Confusing Pairs
There are a certain number of words where the spelling varies according to the part of speech, that is, whether the word is a noun, a verb or, sometimes, an adjective. The commonest ones involve c in the noun and s in the verb.
| noun | verb |
|---|---|
| advice | advise |
| device | devise |
| licence | license |
| practice | practise |
| prophecy | prophesy |
In American English, s is commonly used for both noun and verb. American spelling also sometimes uses s where British spelling uses c.
| American | British |
|---|---|
| defense | defence |
| pretense | pretence |
| offense | offence |
Other commonly confused pairs:
You must choose which channel to watch.
He chose me the last time.
He's afraid they'll lose tomorrow.
That screw's a bit loose.
She's dependent on her parents.
She has an independent spirit.
The tax form asks for the number of dependants.
It's a matter of principle.
The principal star is the sun.
(But the Principal of the College, short for Principal Officer).
There are pens in the stationery cupboard.
The train was stationary at Platform 6.
And don't forget...
- its (of it) & it's (it is)
- their (of them) & there (yonder)
- your (of you) & you're (you are)
Exercise
Instructions
Complete the sentences below by selecting the correct word from the drop down list.
When you are finished press the button to check your answers.