Misused Words

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♦        affect – verb “to influence”

                    Caffeine can affect your mood and your voice.

          effect – noun “a result”

                    The effects of some herbal medications are still unknown.

 

♦        assure – verb “to guarantee”

                    The doctor assured George that his condition wasn’t serious.

          ensure – verb “to make certain”

                    Please ensure that Julie is picked up at the airport on time.

          insure – verb “to protect in a legal or financial sense”

                    Please insure your car against accidents before you drive it.

 

♦        its – possessive

                    The dog likes to chase its tail.

          it’s – contraction “it is”

                    It’s a very moving piece of music.

 

♦        than – comparison

                    My roommate is more of a night owl than I am.

          then – time

                    I cannot meet you then.  Can we meet now instead?

 

♦        their – possessive

                    Cass and John like their new apartment.

          there – place

                    I parked my car somewhere over there.

                  

 

♦        your – possessive

                    Where is your passport?

          you’re – contraction “you are”

                    You’re not welcome until you bring everyone cookies.