Commonly Confused Words Quiz
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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 or 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 Read moremost 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!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
I refused to _____________ the performance evaluation because there was false information in it.
- A.
Accept
- B.
Except
Correct Answer
A. AcceptExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 2.
It is easy to give ____________, but it's not so easy to take it.
- A.
Advice
- B.
Advise
Correct Answer
A. AdviceExplanation
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".Rate this question:
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- 3.
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has _____________ the economy and the environment in negative ways.
- A.
Affected
- B.
Effected
Correct Answer
A. AffectedExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Before the bell rang, the class was ______________ to go home.
- A.
Already
- B.
All ready
Correct Answer
B. All readyExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The dog buried ______________ bone.
- A.
Its
- B.
It's
Correct Answer
A. ItsExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The car ________________ the semi on the right; that was a dangerous move.
- A.
Passed
- B.
Past
Correct Answer
A. PassedExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Not everybody shares my _____________.
- A.
Principals
- B.
Principles
Correct Answer
B. PrinciplesExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 8.
I wish I had seen the show last night. I heard it was _____________ a performance.
- A.
Quiet
- B.
Quit
- C.
Quite
Correct Answer
C. QuiteExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 9.
I wanted to go home more _____________ I wanted to go to the party.
- A.
Than
- B.
Then
Correct Answer
A. ThanExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 10.
It is unusual that _____________ not having a party next door.
- A.
Their
- B.
They’re
- C.
There
Correct Answer
B. They’reExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 11.
I never said you paid ___________ much!
- A.
To
- B.
Two
- C.
Too
Correct Answer
C. TooExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Parrish family could not decide if the ______________ would stay nice enough to go on the picnic or not.
- A.
Weather
- B.
Whether
Correct Answer
A. WeatherExplanation
The given question is asking about the uncertainty of the condition of the weather for the Parrish family's picnic. The word "weather" refers to the atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, and wind, which can determine whether the picnic will be enjoyable or not. On the other hand, the word "whether" is used to introduce a choice or possibility between two or more alternatives. In this context, "weather" is the correct answer as it is directly related to the condition that the Parrish family is uncertain about.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Anyone _____________ been to Wales knows how beautiful the countryside is.
- A.
Who’s
- B.
Whose
Correct Answer
A. Who’sExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 14.
When _____________ boyfriend moves out of town without telling you, the relationship has problems.
- A.
Your
- B.
You’re
Correct Answer
A. YourExplanation
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 theRate this question:
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- 15.
The captain _____________ the final charge in the battle.
- A.
Led
- B.
Lead
Correct Answer
A. LedExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 16.
It was time to get up close and ______________.
- A.
Personal
- B.
Personnel
Correct Answer
A. PersonalExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Whatever happens, do not _____________ down your weapon!
- A.
Lie
- B.
Lay
Correct Answer
B. LayExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 18.
It will take a full tank of gas if ____________ going to take Sam all the way to Pasadena.
- A.
Were
- B.
We’re
- C.
Wear
- D.
Where
Correct Answer
B. We’reExplanation
The correct answer is "we're." This is because "we're" is a contraction of "we are," which is the correct phrase to use in this context. The sentence is stating that if "we are" going to take Sam all the way to Pasadena, it will take a full tank of gas.Rate this question:
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- 19.
I like everything about my roommate Matt _____________ for his snoring.
- A.
Accept
- B.
Except
Correct Answer
B. ExceptExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 20.
I _____________ you not to wait till the last minute to study for the test.
- A.
Advice
- B.
Advise
Correct Answer
B. AdviseExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The ______________ of the new medication was a loss of appetite.
- A.
Affect
- B.
Effect
Correct Answer
B. EffectExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 22.
I wonder when ______________ going to rain?
- A.
Its
- B.
It’s
Correct Answer
B. It’sExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Time ___________ slowly.
- A.
Passed
- B.
Past
Correct Answer
A. PassedExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Eventually, I put my anger in the _____________ and began to forgive my sister.
- A.
Passed
- B.
Past
Correct Answer
B. PastExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Mr. Hermann is a terrible _____________.
- A.
Principal
- B.
Principle
Correct Answer
A. PrincipalExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The dog was very ____________ until a squirrel ran into the yard.
- A.
Quiet
- B.
Quit
- C.
Quite
Correct Answer
A. QuietExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 27.
I was not planning ______________ stay out late, but things happen.
- A.
To
- B.
Two
- C.
Too
Correct Answer
A. ToExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Harry went to Hogwarts, ____________ he met Snape.
- A.
Than
- B.
Then
Correct Answer
B. ThenExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 29.
It was right _____________ on the corner that I saw the masked man.
- A.
Their
- B.
They’re
- C.
There
Correct Answer
C. ThereExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 30.
We have not decided ______________ to go on a cruise for our honeymoon yet.
- A.
Weather
- B.
Whether
Correct Answer
B. WhetherExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 31.
I wonder ____________ car that is?
- A.
Who’s
- B.
Whose
Correct Answer
B. WhoseExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Is that ___________ twenty dollar bill?
- A.
Your
- B.
You’re
Correct Answer
A. YourExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 33.
I wanted to _____________ an exciting life, but I ended up living in the small town of Inertia, Kentucky.
- A.
Led
- B.
Lead
Correct Answer
B. LeadExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Not everyone enjoys working with clerical ____________ .
- A.
Personal
- B.
Personnel
Correct Answer
B. PersonnelExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 35.
I was so tired I decided to _____________ down right after lunch.
- A.
Lie
- B.
Lay
Correct Answer
A. LieExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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Oct 17, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jul 07, 2010Quiz Created by
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