Introduction
Have you ever considered whether to use "Affect" or "Effect"? Or should you say "borrow" or "lend"? English contains many words that sound similar or have related meanings but are used in very different contexts.
Using the wrong word can completely alter the meaning of your sentence. Today, we will clear up the confusion and show you how to use these 10 pairs correctly.
The Confusing Words Guide
| Word Pair | Differences & Meanings | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow vs. Lend | Borrow: To take. Lend: To give. |
Can I borrow your pen? I can lend you my car. |
| Affect vs. Effect | Affect (v): To influence. Effect (n): The result. |
The weather affects my mood. The medicine had a side effect. |
| Lose vs. Loose | Lose (v): Not to win/find. Loose (adj): Not tight. |
Don't lose your keys. This T-shirt is too loose. |
| Advice vs. Advise | Advice (n): The suggestion. Advise (v): To give advice. |
Thanks for the advice. I advise you to study hard. |
| Say vs. Tell | Say: To express words. Tell: To give info to someone. |
He said hello. He told me a secret. |
| Their vs. There | Their: Belonging to them. There: A place. |
It is their house. Look over there! |
| Accept vs. Except | Accept: To receive. Except: Leaving out. |
I accept the offer. Everyone came except John. |
| Stationary vs. Stationery | Stationary: Not moving. Stationery: Paper/pens. |
The car was stationary. I bought new stationery for school. |
| Listen vs. Hear | Listen: Paying attention. Hear: Receiving sound. |
Listen to me! Did you hear that noise? |
| Quiet vs. Quite | Quiet: Silent. Quite: Very/Totally. |
Please be quiet. The movie was quite good. |
Summary Tip
A good trick to remember the difference between Stationary and Stationery is:
Stationery is for Paper (both have "er").
Stationary is for Car (both have "ar").
