Commonly Confused Pairs

Commonly Confused Pairs Definition

Some pairs of words may not be exact homophones but are still easily mixed up if they have similar pronunciations, spellings, and/or meanings.

Examples of Commonly Confused Pairs

While the list of confused pairs of words is extensive, some examples of commonly confused pairs would be the following:

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Between, Among

Have you decided between the brownie sundae and the banana split?

There must be enough change among the three of us to get soda from the vending machine.

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Lay, Lie

You can lay your finished tests on the teacher’s desk when you finish.

I’m going to lie down in my bed and take a nap.

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Than, Then

I have more homework to do this weekend than Dorothy does.

Stir the pancake batter, then pour it into the pan.

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Farther, Further

There are fewer restaurants the farther you go from the center of town.

Because I am a fast reader, I am further along in the book than Jane is.

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