Commonly Confused Words Quiz

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Heather Baxter, BSc (Elementary Education and Teaching) |
K-12 English Expert
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Heather is an educator, with four years of teaching experience. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Teaching. She is skilled in Teaching English as a Second Language and currently works as an Elementary School Teacher at Pinellas County Schools. She made a career transition one year ago to explore a new path in writing and copy editing. Heather's specialization lies in curriculum development and educational materials, but she maintains versatility to work across various industries. Known for her keen attention to detail and a deep passion for language, she possesses a sharp eye for precision.
, BSc (Elementary Education and Teaching)
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Pshreve
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| Attempts: 75,727 | Questions: 35
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1. I refused to _____________ the performance evaluation because there was false information in it.

Explanation

The correct answer is "accept". In this sentence, the speaker is stating that they refused to accept the performance evaluation. The word "accept" means to receive or agree to something, while "except" means to exclude or leave out. Since the speaker is refusing the evaluation due to false information, it implies that they were offered or expected to accept it.

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About This Quiz
Commonly Confused Words Quiz - Quiz

The English language is a fascinating but often perplexing linguistic landscape, filled with commonly confused words that challenge even seasoned speakers. Whether you're a native speaker... see moreor learning English as a second language, these word pairs with similar spellings or pronunciations but vastly different meanings can be a source of confusion.
In this quiz, we'll delve into the world of these tricky terms, testing your ability to differentiate between them. Can you distinguish the nuances between commonly confused words? Let's find out!
As you take this quiz, you'll encounter word pairs that have tripped up even the most proficient English speakers. It's a chance to hone your language skills, expand your vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of these often perplexing terms.
So, are you up for the challenge? Dive into the quiz, tackle the questions, and see how well you can differentiate between these commonly confused words. Best of luck, and enjoy unraveling the complexities of the English language!
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2. The car ________________ the semi on the right; that was a dangerous move.

Explanation

The correct answer is "passed". In this sentence, the word "passed" is used to indicate that the car overtook or went ahead of the semi on the right. This action is described as a dangerous move, implying that it was risky or unsafe. The word "past" would not be appropriate in this context, as it is used to indicate a location or a period of time that has already occurred.

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3. I like everything about my roommate Matt _____________ for his snoring.

Explanation

This sentence is expressing that the speaker likes everything about their roommate Matt, except for his snoring. The word "except" is used to indicate an exclusion or exception to the statement.

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4. Eventually, I put my anger in the _____________ and began to forgive my sister.

Explanation

The word "past" is the correct answer because it is used as a noun in this sentence. The phrase "in the past" means a previous time or period, and in this context, it suggests that the speaker has let go of their anger and forgiven their sister for something that happened before.

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5. I was not planning ______________ stay out late, but things happen.

Explanation

The sentence is expressing that the speaker did not have the intention to stay out late, but unexpected circumstances caused them to do so. The word "to" is the correct choice because it is used to indicate the purpose or intention of an action, which aligns with the meaning of the sentence.

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6. I never said you paid ___________ much!

Explanation

The correct answer is "too". In this sentence, "too" is used to indicate that the person being spoken to paid an excessive amount. The phrase "never said" suggests that the speaker is denying having made a previous statement about the amount paid. By using "too" in this context, the speaker is emphasizing that the amount paid was more than expected or desired.

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7. When _____________ boyfriend moves out of town without telling you, the relationship has problems.

Explanation

 When "your" boyfriend moves out of town without telling you, it indicates that there are issues in the relationship. The possessive pronoun "your" suggests that the boyfriend belongs to the person being spoken to in the sentence. Therefore, if he moves away without informing them, it implies a lack of communication and trust in the

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8. Harry went to Hogwarts, ____________ he met Snape.

Explanation

In this sentence, the word "then" is the correct answer. The word "then" is used to indicate the sequence of events. It shows that after Harry went to Hogwarts, the next event was that he met Snape. "Than" is used for making comparisons, which is not appropriate in this context.

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9. We have not decided ______________ to go on a cruise for our honeymoon yet.

Explanation

The correct answer is "whether". In this sentence, "whether" is used to introduce a choice between going on a cruise or not for the honeymoon. It indicates that a decision has not been made yet.

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10. Is that ___________ twenty dollar bill?

Explanation

The correct answer is "your" because it is the possessive form of "you" and is used to show ownership or belonging. In this sentence, "your" is used to indicate that the twenty dollar bill belongs to the person being addressed. "You're" is a contraction of "you are" and would not be appropriate in this context.

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11. It was time to get up close and ______________.

Explanation

The correct answer is "personal." In the given sentence, the phrase "get up close and personal" is a commonly used idiom that means to become intimately involved or familiar with something or someone. Therefore, the word "personal" fits appropriately in this context.

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12. Time ___________ slowly.

Explanation

The correct answer is "passed". In this sentence, "passed" is the past tense of the verb "pass" and is used to indicate the passage of time. It suggests that time moved or progressed slowly. "Past" is not the correct answer as it is a preposition indicating a location or a noun referring to a previous time period.

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13. It is easy to give ____________, but it's not so easy to take it.

Explanation

The sentence structure and context indicate that the missing word should be a noun that can be given or taken. "Advice" fits this description, as it can be given to someone or received from someone. "Advise" is a verb, which does not fit the sentence structure and meaning. Therefore, the correct answer is "advice".

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14. Mr. Hermann is a terrible _____________.

Explanation

The correct answer is "principal." In this context, "principal" refers to a person who holds a position of authority in a school, such as the head or director. The word "terrible" suggests that Mr. Hermann is not good at his job or is disliked by others in the school community.

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15. The dog was very ____________ until a squirrel ran into the yard.

Explanation

The correct answer is "quiet". The word "quiet" means to be calm, still, or making little to no noise. In this context, the sentence suggests that the dog was calm or not making any noise until a squirrel entered the yard, implying that the dog's behavior changed.

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16. I wanted to _____________ an exciting life, but I ended up living in the small town of Inertia, Kentucky.

Explanation

The correct answer is "lead". In this sentence, the word "lead" is used as a verb in the past tense. The sentence implies that the speaker had a desire or intention to have an exciting life, but instead, they ended up living in a small town. The verb "lead" means to guide or direct, which fits the context of the sentence.

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17. I wanted to go home more _____________ I wanted to go to the party.

Explanation

The word "than" is the correct answer because it is used to make a comparison between two things. In this sentence, the speaker is comparing their desire to go home with their desire to go to the party. The word "then" is incorrect because it is used to indicate a sequence of events or a consequence.

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18. Not everybody shares my _____________. 

Explanation

The correct answer is "principles". This is because the word "principles" refers to a person's personal beliefs or values that guide their behavior or decisions. The sentence implies that not everyone has the same set of principles as the speaker, indicating that different individuals may have different beliefs or values. “Principals” are chiefs or leaders, specifically of educational institutions. 

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19. It is unusual that _____________ not having a party next door.

Explanation

The correct answer is "they're." In this sentence, "they're" is the contraction of "they are." The sentence is stating that it is unusual for the people next door to not be having a party.

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20. Whatever happens, do not _____________ down your weapon!

Explanation

In this sentence, the word "down" is used as a preposition, indicating the position or direction of the weapon. The correct verb to use with "down" as a preposition is "lay." "Lay" means to place something in a horizontal or flat position. In this context, it means to place or set down the weapon. "Lie" means to recline or be in a resting position, which does not fit the sentence structure.

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21. I wonder when ______________ going to rain?

Explanation

 The correct answer is "it’s." In this sentence, "it’s" is a contraction of "it is" and is used to indicate that the speaker is wondering about the timing of the rain.

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22. The Parrish family could not decide if the ______________ would stay nice enough to go on the picnic or not.

Explanation

The word "weather" refers to the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place. It includes conditions such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. In the sentence, the Parrish family is considering whether the weather will be suitable for a picnic. The word "whether" is a conjunction that introduces an indirect question or expresses doubt or uncertainty. It is not the correct word to use in this context.

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23. It will take a full tank of gas if ____________ going to take Sam all the way to Pasadena.

Explanation

The correct word is "we're," which is a contraction of "we are." The sentence should read: "It will take a full tank of gas if we're going to take Sam all the way to Pasadena." The other options do not fit grammatically. "Were" is the past tense of "are," "wear" refers to clothing, and "where" refers to a place.

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24. I wish I had seen the show last night. I heard it was _____________ a performance.

Explanation

The correct answer is "quite" because it is used to describe something as very good or impressive. In this context, the speaker is expressing regret for not having seen the show because they have heard that it was a very impressive performance.

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25. The ______________ of the new medication was a loss of appetite.

Explanation

The word "effect" is the correct answer because it is used as a noun to describe the result or consequence of something. In this context, the sentence is stating that the new medication caused a loss of appetite, indicating that the loss of appetite is the effect of taking the medication. On the other hand, "affect" is a verb that means to have an influence on or to produce a change in something, which does not fit the context of the sentence.

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26. It was right _____________ on the corner that I saw the masked man.

Explanation

The correct answer is "there". In this sentence, "there" is used to indicate a specific location, which is the corner where the speaker saw the masked man. "Their" is a possessive pronoun indicating possession by multiple people, "they're" is a contraction of "they are", and "there" is the correct choice to indicate a specific location.

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27. Not everyone enjoys working with clerical ____________ .

Explanation

This question is asking for a word that completes the sentence and makes sense in the context of not everyone enjoying working with clerical ________. The correct answer is "personnel" because clerical personnel refers to the staff or employees who work in administrative or office positions. This makes sense in the context of the sentence as not everyone may enjoy working with this specific group of people.

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28. I _____________ you not to wait till the last minute to study for the test.

Explanation

In this sentence, the verb "advise" is the correct choice. "Advise" is a verb that means to recommend or suggest something to someone. In this context, the speaker is giving a suggestion or recommendation to the person, telling them not to wait until the last minute to study for the test. Therefore, "advise" is the appropriate verb to use here.

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29. I wonder ____________ car that is?

Explanation

The correct answer is "whose". In this sentence, "whose" is used to ask about the ownership or possession of the car. It is the appropriate pronoun to use when asking about the person to whom the car belongs.

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30. The dog buried ______________ bone.

Explanation

In this sentence, "its" is the correct answer. "Its" is a possessive pronoun that shows ownership. It is used when something belongs to or is associated with a thing or animal. In this case, the dog is burying its own bone. "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has" and would not be appropriate in this context.

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31. The captain _____________ the final charge in the battle.

Explanation

The correct answer is "led." In this context, "led" is the past tense of the verb "lead", which means to guide or direct a group of people. Since the sentence refers to the captain's action in the past, "led" is the appropriate form of the verb to use. "Lead" is the present tense form of the verb and would not be grammatically correct in this sentence.

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32. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has _____________ the economy and the environment in negative ways.

Explanation

The correct answer is "affected." This is because an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico would have negative impacts on both the economy and the environment. It would disrupt the fishing and tourism industries, leading to economic losses. Additionally, the spill would harm marine life, damage ecosystems, and pollute the water, causing significant environmental damage. “Affected” is the correct word because it means there was an impact, whereas “effected” means to bring about.

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33. Before the bell rang, the class was ______________ to go home.

Explanation

The correct answer is "all ready". In this context, "all ready" means that the class was fully prepared or eager to go home. "Already" would not make sense in this sentence as it refers to something that has happened before a particular time, which does not fit the meaning of the sentence.

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34. Anyone _____________ been to Wales knows how beautiful the countryside is.

Explanation

The correct answer is "who's". "Who's" is a contraction of "who has" or "who is". In this sentence, it is used to refer to someone who has been to Wales. The sentence is saying that anyone who has been to Wales knows how beautiful the countryside is.

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35. I was so tired I decided to _____________ down right after lunch.

Explanation

In this sentence, the correct answer is "lie." The verb "lie" is used to indicate the act of reclining or resting in a horizontal position. Since the sentence is referring to the speaker's intention to rest after lunch, "lie" is the appropriate choice. "Lay" is a transitive verb that requires an object, so it would not be suitable in this context.

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Heather Baxter |BSc (Elementary Education and Teaching) |
K-12 English Expert
Heather is an educator, with four years of teaching experience. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Teaching. She is skilled in Teaching English as a Second Language and currently works as an Elementary School Teacher at Pinellas County Schools. She made a career transition one year ago to explore a new path in writing and copy editing. Heather's specialization lies in curriculum development and educational materials, but she maintains versatility to work across various industries. Known for her keen attention to detail and a deep passion for language, she possesses a sharp eye for precision.

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I refused to _____________ the performance evaluation because there...
The car ________________ the semi on the right; that was a dangerous...
I like everything about my roommate Matt _____________ for his...
Eventually, I put my anger in the _____________ and began to...
I was not planning ______________ stay out late, but things happen.
I never said you paid ___________ much!
When _____________ boyfriend moves out of town without telling...
Harry went to Hogwarts, ____________ he met Snape.
We have not decided ______________ to go on a cruise for our honeymoon...
Is that ___________ twenty dollar bill?
It was time to get up close and ______________.
Time ___________ slowly.
It is easy to give ____________, but it's not so easy to take it.
Mr. Hermann is a terrible _____________.
The dog was very ____________ until a squirrel ran into the yard.
I wanted to _____________ an exciting life, but I ended up living in...
I wanted to go home more _____________ I wanted to go to the...
Not everybody shares my _____________. 
It is unusual that _____________ not having a party next door.
Whatever happens, do not _____________ down your weapon!
I wonder when ______________ going to rain?
The Parrish family could not decide if the ______________ would stay...
It will take a full tank of gas if ____________ going to take Sam...
I wish I had seen the show last night. I heard it was...
The ______________ of the new medication was a loss of appetite.
It was right _____________ on the corner that I saw the masked man.
Not everyone enjoys working with clerical ____________ .
I _____________ you not to wait till the last minute to study for the...
I wonder ____________ car that is?
The dog buried ______________ bone.
The captain _____________ the final charge in the battle.
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has _____________ the economy...
Before the bell rang, the class was ______________ to go home.
Anyone _____________ been to Wales knows how beautiful the...
I was so tired I decided to _____________ down right after lunch.
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