1. Commonly Confused Words + Foreign Phrases

2. To- (prep) used with an infinitive; preposition Too- (adv) in addition; excessively Two- (adj) the number between 1 and 3 Their- (pron) the possessive form of they/them There- (adv) at that place They’re- (pron) contraction of “they are”

3. Its- (pron) the possessive form of it It’s- (pron) the contraction of “it is” Your- (pron) the possessive form of you You’re- (pron) the contraction of “you are” Whose- (pron) the possessive form of who Who’s- (pron) the contraction of “who is”

4. Don’t forget your sentences! Accept- (v) receive willingly; agree to Except- (v) omit; (prep) excluding; (conj) but Affect- (v) to influence; to produce an effect Effect- (n) produced by a cause; result Capitol- (n) a building occupied by a state legislature Capital- (n) uppercase letter; city that is the official seat of government; punishment regarding death; money in a business.

5. Principal- (adj) main; most important; (noun) head of a school The principal dancer broke her ankle. Principle- (noun) rule; code of conduct She doesn’t date much because most college boys don’t share her principles. Allusion- (noun) a casual reference The novel made a clever allusion to Shakespeare’s “star-crossed lovers.” Illusion- (noun) something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of reality. The illusion of water in the desert tricked the thirsty, stranded man. Complement- (noun) something that completes or makes perfect (verb) to complete or make perfect The purple and gold earrings complemented her outfit for Friday. Compliment- (noun) an expression of praise or admiration; (verb) to praise She complimented the choreography of the dance team.

6. Cite- (verb) to quote (a passage, book, or author) as an authority Obama cited her poem in his speech. Sight- (noun) the ability to see; an act, fact, or instance of seeing She was a sight to see. Site- (noun) an exact location For the interview with Brett Favre, we are going on site to the football field. Council- (noun) a group of people gathered to give advice or make decisions The student council decided that Homecoming will be on September 25 th. Counsel- (noun) advice; (verb) to give advice You need to seek out counsel from a professional counselor. Course- (noun) a class; a path to be taken; part of a meal The fourth course of the meal is key lime pie. Which English courses are you taking this summer? Coarse- (adj) harsh; grating; rough The burlap was coarse to the touch.

7. Precede- (v) to go or come before His reputation preceded him; I knew I should watch him carefully. Proceed- (v) to carry on or go forward “You may proceed,” the general said as he extended his hand to motion for me to walk ahead of him. Lose- (v) to come to be without something Did you lose your homework? Loose- (adj) having few limiting factors; (v) to let loose Her curls are loose. My shoe string is loose. Advice- (noun) a recommendation Mom, I need some advice! Advise- (v) to give advice I advise you to work to the best of your ability; then you will graduate from high school.

8. Adapt (v) to change or to adjust The Native Americans adapted their lives based on where they lived at the moment. Adopt (v) to take as one’s own child; take up practices as one’s own I was adopted by my grandmother. I adopted his test taking strategies, and my grades are much higher. Stationary- (adj) to sit still The car sat stationary at the stop sign. Stationery- (n) paper on which to write a letter I used the purple stationery to write my thank you letters. Ensure– (v) to guarantee The government has ensured the safety of the refugees. Insure- (v) to guarantee AGAINST LOSS (think INSURANCE) His car is insured through Farm Bureau. Farther- (adj) at a greater distance Today in practice, don’t run any farther than two miles. Further- (adj) additional I need further information regarding your symptoms before I can diagnose you.

9. Fewer- (adj) a smaller number--THE NUMBER CAN BE COUNTED! The salad has fewer calories than pie. The school had to close classes because fewer students applied. Less- (adj) a smaller amount--THE NUMBER CANNOT BE COUNTED! There is less chance of getting the flu when you wash your hands. Use less sugar next time you make those cookies. Between- (prep) use when speaking of no more than TWO people/objects The conversation between them lasted longer than an hour. Walk between the sand dunes. Among- (prep) use when speaking of more than TWO people/objects You have five minutes to talk among yourselves. As I teach, I walk among my students. Who- (pron) subjective pronoun Who called last night? Whom- (pron) objective pronoun To whom were you speaking?