express possibility or likelihood
It may snow tomorrow if the temperature stays below freezing.
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Unit 8
capital = a city; the location (seat) of a government
Isn’t Juneau the capital of Alaska?
capitol = the building in which a legislative body meets; statehouse
Where is the capitol in Juneau?
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Unit 9
coarse = rough, crude, not fine or smooth
The beach was covered with coarse brown sand.
course = path of action; series of studies; planned program or route (also used in the expression of course)
The doctors simply had to let the disease run its course.
The wind blew the sailboat slightly off its course.
The professor suggested several courses for him to take.
I cannot, of course, speak for anyone but myself.
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Unit 10
desert = (des´ ert) a dry, sandy region; a wilderness
Living things in the desert can survive on little water.
desert = (de sert´) to abandon; to leave without permission
The loyal crew would not desert the ship while is was sinking.
dessert = (des sert´) the final course of a meal
If you could choose any dessert, what would it be?
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Unit 11
its = a possessive pronoun
You cannot judge a book by its cover is a common expression.
it’s = contraction of it is or it has
It’s beautiful outside today!
It’s never been proven.
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Unit 12 (Lay always takes a direct object [D.O.]; lie never does)
lay = to place
Please lay your paper on my desk when you are finished.
lie = to recline
If you are tired, why don’t you lie on your bed until dinner?
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Unit 13
loose = not securely attached; not fitting tightly
If a tourniquet is too loose, it will not serve its purpose.
lose = to suffer loss
Vegetables lose some of their vitamins when they are cooked.
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Unit 14
principal = (noun) the head of a school
(adj.) main or most important
(noun) Mr. Corvino is our principal.
(adj.) What are the principal exports of Brazil?
principle = a rule of conduct; a general fact, truth, or law
“The Golden Rule” is an important principle to follow.
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Unit 15
quiet = still and peaceful; without noise
I need to be in a quiet room when I study.
quite = entirely or wholly; to a great extent
Winters in New England can be quite severe.
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Unit 16
stationary = in a fixed position; not movable
The statue was made stationary by setting it in cement.
stationery = writing paper
I use my best stationery when writing important letters.
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Unit 17
than = (a conjunction used for comparison)
My brother is taller than I am.
then = at that time
Do your homework, and then we will go out for dinner.
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Unit 18
which = (refers to things only)
I rode my bike which has ten speeds. (thing)
who = (a relative pronoun that refers to people only)
She is the student who gave the best speech. (person)
that = (refers to either people or things)
Here is the pen that I wanted to buy. (thing)
He is the person that can teach your dog tricks. (person)
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