Spelling Correctly
Spelling questions require you to identify and correct misspelled words. These questions often focus on:
Commonly Confused Words
- Words like “their,” “there,” and “they’re” or “affect” and “effect” are often confused, and you will need to choose the correct one based on the context of the sentence.
Homophones
- These are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings (e.g., “its” vs. “it’s”, or “your” vs. “you’re”). You will need to identify which spelling is correct depending on the sentence.
Suffixes and Prefixes
- You may be tested on the correct spelling of words with added suffixes or prefixes. For example, changing “happy” to “happiness” or “stop” to “stopped” requires specific rules.
Deep Dive: Commonly Misspelled Words
Some words in English are commonly misspelled due to their irregular spellings or because they sound like other words. Getting familiar with these words and their correct spellings will help prevent errors in your writing.
Here are some of the most frequently misspelled words:
Accommodation
- People often forget the double “c” and double “m” in this word.
Definitely
- Many people mistakenly spell this word as “definately.” Remember that it contains “finite,” like in “infinite.”
Necessary
- This word often trips people up because of the double “s” and single “c.” A mnemonic is to remember that it’s “necessary to have one collar (c) and two socks (s).”
Separate
- A common misspelling is “seperate.” Try to remember that “separate” has “a rat” in it.
Embarrass
- This word can be tricky with its double “r” and double “s.” Think of it as being doubly embarrassing to misspell it!
Recommend
- Many people drop the second “m” in this word. Try to recall that you’re recommending something twice by keeping both “m”s.
Occasionally
- The problem with this word usually lies in remembering the double “c” and “s.”
Key Tip: To study commonly misspelled words, break the word down into smaller parts or use mnemonic devices to help with tricky letters. Writing them repeatedly in a sentence can also help reinforce their correct spelling in your memory.
Deep Dive: Help with Homophones
Homophones are words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings. They can cause confusion in writing, especially if you’re not familiar with their meanings.
Let’s explore some of the most common homophones:
To, Two, Too
- “To” is a preposition indicating direction or purpose.
- “Two” is the number 2.
- “Too” means also or excessively.
- Example: “I’m going to the store.” / “She has two cats.” / “I want ice cream too.”
Brake vs. Break
- “Brake” refers to the device used to stop a vehicle.
- “Break” means to separate or destroy something.
- Example: “Press the brake to stop the car.” / “Don’t break that vase!”
Peace vs. Piece
- “Peace” refers to calmness or the absence of conflict.
- “Piece” is a part of something.
- Example: “The treaty brought peace to the region.” / “Can I have a piece of cake?”
Hear vs. Here
- “Hear” means to perceive sound.
- “Here” refers to a location.
- Example: “Can you hear the music?” / “I’ll wait for you here.”
Plain vs. Plane
- “Plain” means simple or clear.
- “Plane” refers to an aircraft.
- Example: “She wore a plain dress.” / “We flew on a plane to Paris.”
Key Tip: When studying homophones, try making pairs of sentences with each word used correctly. This will help you remember their meanings and spellings.
Deep Dive: Commonly Confused Words
Many words in English sound similar or look alike but have very different meanings. Using them incorrectly can drastically change the meaning of a sentence.
Here’s a list of commonly confused words that often trip people up:
Affect vs. Effect
- “Affect” is a verb meaning to influence something.
- “Effect” is a noun meaning the result of a change.
- Example: “The weather affects my mood.” / “The new law had a positive effect on the economy.”
Your vs. You’re
- “Your” shows possession.
- “You’re” is a contraction of “you are.”
- Example: “Is this your book?” / “You’re going to love this movie!”
Their vs. There vs. They’re
- “Their” shows possession.
- “There” refers to a place.
- “They’re” is a contraction of “they are.”
- Example: “Their car is parked over there.” / “They’re going to the concert.”
Then vs. Than
- “Then” refers to time.
- “Than” is used for comparisons.
- Example: “We went to dinner, then we saw a movie.” / “I’m taller than my brother.”
Its vs. It’s
- “Its” shows possession.
- “It’s” is a contraction of “it is.”
- Example: “The dog wagged its tail.” / “It’s going to rain tomorrow.”
Key Tip: When you encounter confusing word pairs, try writing each word in a sentence to check if it makes sense. Familiarize yourself with the correct usage by making flashcards or writing out examples.