Their, They're, There
These three words sound alike but have different meanings and uses.
Their
/ðɛər/
Belonging to them
Example: Their house is big and beautiful.
They're
/ðɛər/
Contraction of "they are"
Example: They're going to the park this afternoon.
There
/ðɛər/
Refers to a place or position
Example: The book is over there on the table.
Your, You're
"Your" shows possession, while "You're" is a contraction of "you are."
Your
/jʊər/
Belonging to you
Example: Is this your pen?
You're
/jʊər/
Contraction of "you are"
Example: You're very kind to help me.
Affect, Effect
These two words are often confused because they sound similar.
Affect
/əˈfɛkt/
To influence something (verb)
Example: The weather can affect your mood.
Effect
/ɪˈfɛkt/
A result or outcome (noun)
Example: The new law had a positive effect on the economy.
Accept, Except
These words differ in meaning but are often mixed up.
Accept
/əkˈsɛpt/
To agree to receive or do something
Example: I accept your invitation to the party.
Except
/ɪkˈsɛpt/
Excluding or leaving out
Example: Everyone except John was present.
Then, Than
"Then" relates to time or sequence, while "than" is used for comparisons.
Then
/ðɛn/
At that time; next in order
Example: We went to dinner, then we saw a movie.
Than
/ðæn/
Used to compare two things
Example: She is taller than her brother.
Lose, Loose
These words have different meanings but similar spelling.
Lose
/luːz/
To fail to keep or to maintain
Example: Don't lose your keys.
Loose
/luːs/
Not tight or free from attachment
Example: The shirt is too loose on me.
Its, It's
"Its" shows possession; "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has."
Its
/ɪts/
Belonging to it
Example: The cat licked its paw.
It's
/ɪts/
Contraction of "it is" or "it has"
Example: It's raining outside.
Capital, Capitol
These words sound similar but have different meanings.
Capital
/ˈkæpɪtl/
A city serving as a seat of government; money or resources
Example: Paris is the capital of France.
Capitol
/ˈkæpɪtəl/
A building where a legislative body meets
Example: The lawmakers met at the capitol building.