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Most commonly confused words

Homonyms are words that are pronounced or spelled similarly but that have different meanings. Homophones are words that share the same pronunciation but different meanings — they may or may not be spelled the same. Homographs are words that share the same spelling but not always the same pronunciation. Heteronyms share the same spelling but not the same pronunciation. Here is a break down of the most common homonyms, homophones, homographs and heteronyms.

Accept Vs Except	Accept is a verb that means "to receive". Except is a preposition meaning "to exclude".	I will accept your terms. I will go skiing except if it’s stormy.
Affect Vs Effect	Affect is a verb to indicate influence. Effect is a noun, synonymous with "result."	The critics didn’t affect her good mood. The drug has side effects.
Allusion Vs Illusion	An allusion is an indirect reference. An illusion is a deception or false impression.	The author made an allusion to Jane Austen. She has the illusion of being wealthy.
Elicit Vs Illicit	Elicit is a verb meaning "to evoke." Illicit is an adjective synonymous with "illegal."	I want to elicit positive behavior in my students. She was involved in illicit activities.
Here Vs Hear	Here is the location of a place or thing. Hear is a verb to do with sound perception.	I moved here last year. I can’t hear you very well, please speak louder.
Buy Vs By Vs Bye	The verb buy means to purchase. By is a preposition meaning near, or on behalf of, or to express a method. Bye is a shortened form of "goodbye."	Can you buy some bread? My house is by Lake Michigan. Finish the soup by garnishing it with parsley. See you later, bye!
Whole Vs Hole	Whole is either an adjective or noun to mean complete or undamaged. A hole is a noun meaning an emptied space.	I have the whole day free. I fell into a hole; I think it was dug out by an animal.
Brake Vs Break	A brake is a noun and is used to stop a vehicle. Break is a verb meaning to shatter something. Break can also, however, be a noun, synonymous with "pause" or "rest."	My bike brake doesn’t work. If the glass falls it will break. All employees are entitled to a 30-minute break.
One Vs Won	One is a single unit, while won is the past tense of the verb "to win."	I have one car. We won the soccer game!
Are Vs Our	Are is a present tense form of the verb to be. Our is a plural possessive pronoun.	How are you doing? Our house is in the country.
Weather Vs Whether	Weather is the atmospheric conditions. Weather can also be used as a verb to describe the wearing down of something. Whether is used to present two alternatives.	We can’t swim due to the weather outside. Whether or not I fall ill, I will go to the show. All that time outside weathered my bike.
Allowed Vs Aloud	The verb "to allow" is the act of making something possible or permitting it. Aloud is the act of using one's voice.	I was allowed to ride the rollercoaster. She read the book aloud.
Right Vs Write	Right means "correct." Write is to form letters or words on a surface.	That’s the right answer. Please write your name below.
Principal Vs Principle	Principal is an adjective meaning "main" or "most important." Principle is a noun meaning "a fundamental idea."	The principal argument for seatbelts is safety. Stick to your principles!
Dessert Vs Desert	A dessert is something sweet to eat, while a desert is an arid region.	I want a dessert with chocolate! There was no water in the desert.