12 Pairs of Commonly Mistaken Words

12 Pairs of Commonly Mistaken Words

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we will look at 12 pairs of commonly mistaken words.

1. Allowed vs Aloud
2. To vs Too
3. Quiet vs Quite
4. Peace vs Piece
5. Weather vs Whether
6. Stationary vs Stationery
7. Farther vs Further
8. Plain vs Plane
9. Hear vs Here
10. Break vs Brake
11. Loose vs Lose
12. Ensure vs Insure

Allowed vs Aloud

Allowed is an adjective that refers to something that is permitted or authorised.

• You are allowed to enter the building.

Aloud is an adverb that means to speak or make a sound in a way that can be heard.

• She read the poem aloud to the class.  12 pairs of commonly mistaken words

So, while “allowed” pertains to permission, “aloud” relates to the act of verbalising something.

To vs Too

To is a preposition that indicates direction, place or position. It is also used before an infinitive verb (e.g., “to run,” “to eat”).

• I am going to the store.

Too is an adverb that means “also” or “excessively.” When used to mean “also,” it can be found before a verb or at the end of a sentence. When used to mean “excessively,” it is often followed by adjectives or adverbs. 

• I want to go too.
• This soup is too hot.

In short, “to” relates to direction or purpose, while “too” refers to an excess or addition.

Quiet vs Quite

Quiet is an adjective that describes a state of low noise or a lack of sound.

• The library is very quiet.

Quite is an adverb that means “to a certain extent” or “completely.” It is often used to emphasise something.

• She is quite talented.

In summary, “quiet” refers to noise levels, while “quite” intensifies or expresses the degree.

Peace vs Piece

Peace refers to a state of tranquillity or calmness, often associated with the absence of conflict or disturbance. It can also represent a harmonious state of mind or relationships between people or nations.

• After the negotiations, there was finally peace between the countries.

Piece denotes a portion, segment or part of something. It can refer to a small quantity of an object, a section of a surface, or even a work of art.

• Can I have a piece of cake?

In summary, “peace” is about tranquillity and harmony, while “piece” refers to a part or portion of something. 12 pairs of commonly mistaken words

Weather vs Whether

Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including factors such as precipitation, temperature, humidity and wind. It describes what it is like outside.

• What will the weather be like tomorrow?

Whether is a conjunction used to express a choice between alternatives or to introduce a condition. It is often used in sentences that present two possibilities.

• I can’t decide whether to go for a walk or stay home.

In summary, “weather” refers to atmospheric conditions, while “whether” concerns choices or conditions. 

Stationary vs Stationery

Stationary (with an “a”) refers to something that is not moving or is fixed in place.

• For example, a stationary car is one that is parked and not in motion.

Stationery (with an “e”) refers to paper, envelopes and other office supplies used for writing or printing.

• For example, you might buy stationery to write letters.

So, remember: “stationary” is about being still, while “stationery” is about writing materials. 12 pairs of commonly mistaken words

Farther vs Further

Farther is typically used to refer to physical distance.

• The store is farther down the road. (It implies a measurable distance).

Further is generally used in more abstract contexts, such as referring to additional time or degree.

• We need to discuss this further
• He took it further than I expected. (It can also imply a figurative distance, like progressing in a discussion or concept).

In summary, use “farther” for physical distances and “further” for more abstract or figurative distances.

Plain vs Plane

Plain as an adjective describes something that is simple, clear or not decorated. 

• She wore a plain dress. (meaning the dress is simple and not adorned with patterns or embellishments)

Plain, as a noun, can refer to a flat, level area of land, like “the Great Plains”.

As an adverb, it can also mean “clearly” or “evidently.”

• He said it plain and simple.

Plane as a noun typically refers to a flat or level surface in geometry, such as “a plane in a math problem.”

It can also refer to an aircraft, like “We flew on a plane.”

Plane as a verb means to make something smooth or to shave off thin layers from a material.

• He used a tool to plane the wood.

In summary, “plain” often relates to simplicity or flatness, while “plane” refers to a geometric concept or an aircraft.

Hear vs Here

Hear is a verb that refers to the ability to perceive sound. 12 pairs of commonly mistaken words

• I can hear the music playing.

Here is an adverb that refers to a location or place.

• Please come here.

In summary, “hear” relates to sound, while “here” refers to a physical place.

Break vs Brake

Break as a verb means to separate into pieces or cause to come apart.    

• Be careful not to break the glass.

It also means to pause or interrupt an activity.

• Let’s take a break from studying.

Brake, as a noun, is a device used to slow down or stop a vehicle.

• Press the brake to stop the car. 12 pairs of commonly mistaken words

As a verb, it means to slow or stop a vehicle using the braking system.

• You need to brake gently when driving on slippery roads.

In summary, “break” refers to causing an object to separate or taking a pause, while “brake” relates to stopping or slowing down a vehicle.

Loose vs Lose

Loose is an adjective that describes something that is not tight or secure.

• The shirt is too loose on me. (meaning the shirt doesn’t fit snugly)

Lose is a verb that means to no longer have something or to fail to keep or maintain it.

• I always lose my keys. (meaning that you frequently do not know where your keys are).

In summary, “loose” relates to something being not tight, while “lose” involves the act of misplacing or no longer possessing something.

Ensure vs Insure

Ensure means to make certain that something will happen or be the case. 

• I will ensure that the project is completed on time. (It relates to guaranteeing an outcome.)

Insure refers to protecting against financial loss, typically through an insurance policy.

• I need to insure my car. (It involves a legal or financial agreement to cover certain risks.)

In summary, “ensure” is about making certain of something, while “insure” deals with protection against risk or financial loss.

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!