Commonly Confused Words

The tornado had a tragic (affect/effect) on the tourism industry. 

Jenny couldn't choose (between/among) all of her gifts which one to open first.

This word is used when something is shared by more than two people or things.

John's stamp collection has (less/fewer) stamps than Jessica's collection. 

This is a verb which means "to influence." It is NOT the noun meaning "the result."

Sometimes it is best to (accept/except) your current situation and make the best of it. 

(There/Their/They’re) are many spring break destinations to consider. 

Little kids sometimes act (defiantly/definitely) by throwing tantrums. 

I (should of/should've) studied more for the test because I didn't perform well. 

The student council president (led/lead) the meeting for 400 interested students. 

Turn left at the mall, (then/than) drive a block down to my house on the right. 

I love all vegetables (accept/except) raw onions. 

I couldn't decide (between/among) pie or cake for my birthday party.

It can be a battle trying to (lose/loose) the last ten pounds after having a baby.

This word means "for sure," NOT "strongly opposing."

Of the three, this is the possessive pronoun. 

If I don't wash my jeans every time I wear them, the feel (lose/loose). 

 The children thought someone was on (there/their/they’re) trail, following them. 

This word is used for quantities that can be counted. 

The girl (would of/would’ve) taken the AP test if she hadn't missed the deadline. 

The witness shied away from the man (who/whom) she had accused of theft.

This word is a verb that means "to receive" or "to believe."

People who drive too fast are said to have a (lead/led) foot. 

This word is the past tense of "to lead," but is pronounced the same as pencil material.

(There/Their/They’re) making the idea work despite flaws.

The second book in the series was more action-packed (then/than) the first. 

The teacher wanted to know (who/whom) released the frogs in the lab. 

Bailey's injury was sure to (affect/effect) her final performance in the race. 

This word refers to people's clothing after they shed weight. 

_______ is the possessive form of "it." ______ is a contraction meaning "it is."