There are some words that are tricky for many people.
Often they are words that sound similar but have different spellings, meanings and uses. It can be harder to read the message when there are misused words. Readers might misinterpret the message of the document or have to spend more time trying to figure out the true meaning.
Here are some general tips to help you avoid misusing these words in your writing.
Accept / Except
Accept and except sound similar but they are very different.
Accept often means to receive, to take, or to give approval.
- They accepted the offer with open arms.
Except often means not including.
- Put all the boxes on the table except that one.
Compliment / Complement
The difference in meaning between compliment and complement is subtle but important. Writers might mix them up because they're focusing on the sound rather than the context.
Compliment refers to offering praise or admiration.
- The manager complimented my presentation, praising my clear communication and attention to detail.
Complement refers to something that enhances, completes, or goes well with something else.
- The new project management software complements our existing tools, making it easier to track progress and meet deadlines.
It’s / Its
Once you know the difference between it’s and its, you’ll see them misused on signs everywhere and across social media!
It’s means it is or it has. It is a contraction, which is when two words are shortened and combined. The apostrophe indicates that part of the word has been removed. Other examples of contractions include can’t, don’t, and won’t.
Its is the possessive pronoun, that shows ownership, meaning "belonging to it". Writers often mix them up because possessive nouns usually use an apostrophe (e.g., John's book), but in this case, "its" as a possessive does not.
Here are some examples:
- It’s my birthday today.
- The dog is chewing its bone.
- Did you know it’s nearly closing time?
- The cat refused to eat its new food.
When you are uncertain whether to use it’s or its, try substituting “it is” in the sentence. If you would use it is, you can use it’s. Otherwise, to indicate belonging, use its.
They’re / Their / There
These three words are frequently misused.
They’re means they are. It is a contraction (or shortened form).
Their is the possessive form of they, the third-person pronoun. It means it belongs to them.
There refers to location. It is usually used to indicate in that place.
Here are examples:
- They’re going to come and visit us next month.
- Their camper is packed and ready to go.
- They can park it over there when they arrive.
Again, if you’re not sure which word to use, test it. If you’re trying to say they are, use they’re. If you’re indicating belonging, use their. When you want to indicate location, use there.
These are just a few examples of commonly misused words. Download our Confusing Words Tip Sheet to help determine the right word for the given situation.
