Each of the pairs of
words listed below is usually confusing to learners of English as regards which
to use in their writings and utterances. But with the hint provided under each
pair, such dilemma will be a thing of the past.
1. ADVISE vs.
ADVICE
Advise (verb) vs. Advice
(noun).
Hint: I was advised to
always heed my parents' advice.
2. TAUGHT vs.
THOUGHT
Taught (past tense of
teach) vs. Thought (past tense of think).
Hint: Well, I thought you
said your English teacher taught you well.
3. BREATH vs.
BREATHE
Breath (noun) vs. Breathe
(verb).
Hint: You are my breath
of life, the air that I breathe.
4. LOSE vs.
LOOSE
Hint: You lose a game but
loose or loosen something that is tied.
5. BOTHER vs.
BORDER
Hint: Please, don't
bother me with the news of the Nigerian borders.
6. WHETHER vs.
WEATHER
Hint: Whether you like it
or not, tonight's weather demands a lot of cuddles.
7. WHERE vs. WERE
Where (place) vs. Were
(past tense of “are”).
Hint: Where were you when
I came in? Do you mean you were where you were?
8. ONCE vs. ONES
“Once” is always about
time and answers the questions, “When?” and “How many times?”
On the other hand, “ones”
has to do with things.
Hints
i. Once I get the ones I
am looking for, I will let you go.
ii. I played this game
once and won. It is really surprising that I didn't win the ones I played twice.
9. COMPLIMENT vs.
COMPLEMENT
A Compliment is an
expression of praise, respect, commendation, or admiration.
In contrast, a complement
is something that makes complete or perfect.
Hint: Wow! I love your
outfit! The shiny red shoes complement the red purse.
Response: Thanks for the
compliment.
“Compliments” (that is,
compliment + s) is a courteous greeting; good wishes; regards.
Examples
i. Compliments of the
season.
ii. Tammy sends you his
compliments.
10. YOU'RE vs.
YOUR
You're (the shortened
form of “You are”) vs Your (the possessive form of “You”).
Hint: You're my sister,
but I don't like your attitude.
11. BELIEF vs.
BELIEVE
Belief (noun) vs. Believe
(verb).
Hint: Whether you believe
me or not, I have a belief that the earth is spherical.