Usage Errors = Troublesome Words

To To / Too / Two Preposition or Infinitive Means toward or in the direction of. Examples: We are going to the park tomorrow. We don’t have to buy that now, it can wait until later.

Too To / Too / Two Means also or in excess of/excessively. Examples: You are too (excessively) close to the edge of the crevice. I want to go to the dance too (also).

Two To / Too / Two Refers to the number 2. Examples: I need two extra tickets for my roommates. We have two days to complete this project so we need to get in gear.

There There/Their/They’re Refers to a physical or abstract place Points something out. Can be replaced with here. Examples: Are we going over there to eat dinner? There is the car I really want.

Their There/Their/They’re Possessive, shows possession. Usually followed by a noun. Can usually be replaced with our. Examples: Was that their only ride home? I like their dog, he is a big, goofy mutt.

They’re There/Their/They’re Contraction meaning = They are Examples: They’re going to the rodeo tonight. I wonder who they’re talking to over there.

Its Its / It’s Possessive/shows possession Usually followed by a noun Examples: The dog ran to its house. The cardinal was protecting its eggs from the raccoon.

It’s Its / It’s Contraction meaning = it is Can replace with it is. Examples: Sherry said it’s the last time she is helping us. It’s not a good time right now.

Sit Sit / Set Intransitive verb Refers to the act of sitting Requires a person or animal Examples: Larry, please don’t sit in my chair. He made the dog sit before giving it a treat.

Set Sit / Set Transitive verb Refers to the act of putting something down or placing something Requires an object Examples: I set the remote on the counter. Where did you set that bottle of water down?

Lie Lie / Lay Intransitive verb Refers to the act of lounging Does not requires a direct object Examples: I feel dizzy, I need to lie down. Lie on the sofa and tell me about it. Lie Lay Lain

Lay Lie / Lay Transitive verb Refers to the act of putting something down Requires a direct object Examples: Lay that hammer down and help me. He lay the girl down after she fainted. Lay Laid Laid

Affect Affect / Effect Used as a VERB Affect = Action Examples: The sleeping pills affected them differently. This test will affect his final grade.

Effect Affect / Effect Used as a Noun Effect = Result Examples: What kind of effect will the rain have on the game today? The computer effects were amazing.

Accept Accept / Except Used as a Verb Accept = to receive, admit, regard as true, say yes Examples: He will accept his award at the banquet. After my experience in the forest last spring, I have to accept that sasquatch is real.

Except Accept / Except Used as a Preposition meaning “excluding” Everyone got a piece of pizza except me. Used as a conjunction meaning "if not for the fact that" or "other than.“ I would love to help you move, except I am busy that day.

Can Can/May Used as a Helping Verb Means “to be able” Examples: Can you jump over the creek? He can dunk the basketball. Bring everything you can to the party.

May Can/May Used as a Helping Verb Means “permission” May I go to the skating rink on Saturday? You may visit Randy for a few hours.

Leave/Let Leave is a Verb meaning “to go away from” or “put into place” We need to leave right now! Leave that badger alone, he will tear you up. Let is a Verb meaning “permit” or “allow” Never let sports interfere with your school work. I will let you turn in the assignment late.

Teach/Learn Teach is a Verb meaning “to impart knowledge” Please teach me how to play tennis. Greg has promised to teach me hockey. Learn is a Verb meaning “to receive knowledge” Randy is trying to learn to play chess. You will never learn to skate if you don’t practice.

Capitol Capitol/Capital Used as a Noun Means: a U.S. state legislature building, or the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. State capitols are located in the capital cities of U.S. states, and the Capitol is located in the capital city of the U.S. If you’re not talking about any of these capitol buildings, then the word you want is probably capital.

Capital Capitol/Capital Used as a Noun Used as an Adjective Means: (1) a city that serves as a center of government, (2) wealth in the form of money or property, and (3) a capital letter. Used as an Adjective (1) principal, (2) involving financial assets, and (3) deserving of the death penalty

Principle Principle/Principal Used as a Noun: always a noun, never an adjective Means: Laws, rules, or morals He decided that he had to stand on his principles. The workers fought hard for the principle of collective bargaining.

Principal Principle/Principal Used as a Noun or an Adjective The principal is your pal. The principal is due on your loan. The principal principle is do not kill. The main rule is not to kill.