Word Choice Tips for clearing up

the confusion

Word choice errors tend to fall into 3 main categories.

1. Homonyms2. One-letter differences

3. Possessive/contraction confusion

Homonyms

Homonyms are words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have two different meanings and uses in a sentence.

past – opposite of the future – noun passed –what a quarterback did - verb

Homonyms

principal – person who runs the schoolprinciple – a rule or guideline

through – the direction of somethingthrew - what that QB did again

Homonyms

Knowing parts of speech helps us decide which homonym to use We ate (are, our) lunch outside today

The sentence calls for a pronoun, so “our” is the correct choice

One letter difference

A one-letter difference can change the meaning completely compliment – saying something nice complement – something that completes or brings to perfection

One letter difference

coarse – harsh or rough texture course – all other meanings, such as golf “course,” of “course”

One letter difference

To differentiate between words with only one letter difference,

try creating a memory cueFor example, “coarse,” like its definition, “harsh,” has an “a” in it.

Possessive/contraction confusion

Words such as your/ you’re,

their/ they’re, and its/ it’s are the most commonly confused

pairs

Possessive/contraction confusion

You’re responsible for

your books.

You’re = you areYour = possession

Possessive/contraction confusion

It’s time for the cat to feed its kittens.

It’s = It isIts = possession

Possessive/contraction confusion

They’re determined to reach their goals.

They’re = They aretheir = possessive

Possessive/contraction confusion

Since contractions are not appropriate for English essays,

avoid their use.

Writing out the contraction will solve your

possessive/contraction confusion!