1. Commonly Confused Words

2. They’re/Their/There They’re = contraction for “they are”
They’re going to the dance together.
(They are)
Their = plural possessive – shows ownership
Their outfits match.
There = refers to a place OR something more abstract
Let’s go there for vacation!
There are two jackets.

3. They’re/Their/There They’re is a new boy in our class.
Their going to the movies tonight.
Have your met there mom yet?
Their having a party for there family tonight. I’ll meet you they’re.

4. Your/You’re Your – possessive pronoun , shows ownership
Is this your spaghetti recipe?
You’re – contraction for “you are”
You’re a great cook! (You are)

5. Your/You’re _________ puppy is so cute!
____________ going to need to house train it quickly.
____________ so lucky that _______ mom let you get a dog.

6. It’s/Its
This one is tricky because the rule doesn’t really make sense. However, learn it anyway.
It’s = contraction for “it is”
“It’s my birthday this Friday.” = it is
Its = possessive – shows ownership (this is tricky because when you show possession, you usually use apostrophe + S ( ‘s )
“Let me show you my phone and its features!” = possession

7. It’s/Its __________ a good thing I did my homework last night!
The saw Ms. Pankey’s test. _________ going to be difficult.
A dog’s wet nose will keep _______ body heat down.
Please turn the baby on _______ side.

8. Affect/Effect Affect is a verb that means to produce a change in.
“Smoking can affect your health.”
Affect is an action verb here, so it is spelled with an A. Rule: Action = Affect.
Effect is a noun that means a result.
“The effects of smoking are long-term.”
Effect is a noun here, so it is spelled with an E.

9. Affect/Effect
The study suggests that the television shows you watch may _____________ your political beliefs.
Some people argue that watching tv has a negative ______________ on your brain.
Reading _________ the way you spell; it produces good ______________.

10. Lose/Loose Lose = when you don’t win OR when you can’t find something.
I always lose my keys.
Loose = opposite of tight.
My pants are falling down because my belt is too loose!

11. Lose/Loose
The hare will __________ the race if he doesn’t pace himself.
Oh no! My tie is coming __________ and I don’t know how to fix it.
I can’t wait to _________ myself in a good book tonight.

12. Then/Than
Then shows sequence, the next step or part of a story, or time.
“Then, dice your onion into small pieces.”
“Then, he asked me to the dance!”
“I was only five feet tall back then!”
Than is used when comparing something.
“I like waffles better than pancakes.”
“I would rather eat waffles than eggs!”

13. Then/Than
First, I didn’t do my grammar homework. _________, I made a bad grade on the test.
The problem is that I like watching tv better _________ doing my homework.
________ my mom reminded me that my homework is important for my learning.
I guess I would rather do my homework _______ fail the class!