List of Tricky English Words with Their Meaning

Affect vs. Effect

• Affect(verb): To influence or produce a change in something.
• Example: The rainy weather didn’t affect their plans for the outdoor picnic.

• Effect(noun): A result or consequence of an action.
• Example: The rainy weather didn’t affect their plans for the outdoor picnic.

Accept vs. Except

• Accept: (verb) to agree to receive or take something.
• Example: She gladly accepted the gift from her friend.

• Except(preposition/conjunction): excluding; not including.
• Example: Everyone was invited to the party except John.

Their vs. They’re vs. There

• Their(pronoun) belonging to them.
• Example: Their house is located by the lake.

• They’re: contraction of “they are”.
• Example: They’re going on vacation next week.

• There(adverb): in or at that place.
• Example: The keys are over there on the table.

Its vs. It’s

• Its(pronoun): belonging to it.
• Example: The cat licked its paw.
• It’s: contraction of “it is” or ” it has.
• Example: It’s a beautiful day outside.

Your vs. You’re

• Your(pronoun): belonging to you.
• Example: Is this your book?

• You’re: contraction of “you are”.
• Example: You’re doing a great job!

Than vs. Then

• Than(conjunction): used in comparisons.
• Example: She is taller than her brother.

• Then(adverb): at that time; next in order of time.
• Example: We’ll finish dinner, and then we’ll go for a walk.

Complement vs. Compliment

• Complement(noun): Something that completes or brings perfection to something else.
• Example: The red wine was a perfect complement to the meal.

• Compliment: (noun) a polite expression of praise or admiration.
• Example: She received many compliments on her artwork.

Principal vs. Principle

• Principal(noun): the head or director of a school; also, the amount of money initially invested or loaned.
• Example: The principal of the school announced a new policy.

• Principle(noun): a fundamental truth or concept.
• Example: She believed in the principle of honesty.

Stationary vs. Stationery

• Stationary(adjective): not moving; motionless.
• Example: The car was stationary at the traffic light.

• Stationery(noun): writing materials such as paper, pens, and envelopes.
• Example: She bought some new stationery for her office.

Lose vs. Loose

• Lose(verb): to be unable to find or retain possession of something.
• Example: Don’t lose your keys.

• Loose(adjective): not firmly or tightly held in place.
• Example: Her dress was loose and comfortable.