Confusing Word Pairs
Commonly mixed-up words with quick context tests and usage cues.
Use this cluster as a fast pre-publish check for high-frequency word confusions.
Search Intent Coverage
Why these errors persist
Most confusion pairs are context errors, not spelling errors, so spellcheck rarely catches them.
- Use role tests (noun vs verb).
- Use replacement tests (result, influence, possession).
- Run a targeted final review for known weak pairs.
Low-friction correction method
Build a personal confusion watchlist and run it on every high-stakes document.
- Track your top 5 recurring errors.
- Create one-line memory cues.
- Use search-and-review before sending.
Core Vocabulary In This Topic
A subjective feeling experienced in response to a thought or other stimulus; mood, emotion, especially as demonstrated in external physical signs.
Also: take, make, work, draw
Note: Often confused with "effect".
The result or outcome of a cause.
Also: light, take, line, point
Note: Often confused with "affect".
The totality, the full amount or number which completes something.
Also: set, cast, charge, rank
An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.
Also: present, favor, honor, take off
(comparative of ‘few’ used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of
Also: less, smaller
Note: Use for countable nouns.
Lesser; smaller.
Also: low, off, common, ordinary
Note: Use for uncountable amounts in formal writing.
Obsolete spelling of it's.
Also: punch, tag, gain, limit
Note: Common confusion with "it’s" in fast drafting.
Contraction of it + is.
Also: ’tis, ’twas
Note: Contraction only: "it is" or "it has".
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