1.
affect/effect
affect (verb) - to do something that
influences someone or something
Example: The actions of the nobility affected girls’ ideas of correct behavior.
Example: The actions of the nobility affected girls’ ideas of correct behavior.
effect (verb) - to make something happen
Example: His careful work effected (brought about) the new structures in the organization.
Example: His careful work effected (brought about) the new structures in the organization.
effect (noun) - a result or reaction to
someone or something
Example: The aristocrats’ purchase of more and more elaborate clothing had the effect of increasing social divisions.
Example: The aristocrats’ purchase of more and more elaborate clothing had the effect of increasing social divisions.
2.
its/it’s
its (possessive adjective) - belonging
to people, animals, or things
Example: The company needs to do what is in its best interest.
Example: The company needs to do what is in its best interest.
it’s = the short form of “it is”
Example: It’s important to understand the organization’s goals before implementing any changes.
Example: It’s important to understand the organization’s goals before implementing any changes.
3.
lay/lie
-
lay, laid (present,
past verb) - to put or set something down
Example: You can lay (present) your books over there. She laid (past of lay) her books on the table.
Example: You can lay (present) your books over there. She laid (past of lay) her books on the table.
lie, lay (present, past verb) -
for a person or creature to recline or rest in a horizontal position
Example: Every morning, I lie (present) down to take a nap. Yesterday after the exam, I lay (past of lie) down for just five minutes.
Example: Every morning, I lie (present) down to take a nap. Yesterday after the exam, I lay (past of lie) down for just five minutes.
4.
lead/led
lead (noun)-substance in a pencil
Example: You need to sharpen your pencil because the lead is dull.
Example: You need to sharpen your pencil because the lead is dull.
lead (verb)- to guide a person or
animal to a place
Example: Moses endured many obstacles to lead the Israelites out of bondage.
Example: Moses endured many obstacles to lead the Israelites out of bondage.
led (past tense of lead)
Example: The actions taken in science to better our society led people to become too materialistic.
Example: The actions taken in science to better our society led people to become too materialistic.
5.
then/than
then (adverb) - after something has
happened; next
Example: If the risks are too great, then the company may gain almost nothing.
Example: If the risks are too great, then the company may gain almost nothing.
than (conjunction/preposition) - used
when comparing
Example: Although he should be more grieved than the doctor, Meursault displays much less sorrow.
Example: Although he should be more grieved than the doctor, Meursault displays much less sorrow.
6.
there/their/they’re
there (expletive) - it has no meaning
but is used to start sentence
Example: There are many areas in which a manager needs to be competent; these areas include writing, speaking, critical thinking, and active listening.
Example: There are many areas in which a manager needs to be competent; these areas include writing, speaking, critical thinking, and active listening.
there (adverb) - it is used to describe
a location
Example: She dumped the books over there and then left for school.
Example: She dumped the books over there and then left for school.
their (possessive adjective) -
belonging to people, animals, or things
Example: The employees’ need to care for their sick relatives is a sensitive issue.
Example: The employees’ need to care for their sick relatives is a sensitive issue.
they’re = the short form of “they are”
Example: A person may follow rules, but they’re not always the best guide to the right action.
Example: A person may follow rules, but they’re not always the best guide to the right action.
7.
to/too/two
to - used with the basic form of a verb
to make the infinitive
Example: He mentioned that he liked to watch TV for the liquor commercials and that it made him want to try new drinks and beverages.
Example: He mentioned that he liked to watch TV for the liquor commercials and that it made him want to try new drinks and beverages.
to (preposition) - toward or in the
direction of
Example: I went to the lab early in the morning.
Example: I went to the lab early in the morning.
too (adverb) - more than is needed or
wanted
Example: However, too much monitoring can have a negative effect on morale.
Example: However, too much monitoring can have a negative effect on morale.
too (adverb) – also
Example: I have that exam tomorrow too.
Example: I have that exam tomorrow too.
two = number
Example: Assuming that these two issues are truly the source of the absentee problem, then implementing the recommendations will decrease the absentee rate.
Example: Assuming that these two issues are truly the source of the absentee problem, then implementing the recommendations will decrease the absentee rate.
8.
you’re/your
you’re = the short form of “you are”
Example: Sometimes you do not know if you’re doing well at all, since nobody tells you where you stand at each meeting.
Example: Sometimes you do not know if you’re doing well at all, since nobody tells you where you stand at each meeting.
your (possessive adjective) - belonging
to people
Example: Mr. Friedlander told you that the most important aspect of being human is to use your intelligence and reasoning abilities.
Example: Mr. Friedlander told you that the most important aspect of being human is to use your intelligence and reasoning abilities.
9.
whether/weather
whether (conjunction) - used when
talking about a choice between two possibilities
Example: Resources obviously play a big role in whether or not a company takes risks.
Example: Resources obviously play a big role in whether or not a company takes risks.
weather - the temperature or conditions
outside
Example: The rainy weather was responsible for the car accident.
Example: The rainy weather was responsible for the car accident.
