Commonly Confused Words Quiz

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Commonly Confused Words Quiz - Quiz

Here is a "Commonly Confused Words" quiz! The English language has always been a complex one. The case always seems to be that unless you’re picking it up as a second language. You simply overlook all of the contradictions and overly tricky aspects of it – an example of which is multiple varying words with either the same spelling or pronunciation with vastly different definitions. In this quiz, we will focus on various confusing words in English. Think you can tell the difference between these words? Let’s find out!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    I refused to _____________ the performance evaluation because there was false information in it.

    • A. 

      Accept

    • B. 

      Except

    Correct Answer
    A. Accept
    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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  • 2. 

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

    • A. 

      Advice

    • B. 

      Advise

    Correct Answer
    A. Advice
    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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  • 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. Affected
    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 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.

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  • 4. 

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

    • A. 

      Already

    • B. 

      All ready

    Correct Answer
    B. All ready
    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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  • 5. 

    The dog buried ______________ bone.

    • A. 

      Its

    • B. 

      It's

    Correct Answer
    A. Its
    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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  • 6. 

    The car ________________ the semi on the right; that was a dangerous move.

    • A. 

      Passed

    • B. 

      Past

    Correct Answer
    A. Passed
    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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  • 7. 

    Not everybody shares my _____________. 

    • A. 

      Principals

    • B. 

      Principles

    Correct Answer
    B. Principles
    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.

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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. Quite
    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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  • 9. 

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

    • A. 

      Than

    • B. 

      Then

    Correct Answer
    A. Than
    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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  • 10. 

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

    • A. 

      Their

    • B. 

      They’re

    • C. 

      There

    Correct Answer
    B. They’re
    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 "they are" not to have a party next door.

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  • 11. 

    I never said you paid ___________ much!

    • A. 

      To

    • B. 

      Two

    • C. 

      Too

    Correct Answer
    C. Too
    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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  • 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. Weather
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 13. 

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

    • A. 

      Who’s

    • B. 

      Whose

    Correct Answer
    A. Who’s
    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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  • 14. 

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

    • A. 

      Your

    • B. 

      You’re

    Correct Answer
    A. Your
    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 referred to in the sentence. Therefore, if he moves away without informing them, it implies a lack of communication and trust in the relationship.

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  • 15. 

    The captain _____________ the final charge in the battle.

    • A. 

      Led

    • B. 

      Lead

    Correct Answer
    A. Led
    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 is referring 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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  • 16. 

    It was time to get up close and ______________.

    • A. 

      Personal

    • B. 

      Personnel

    Correct Answer
    A. Personal
    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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  • 17. 

    Whatever happens, do not _____________ down your weapon!

    • A. 

      Lie

    • B. 

      Lay

    Correct Answer
    B. Lay
    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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  • 18. 

    It takes 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’re
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 19. 

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

    • A. 

      Accept

    • B. 

      Except

    Correct Answer
    B. Except
    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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  • 20. 

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

    • A. 

      Advice

    • B. 

      Advise

    Correct Answer
    B. Advise
    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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  • 21. 

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

    • A. 

      Affect

    • B. 

      Effect

    Correct Answer
    B. Effect
    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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  • 22. 

    I wonder when ______________ going to rain?

    • A. 

      Its

    • B. 

      It’s

    Correct Answer
    B. It’s
    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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  • 23. 

    Time ___________ slowly.

    • A. 

      Passed

    • B. 

      Past

    Correct Answer
    A. Passed
    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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  • 24. 

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

    • A. 

      Passed

    • B. 

      Past

    Correct Answer
    B. Past
    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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  • 25. 

    Mr. Hermann is a terrible _____________.

    • A. 

      Principal

    • B. 

      Principle

    Correct Answer
    A. Principal
    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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  • 26. 

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

    • A. 

      Quiet

    • B. 

      Quit

    • C. 

      Quite

    Correct Answer
    A. Quiet
    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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  • 27. 

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

    • A. 

      To

    • B. 

      Two

    • C. 

      Too

    Correct Answer
    A. To
    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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  • 28. 

    Harry went to Hogwarts, ____________ he met Snape.

    • A. 

      Than

    • B. 

      Then

    Correct Answer
    B. Then
    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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  • 29. 

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

    • A. 

      Their

    • B. 

      They’re

    • C. 

      There

    Correct Answer
    C. There
    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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  • 30. 

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

    • A. 

      Weather

    • B. 

      Whether

    Correct Answer
    B. Whether
    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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  • 31. 

    I wonder ____________ car that is?

    • A. 

      Who’s

    • B. 

      Whose

    Correct Answer
    B. Whose
    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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  • 32. 

    Is that ___________ twenty dollar bill?

    • A. 

      Your

    • B. 

      You’re

    Correct Answer
    A. Your
    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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  • 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. Lead
    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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  • 34. 

    Not everyone enjoys working with clerical ____________ .

    • A. 

      Personal

    • B. 

      Personnel

    Correct Answer
    B. Personnel
    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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  • 35. 

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

    • A. 

      Lie

    • B. 

      Lay

    Correct Answer
    A. Lie
    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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