English Confusables

English
Confusables
USAGE: USING the language
correctly
English can be a problematic odyssey!
CONFUSABLES
#1-8
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Affect/Effect
There-their-they’re
You’re/Your
Than/Then
Who’s/Whose
Accept/Except
Could-should of = could-should have
Lose/Loose
CONFUSABLES
#9-16
9. It’s/Its
10. Weather/Whether
11. Fewer/Less
12. Good/Well
13. Like = As if/As though
14. Between/Among
15. Ways = way
16. Lie/Lay
CONFUSABLES
#17, 18
17. Double Negatives
18. Who - Whom
#1
CONFUSABLES
affect / effect
affect is a verb that means “to influence”
b
ver
A
=
ect
f
f
A
n
o
i
t
c
It did not affect the outcome.
effect is a noun meaning “ the influence/result”
(Often includes an article “an,” or “the”)
The effects did not affect me.
nou
n
ver
b
#2
CONFUSABLES
They’re/there/their
They’re is a contraction of they are.
They’re walking to school.
There is an adverb that means “at that place.”
There is also used to begin a sentence.
Have you been there yet?
“at that place”
There is too much pepper in this!
begins sentence
CONFUSABLES
They’re/there/their
They are
belonging
to them
They’re building their new house right there.
at that
place
#3
CONFUSABLES
You’re/your
You’re = you are.
You’re always on time.
Your = possessive you, = “belonging to
you.”
Your coat is in the closet.
CONFUSABLES
You’re/your
you are
If you’re going to the ice skating
pond, don’t forget your hat.
belonging
to you
#4
CONFUSABLES
Than/then
Than is a comparison.
She is better than I.
It’s less than $20.
Comparing!
Then is used to express time passing
He glared at them then slammed the door
Words confused or misused
Words with similar sounds
On Your Own
For each sentence, choose the correct word or words
in parentheses.
1. The students enjoyed (they’re/their) field trip.
2. I am taller (than/then) my mom.
3. Your answer will (affect/effect) my decision.
4. Excessive sugar will have an (affect/effect) on
your energy.
5. It won’t matter if (your/you’re) late.
Words confused or misused
Words with similar sounds
On Your Own
For each sentence, choose the correct word or words
in parentheses.
1. The students enjoyed (they’re/their) field trip.
2. I am taller (than/then) my mom.
3. Your answer will (affect/effect) my decision.
4. Excessive sugar will have an (affect/effect) on
your energy.
5. It won’t matter if (your/you’re) late.
[End of Section]
#5
CONFUSABLES
Who’s/whose
Who’s is a contraction of who is or who has.
Who’s at the door?
who’s = who is
Who’s won the most games?
who’s = who has
Whose is the possessive form of who, meaning
“belonging to whom.”
Whose book is this?
who owns the book
CONFUSABLES
Who’s/whose
who is
belonging
to whom
Who’s the man whose wallet was stolen?
#6
CONFUSABLES
t=
p
ce
c
A
Accept/except
on
i
t
Ac
Accept is a verb that means “to receive.”
The teacher did not accept the late homework.
ver
b
Except is usually a preposition that means “not
including.”
Everyone left except Jack.
pre
pos
it
ion
#7
CONFUSABLES
Could of/should of/would of
When the word have is not stressed in speaking, it
sounds like of.
Write could have
(could’ve),
not could of.
She could have
of called
called
us. us.
Write should have(should’ve), , not
should
of. have
I should of
called
called
herher
back.
back.
Write would have(would’ve), , not would
of.
I would of
have
called.
called.
#8
CONFUSABLES
lose / loose
lose is a verb that means “to be defeated” or
“to suffer loss”
rb
ve
The teacher did not lose the essay.
loose is usually an adjective that means “not
tight.”
The teacher’s desk was covered with loose
papers.
adje
ct
iv e
CONFUSABLES
The reason people sometimes
write “could of” is that they
are thinking about the
contraction “could’ve.”
could’ve
could + have
should’ve should + have
would’ve would + have
Words confused or misused
Words with similar sounds
On Your Own
For each sentence, choose the correct word or words
in parentheses.
1. It didn’t recharge because of a (lose/loose) cable.
2. She can’t (accept/except) no for an answer.
3. (Whose/Who’s) going to go with you?
4. Matt (could of/could have) done it.
5. It won’t matter (whose/who’s) it is.
Words confused or misused
Words with similar sounds
On Your Own
For each sentence, choose the correct word or words
in parentheses.
1. It didn’t recharge because of a (lose/loose) cable.
2. She can’t (accept/except) no for an answer.
3. (Whose/Who’s) going to go with you?
4. Matt (could of/could have) done it.
5. It won’t matter (whose/who’s) it is.
[End of Section]
CONFUSABLES
#1-8
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Affect/Effect
There-their-they’re
You’re/Your
Than/Then
Who’s/Whose
Accept/Except
Could-should of = could-should have
Lose/Loose
CONFUSABLES
#9-16
9. It’s/Its
10. Weather/Whether
11. Fewer/Less
12. Good/Well
13. Like = As if/As though
14. Between/Among
15. Ways = way
16. Lie/Lay
CONFUSABLES
#9
It’s/its
It’s is a contraction of it is or it has.
It’s not easy.
It’s been a long time.
it’s = it is
it’s = it has
Its is a possessive form that means “belonging
to it.”
That tree has not lost its leaves yet.
#10
CONFUSABLES
weather / whether
weather is for climate
The weather outside
whether means depending”
Whether or not…
#11
CONFUSABLES
Fewer/less
Fewer is used with plural nouns.
We picked fewer strawberries
this year than we did last year.
plur
al no
un
Less is used with singular nouns.
That means we’ll have less jam
this year than we had last year.
sing
ul
Fewer tells “how many.” Less tells
“how much.”
ar n
oun
#12
CONFUSABLES
Good/well
Good is always an adjective. Good modifies
nouns. Do not use good to modify a verb. Use
the adverb well.
adj.
Sam had a good role in the play.
noun
adverb
He sang well too.
verb
CONFUSABLES
Good/well
Well is usually an adverb that means
“competently,” but it is also used as an
adjective to mean “healthy.”
adverb
Sam sang well today.
Verb
adverb meaning
“competently”
adj.
Sam feels well again.
Noun
adjective meaning
“healthy”
CONFUSABLES
Feel good and feel well have
different meanings. Feel good
means “to feel happy or
pleased.” Feel well means “to
feel healthy.”
Compliments make you feel good.
Some dogs eat grass when they don’t
feel well.
Write A or B on your answer sheet to reflect
your choices.
On Your Own
1. The wave left (it’s/its) mark on the sand.
2. (It’s/Its) supposed to rain tomorrow.
3. The rain won’t (affect/effect) the results.
4. It matters (weather/whether) (your/you’re) honest.
5. (Fewer/less) than a third of students are sane.
6. My grammar has (fewer/less) problems (then/than)
before.
[End of Section]
Write A or B on your answer sheet to reflect
your choices.
On Your Own
1. The wave left (it’s/its) mark on the sand.
2. (It’s/Its) supposed to rain tomorrow.
3. The rain won’t (affect/effect) the results.
4. It matters (weather/whether) (your/you’re)...
5. (Fewer/less) than a third of students are sane.
6. My grammar has (fewer/less) problems
(then/than) before.
[End of Section]
Write A or B on your answer sheet to reflect
your choices.
On Your Own
5. There are (fewer/less) reasons (than/then) I
thought.
6. (Fewer/Less) people will buy it.
7. You sing (good/well) (weather/whether) they say
they like it or not.
[End of Section]
Write A or B on your answer sheet to reflect
your choices.
On Your Own
5. There are (fewer/less) reasons (than/then) I ….
6. (Fewer/Less) people will buy it.
7. You sing (good/well) (weather/whether) they say
they like it or not.
[End of Section]
CONFUSABLES
#13
Like = As if / As though
Like is informal and unsophisticated.
Use SUCH AS / AS IF / AS THOUGH instead…
Unless you’re making similes!
It was like he was frozen.
It was as though he were frozen.
We can save the environment in clean energy
projects like wind and solar power.
We can save the environment in clean energy
projects such as wind and solar power.
#14
CONFUSABLES
Between/Among
Between for two
It was a secret between us two.
It was a secret among us.
Among for three or more
It was a secret among us three.
It was a secret between us three.
By the way:
No amongst
No whilst
No amidst
#15
CONFUSABLES
Ways = Way
Forwards = forward
Ways only as plural for “many ways”
Not for “anyways” or “long ways”
There was not any way for her to reach it.
There was not any ways for her to reach it.
We spotted it from a long way off.
We spotted it from a long ways off.
In many ways Steinbeck is optimistic.
OK to use plural for “way” when that’s what you mean
#16
CONFUSABLES
n
E
I
L
Rec
Lie/Lay
(-ing)
(-ed, -n)
Past
Participle
Lain
Base Form
Past
Present
Participle
Lie: to recline or rest onadj.
a
surface
Lay
Lying
Lay: to put or place
something somewhere
n
a
e
m
Do we
?
”
T
U
“P
noun
Laid Laying
adverbLaid
Lie / Lay
On Your Own
n
E
I
L
Rec
Give the correct form of lie or lay in the blank for each of the
following sentences.
1. Robert will ______ down for a nap.
2. Please ______ your wet towel on the dryer.
3. Yesterday my sister ______ on the ground to watch ants.
4. Who ______ this rake where someone could step on it?
5. A snake was ______ across the trail, sunning itself.
an
e
m
e
Do w
?
”
T
U
P
“
Lie / Lay
On Your Own
Give the correct form of lie or lay in the blank for each of the
following sentences.
1. Robert will _lie_ down for a nap.
2. Please _lay_ your wet towel on the dryer.
3. Yesterday my sister _lay_ on the ground to watch ants.
4. Who _laid_ this rake where someone could step on it?
5. A snake was _lying_ across the trail, sunning itself.
#17
CONFUSABLES
Who/Whom
Who is a subject. WHOM is an object of verb
or of preposition.
I know who did it.
I know whom they did it to.
Who sent it?
To whom was it sent?
The WHO is the subject
that is DOING or
SENDING
WHOM is receiving the
action. WHOM is “being
done to”…or “being sent
to”
#17
CONFUSABLES
Who/Whom
HE = WHO: If HE can be substituted into the
sentence, use WHO.
HIM = WHOM: If HIM can be substituted into the
sentence, use WHOM.
1. Who/Whom wrote the letter? He wrote the letter.
Therefore, who is correct.
2. For who/whom should I vote? Should I vote for him?
Therefore, whom.
#17
CONFUSABLES
Who/Whom
HE = WHO: If HE can be substituted into the
sentence, use WHO.
HIM = WHOM: If HIM can be substituted into the
sentence, use WHOM.
3. We all know who/whom pulled that prank.
4. We want to know on who/whom the prank was
pulled.
#17
CONFUSABLES
Who/Whom
HE = WHO: If HE can be substituted into the
sentence, use WHO.
HIM = WHOM: If HIM can be substituted into the
sentence, use WHOM.
3. We all know who/whom pulled that prank.
4. We want to know on who/whom the prank was
pulled.
WHO / WHOM
On Your Own
m
i
h
=
whom
1.
A) Angelica was not sure who she liked.
B) Angelica was not sure whom she liked.
2.
A) Whoever cheats on the test will get busted.
B) Whomever cheats on the test will get busted.
3.
A) He is the skater who died here.
B) He is the skater whom died here.
4.
A) She forgets who she gave her phone to.
B) She forgets whom she gave her phone to.
5.
A) Who are you referring to?
B) Whom are you referring to?
e
h
=
o
wh
#18. Double negatives
In a double negative, two or more negative
words are used when only one is needed.
n
iv
t
a
g
e
e
e
it v
a
g
ne
I don’t have no time left.
I never see no one there.
She can’t hardly speak!
BE MORE POSITIVE! ONE of the two negatives
must be written as a positive!
Double negatives
No/nothing/none
These words are
clearly negative. Do
not use these words
with another negative
word.
To fix a double
negative, change
either negative word.
That answer doesn’t
make no sense.
negative #2
negative #1
That answer doesn’t
make any sense.
That answer makes no
sense.
#18 Double negatives
Hardly/scarcely
These words
convey a negative
meaning. Do not
use them with
another negative
word.
negative #1
I can’t hardly turn the key.
To fix a double negative
like this, delete n’t or not.
I can hardly turn the key.
negative #2
#19 Formal vs. informal
English
Speeches
Formal English
expected
Essays, reports
Tests and exams
Talking to adults
Everyday conversations
Informal OK
notes to friends, e-mails
Journal entries
Talking to close adults
#19 Formal vs. informal
English
Speeches
Formal English
expected
Essays, reports
Tests and exams
Talking to adults
Everyday conversations
Informal OK
notes to friends, e-mails
Journal entries
Talking to close adults
Formal and informal English
Formal English
Informal English
Sentence structure:
Sentence structure:
• longer
• shorter
• more complex
• simpler
Word choice:
Word choice:
• Precise
• Simple
• Sometimes technical
or scientific
• Colloquialisms, slang,
contractions
Tone:
Tone:
• Serious, dignified
• Conversational
Formal and informal English
Formal English
Informal English
Sentence structure:
Sentence structure:
• longer
• shorter
• more complex
• simpler
Word choice:
Word choice:
• Precise
• Simple
• Sometimes technical
or scientific
• Colloquialisms, slang,
contractions
Tone:
Tone:
• Serious, dignified
• Conversational
Formal and informal English
Colloquialisms are the informal words and
phrases of everyday speech that add flavor and
color to our language.
Many colloquialisms are figures of speech that
aren’t meant to be taken literally.
Are you going to foot the bill for my car repairs?
I’m trying to study, so quit making such a racket!
Formal and informal English
Slang is made up of new words or old words used
in new ways. Slang is usually clever or colorful.
Slang is often a special language in a specific
group, such as students or military personnel.
Slang words usually
have a short life, but
some last and become
widely used.
kooky—strange beat—tired
hassle—to annoy or harass
cool—pleasing or excellent
Formal and informal English
Many words and phrases that
are fine in informal situations
should be avoided in formal
situations.
How come
In formal situations, use why.
Informal
Formal
How come you didn’t call?
Why didn’t you call?
Formal and informal English
Kind of/sort of
In formal situations, use rather or somewhat.
Informal
Formal
I feel kind of tired.
I feel somewhat tired.
Formal and informal English
Try and
In formal situations, use try to.
You must try and relax!
In
Fo
rm
al
fo
rm
al
You must try to relax!
Formal and informal English
LIKE
In formal situations, use
such as or as if.
rm
o
f
In
al
Reasons like that make me doubt his story.
Reasons such as that make me doubt his story.
al
m
For
Formal and informal English
Identify whether the following sentences use
informal (I) or formal (F) language. If the language is
informal, circle the informal word or phrase.
1. We should try and leave on time today.
2. This bread tastes sort of stale to me.
3. How come he forgot to do the homework?
4. Try to remember your key next time.
Formal and informal English
On Your Own
Revise each sentence, changing the informal usage to
formal, standard usage.
1. It was kind of chilly outside yesterday.
2. Our teacher wants us to try and finish the book
tonight.
3. How come you weren’t in school today?
[End of Section]
Formal and informal English
Answers
Revise each sentence, changing the informal usage to
formal, standard usage.
1. It was somewhat chilly outside yesterday.
It was rather chilly outside yesterday.
2. Our teacher wants us to try to finish the book
tonight.
3. Why weren’t you in school today?
The End