Lesson on Frequently Confused Words

Used for countable nouns.

Example
There are fewer students in class today.

Fewer

Used for uncountable nouns or abstract concepts.

Example
There is less traffic on weekends.

Less

​Tip: If you can count it, use fewer!

To lift or move something up

Example
Please raise your hand to ask a question.

Raise

To move upward on its own.

Example
The sun rises in the east.

Rise

Remember: You raise something, but things rise by themselves

To lift or move something up

Example
Please raise your hand to ask a question.

Raise

To move upward on its own.

Example
The sun rises in the east.

Rise

Remember: You raise something, but things rise by themselves

Usually a noun meaning result or outcome

Example
The effect of the rain was a canceled game.

Effect

Usually a verb meaning to influence.

Example
The weather affects my mood.

Affect

Tip: "A" for Action (Affect), "E" for End result (Effect)

An opening or empty space.

Example
There's a hole in my sock.

Hole

Entire or complete.

Example
 I ate the whole pizza.

Whole

Remember: "W" in whole stands for "all of it"

Shows possession for "it"

Example
The dog wagged its tail.

Its

Contraction of "it is" or "it has"

Example
It's raining outside. (It is raining outside.)

It's

Tip: If you can replace it with "it is," use "it's"