Commonly Confused Words

Front

Choose vs. Chose

Back

Choose is the present tense form of the verb, meaning to select. Chose is the past tense form.

Front

Good vs. Well

Back

Good is an adjective used to describe nouns. Well is an adverb used to describe verbs.

Front

Lie vs. Lay

Back

Lie means to recline and does not take a direct object. Lay means to place something down and requires a direct object.

Front

Should of vs. Should have

Back

Should of is a common mistake; the correct phrase is should have, which indicates obligation or expectation.

Front

Breathe vs. Breath

Back

Breathe is a verb meaning to take air in and out. Breath is a noun referring to the air taken in or expelled.

Front

Affect vs. Effect

Back

Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence. Effect is a noun meaning the result of a change.

Front

Than vs. Then

Back

Than is used for comparisons. Then refers to time.

Front

Your vs. You're

Back

Your is a possessive adjective. You're is a contraction for 'you are'.

Front

Its vs. It's

Back

Its is a possessive pronoun. It's is a contraction for 'it is'.

Front

Who vs. Whom

Back

Who is used as a subject. Whom is used as an object.