Some of The Most Common Misused Words

Some of the most common misused words are listed below.

1.) Their, there, they're: Their shows possession, there may point something out and they're is a contraction of the words they are. Example: I am going to their house. Example: Jack used their telephone because his wasn't working. Example: There are two dogs in the back yard. Example: I am going over there. Example: They're the most outrageous people I have ever met! Example: When they're at Disney, they spend a fortune.

2.) Accept, except: Accept means to receive. Except means to omit. Example: I accept your offering of thanks. Example: Please accept my apology. Example: I brought everything except the dishes. Example: I played all of the games except tag.

3.) Precede, proceed: Precede means to go ahead of. Proceed means to continue. Example: Chris will precede Jane in line. Example: The bridesmaids will precede the maid of honor when they walk up the aisle. Example: Please proceed with what you were doing. Example: Now that the divorce is final, he can proceed with his life.

4.) Eminent, imminent: Eminent means famous, imminent means that something is actually going to happen. Example: The artist was an eminent figure in society. Example: After speaking with the eminent Mr. Rogers, I was very impressed. Example: The Easter season is imminent. Example: It was imminent that my son was going to move sooner or later.

5.) Cite, site: Cite means to make a reference to something, most often in a research paper. Site means a space occupied. Example: After reading my essay, please note the cite below. Example: The reference cite below shows where I got my information. Example: The historic site is well guarded. Example: This is the site of the future Walmart.

6.) Ascent, assent: Ascent is to climb, assent is to give permission. Example: His ascent to the top of the mountain was dangerous. Example: Without permission from my mother, I will not ascent the dirt trail to the cabin. Example: I give my assent for you to go berry picking. Example: She signed the permission form giving her assent for Billy to go with his class.

7.) Complement, compliment: Complement means to complete, compliment is to praise. Example: His wife complements him. Example: The blue sweater complements her dress. Example: I have to compliment her on the excellent dinner. Example: My compliments to the chef!

8.) Affect, effect: Affect means to influence. Effect is the result of something that has occurred. Example: His sloppy appearance affected his job interview. Example: The boy's behavior affected the whole class. Example: The teacher had a positive effect on her students. Example: The effect of the hurricane took it's toll on the city.

9.) Principal, principle: Principal is most often used as an adjective, although it is sometimes used as a noun. Principle is a basic law or doctrine. Example: She was the principal of the school. Example: I divided the principal by the interest. Example: The main principle was to cover all costs no matter what. Example: We all have principles and I am sticking with mine.

10.) Stationary, stationery: Stationary means standing still. Stationery is a form of writing paper. Example: The building was stationary; it was going nowhere. Example: The mail box is stationary now; it is set in concrete. Example: I used my mother's stationery to write a letter. Example: The stationery we used was pink with purple flowers.

I hope that this helps you when writing an article or a story. They are some of the most common misused words. Please leave a comment if you have any questions about the meanings or the examples that I've used. Thank you!