Editing List of commonly misused English words

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{{about|English words that are misused|English words whose valid usage is in dispute|List of English words with disputed usage}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2022}}
This is a list of English words that are thought to be commonly misused. It is meant to include only words whose ''misuse'' is deprecated by most usage writers, editors, and professional grammarians defining the norms of Standard English. It is possible that some of the meanings marked ''non-standard'' may pass into ''Standard'' English in the future, but at this time all of the following ''non-standard'' phrases are likely to be marked as ''incorrect'' by English teachers or changed by editors if used in a work submitted for publication, where adherence to the conventions of Standard English is normally expected. Some examples are [[homonym]]s, or pairs of words that are spelled similarly and often confused.

The words listed below are often used in ways that major English dictionaries do not approve of. See [[List of English words with disputed usage]] for words that are used in ways that are [[wikt:deprecate|deprecated]] by some usage writers but are condoned by some dictionaries. There may be regional variations in [[grammar]], [[orthography]], and [[Usage (language)|word-use]], especially between different English-speaking countries. Such differences are not classified normatively as non-standard or "incorrect" once they have gained [[Usus|widespread acceptance]] in a particular country.
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==List==
<!-- Please check major dictionaries to make sure that any additions are in fact misuses and not merely disputed uses. Major online dictionaries:
* https://AHDictionary.com/ – The American Heritage Dictionary (US)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160920052111/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/ Article title] – The Compact Oxford English Dictionary (UK)
* https://Merriam-Webster.com/ – MW Collegiate Dictionary (US)
* https://Dictionary.Cambridge.org – Cambridge Dictionary (UK)
* http://Dictionary.com – Random House Dictionary (US), Collins English Dictionary (UK)
* http://YourDictionary.com – Webster's New World College Dictionary (US), American Heritage (US)
* https://TheFreeDictionary.com – Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary (UK), American Heritage (US), Collins (UK) 
-->

<!-- Do not add "agenda", "data", or "media" to this list. See:
* http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/data "plural in form but singular or plural in construction"
* [https://archive.today/20150708200028/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/data Article title]
* http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/data (American Heritage dictionary)
* http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/data
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160926223927/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/media Article title]
-->

===A===
* '''[[wikt:a lot|a lot]]''' and '''[[wikt:allot|allot]]'''. ''A lot'' means "many" or "much"; ''allot'' means to distribute something.
* '''[[wikt:abdicate|abdicate]]''', [[wikt:abnegate|'''abnegate''']], '''[[wikt:abrogate|abrogate]]''', and '''[[wikt:arrogate|arrogate]]'''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-09-18 |title=How to Use Abdicate, abnegate, abrogate Correctly |url=https://grammarist.com/usage/abdicate-abnegate-abrogate/ |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=Grammarist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of ABROGATE |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrogate |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=[[Merriam-Webster]]}}</ref> To ''abdicate'' is to resign from the throne, or more loosely to cast off a responsibility. To ''abnegate'' is to deny oneself something. To ''abrogate'' is to repeal (do away with) a law or abolish (put an end to) an arrangement, also to evade a responsibility. To ''arrogate'' is to attempt to take on a right or responsibility to which one is not entitled.
** ''Standard'': Edward VIII abdicated the throne of the United Kingdom.
** ''Standard'': Henry VIII abrogated Welsh customary law.
** ''Non-standard'': You should not abrogate to yourself the whole honour of the President's visit (should be "arrogate").
* '''[[wikt:accept|accept]]''' and '''[[wikt:except|except]]'''. While they sound similar (or even identical in parts of the US), ''except'' is a [[preposition]] that means "apart from", while ''accept'' is a [[verb]] that means "agree with", "take in", or "receive". ''Except'' is also occasionally used as a verb, meaning to take out or to leave out.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=accept", "except |title=Dictionary of English Usage |publisher=Merriam-Webster |date=1995}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://blog.dictionary.com/accept-vs-except/ |title=Accept vs. Except |date=January 18, 2016 |work=Blog.Dictionary.com |access-date=January 18, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': We accept all major credit cards, except Diners Club.
** ''Standard'': People are fools... present company excepted! (meaning "present company excluded")
** ''Non-standard'': I had trouble making friends with them; I never felt {{sic|hide=y|ex|cepted}}.
** ''Non-standard'': We all went swimming, {{sic|hide=y|ac|cept}} for Jack.
* '''[[wikt:acute|acute]]''' and '''[[wikt:chronic|chronic]]'''. ''Acute'' means "sharp", as an acute illness is one that rapidly worsens and reaches a crisis. A ''chronic'' illness may also be a severe one, but it is long-lasting, lingering, or having a long history.<ref name="Writer's Mentor">{{cite web |title=Commonly Confused Words |url=https://writersmentor.com/commonly-confused-words-english/ |website=writersmentor.com |access-date=December 3, 2023}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': She was treated with epinephrine during an acute asthma attack.
** ''Standard'': It is not a terminal illness, but it does cause chronic pain.
** ''Non-standard'': I have suffered from acute asthma for twenty years.
** ''Non-standard'': I just started feeling this chronic pain in my back.
* '''[[wikt:adverse|adverse]]''' and '''[[wikt:averse|averse]]'''. ''Adverse'' means unfavorable, contrary or hostile. ''Averse'' means having a strong feeling of opposition, antipathy, or repugnance. Merriam-Webster notes that ''adverse'' is commonly used as an attributive adjective (before the noun), while ''averse'' is rarely used in this situation.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=adverse", "averse |title=Dictionary of English Usage |publisher=Merriam-Webster |date=1995}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adverse |title=Adverse |quote=Can be confused: adverse, averse |work=Dictionary.Reference.com |access-date=June 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/adverse_averse.en.html |title=Commonly Confused Words |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=October 14, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': They sailed despite adverse weather conditions.
** ''Standard'': He was averse to taking his medicine.
** ''Non-standard'': He is not adverse to having a drink now and then.
* '''[[wikt:aesthetic|aesthetic]]''' and '''[[wikt:ascetic|ascetic]]'''. ''Aesthetic'' relates to an appealing or unappealing visual look or atmosphere. ''Ascetic'' is used to express the avoidance of pleasure due to self-discipline.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/aesthetic_ascetic.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words: Aesthetic and Ascetic |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': The aesthetics of the building were beautiful.
** ''Standard'': Some religions support ascetic practices.
* '''[[wikt:affect|affect]]''' and '''[[wikt:effect|effect]]'''. The verb ''affect'' means "to influence something", and the noun ''effect'' means "the result of". ''Effect'' can also be a verb that means "to cause [something] to be", while ''affect'' as a noun has technical meanings in [[psychology]], [[music]], and [[Aesthetics|aesthetic theory]]: an [[emotion]] or [[Subjectivity|subjectively]] experienced feeling.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=affect", "effect |title=Dictionary of English Usage |publisher=Merriam-Webster |date=1995}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/affect_effect.en.html |title=Affect/Effect |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=October 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.editorworld.com/article/commonly-confused-words-affect-versus-effect |title=Commonly Confused Words: Affect Versus Effect|work=EditorWorld.com |access-date=October 14, 2023}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': The other benefit of class and collective actions is that they '''effect''' social and economic change.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/01/opinions/chipotle-class-action-lawsuit-wages-opinion-cevallos/index.html |title=What makes Chipotle 'wage theft' lawsuit possible (Opinion) |work=CNN |author=Danny Cevallos |date=September 1, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': This poem affected me so much that I cried.
** ''Standard'': Temperature has an '''effect''' on reaction spontaneity.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.editorworld.com/article/commonly-confused-words-affect-versus-effect |title=Affect and Effect}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': The dynamite effected the wall's collapse.
** ''Standard'': He seemed completely devoid of affect.
** ''Non-standard'': An IOC spokesman told Press Association Sport: "We were aware that FIFA might consider changing the dates for the 2022 World Cup. We are confident that FIFA will discuss the dates with us so as to co-ordinate them and avoid any affect on the Winter Games."<ref>{{cite news |title=FIFA warned winter World Cup in Qatar must not clash with Olympics |author=Martyn Ziegler |url= http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fifa-warned-winter-world-cup-in-qatar-must-not-clash-with-olympics-8827399.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=September 19, 2013 |access-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Some neighbors complain about Romney's new presidential entourage—including dozens of Secret Service agents who now guard the candidate 24 hours a day—and its '''affect''' on their quiet street.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mitt Romney's California neighbors are not exactly his biggest fans |url= http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/mitt-romneys-california-neighbors-biggest-fans/story?id=16516032 |author=Holly Bailey |date=June 7, 2012 |work=ABC News |via=Go.com |access-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': His teammate Steve Nash can see how the time off had an '''affect''' on Gasol.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/37294/no-extension-talks-for-pau-gasol |title=No extension talks for Pau Gasol |author=Dave McMenamin |date=September 29, 2013 |work=ESPNLosAngeles.com |access-date=June 19, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Seneca Jones Timber Co. executives say the pipe will '''effect''' 2,000 acres of their timberland, another 1,000 acres of property for roads, as well as public lands where Seneca harvests and transports logs.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2014/08/landowners_tell_proposed_lng_e.html |title=Landowners tell proposed LNG export terminal in Coos Bay: 'Keep your pipeline off my property' |author=Ted Sickinger |date=August 28, 2014 |work=OregonLive.com |access-date=December 23, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': The rain '''effected''' our plans for the day.
** ''Non-standard'': We tried appeasing the rain gods, but to no '''affect'''.
* '''[[wikt:aisle|aisle]]''' and '''[[wikt:isle|isle]]'''. An aisle is a corridor through which one may pass from one place to another. An isle is an island. 
** ''Standard'': He came from a small isle in the Caribbean.
** ''Standard'': The coffee is down the third aisle on the left.
* '''[[wikt:algorithm|algorithm]]''' and '''[[wikt:logarithm|logarithm]]'''. An ''algorithm'' is a step-by-step procedure, usually for calculation, the processing of data, or choosing among alternatives. The ''logarithm'' of a number is the power (i.e., exponent) to which a specified base must be raised to produce that number.
** ''Standard'': The board of directors developed an algorithm for choosing the company's new president from among the remaining candidates.
** ''Standard'': The algorithm for long division is usually taught in grade school. On the other hand, the algorithm for square root extraction, of which the best known pencil-and-paper form is still the one developed by [[Hero of Alexandria]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Heath|first=Sir Thomas L.|title=A History of Greek Mathematics, Vol. 2|publisher=Clarendon Press|year=1921|location=Oxford|pages=[https://archive.org/details/ahistorygreekma00heatgoog/page/n340 323]–324|url=https://archive.org/details/ahistorygreekma00heatgoog}}</ref> is nowadays rarely taught, even in secondary school.
** ''Standard'': Using a base of 2, the logarithm of 32 is 5, because 2<sup>5</sup> equals 32.
** ''Standard'': The number of octaves between two sounds is equal to the base-2 logarithm of the ratio of their frequencies.
* '''[[wikt:allow|allow]]'''. The verb ''allow'' usually requires a referent. The construction "allows to" is a common error of German-speakers and South Asians with English as a second language.<ref>{{cite web |title="allows to do something" vs "allows someone to do something" |url= https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/154128-quot-allows-to-do-something-quot-vs-quot-allows-someone-to-do-something-quot |work=UsingEnglish.com|date= September 2011 }}</ref> An accepted [[Intransitive verb|intransitive]] construction is "allows for"<ref name=Burnham /> ("allows of" is also attested but obsolete).
** ''Standard'': The application allows users to download more quickly.
** ''Standard'': Roman law allowed a soldier to make a valid will without any formality.
** ''Non-standard'': The instrument allows to measure ...<ref name=Burnham>{{cite web |last1=Burnham |first1=Nancy |title=Scientific English as a Foreign Language Answers to Lesson of November 21, 1997 Allow |url= https://users.wpi.edu/~nab/sci_eng/97_Nov_21.html |date=30 April 1998}}</ref>
** ''Standard but awkward'': "Allows to" can be used in this way, by moving the referent to the end: "The screen does not allow to pass any insects larger than gnats" and "A tenant who causes or allows to transpire damage to the property is liable ...".  Such phraseology is awkward and should usually be rewritten, but not always.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 38: 1 July to 12 November 1802 |section=To Étienne Lemaire, Monticello, Aug. 13, 1802|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=2Y32d7yEGn8C&pg=PA210|publisher=[[Princeton University Press]]|date=2012|author=[[Thomas Jefferson|Jefferson, Thomas]]|isbn=978-1400840038|quote=Mr. Monro has no funds in his hands which the law allows to be applied....}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:allusion|allusion]]''' and '''[[wikt:illusion|illusion]]'''. An ''allusion'' is an indirect or metaphorical reference to something; an ''illusion'' is a false picture of something that is there.
* '''[[wikt:appraise|appraise]]''' and '''[[wikt:apprise|apprise]]'''.  To ''appraise'' is to assess or value something; to ''apprise'' is to teach or inform.
** ''Standard'': His performance was appraised very positively.
** ''Standard'': I lost no time in apprising her of the situation.
** ''Non-standard'': Has he been appraised of the fact?
*'''[[wikt:Arab|Arab]]''' and '''[[wikt:Arabic|Arabic]]'''.  As an adjective, ''Arab'' refers to people and things of ethnic [[Arab]] origin. ''Arabic'' refers to the [[Arabic language]] or [[Arabic alphabet|writing system]].  Its use as a synonym for ''Arab'' is considered controversial by some{{who|date=March 2022}}.
* '''[[wikt:are|are]]''' and '''[[wikt:our|our]]'''. ''Are'' is the second-person singular present and the first-, second-, and third-person plural present of the verb ''be''. ''Our'' means "belonging to us".
** ''Standard'': Are you coming to our house after the show?
** ''Standard'': Our family has been trying to save money because of the country's current economic situation.
* '''[[wikt:ascent|ascent]]''' and '''[[wikt:assent|assent]]'''. To ''ascend'' means to go up or advance from an original position. To ''assent'' is to agree.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/assent_ascent.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words: Assent and Ascent |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref> 
** ''Standard'': I watched the balloon's ascent into the sky.
** ''Standard'': We need to reach assent on how to do this project.
* '''[[wikt:assure|assure]]''', '''[[wikt:ensure|ensure]]''', and '''[[wikt:insure|insure]]'''. In American English, to ''assure'' is purely to intend to give the listener confidence, to ''ensure'' is to make certain of something, and to ''insure'' is to purchase or provide insurance for something.  The only difference with British English is that ''assure'' can be used instead of ''insure'', particularly in the context of life insurance or assurance.
** ''Standard'': I assure you that I will have your car washed by the time you return.
** ''Standard'': When you mow the lawn, ensure there are no foreign objects in the grass.
** ''Standard'': I plan to purchase the collision policy when I insure my car.
** ''Standard'': Progressive insured his SUV.
** ''Standard'': I already have more than enough life assurance.
** ''Non-standard'': His actions insured that the attacking army would fail.
* '''[[wikt:awaken|awaken]]''' and '''[[wikt:awoken|awoken]]''': ''Awaken'' is typically used to express waking in the present tense. ''Awoken'' is typically used to express waking in the past tense.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/awaken_awoken.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref> ''Awoken'' is the original "hard verb" inflection of "to wake", but through morphological leveling the soft form ''awakened'' has become more common.
** ''Standard'': We must awaken the dragon.
** ''Standard'': The dragon has awoken.

===B===
* '''[[wikt:barter|barter]]''', '''[[wikt:haggle|haggle]]''' and '''[[wikt:banter|banter]]'''. To barter means to exchange goods rather than carrying out commercial transactions using money. To haggle is to negotiate a price. Banter is a noun meaning a friendly or good-natured exchange of remarks.
* '''[[wikt:belie|belie]]'''. To belie means "to contradict" or "to give a false impression of".  It is sometimes used incorrectly to mean to betray something hidden.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-12-21 |title=How to Use Belie Correctly |url=https://grammarist.com/usage/belie/ |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=Grammarist}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:bemused|bemused]]'''. To be bemused is to be perplexed or bewildered; however, it is commonly used incorrectly in place of '''[[wikt:amused|amused]]'''.
* '''[[wikt:bisect|bisect]]''' and '''[[wikt:dissect|dissect]]'''. ''Bisect'' means "to cut into two"; ''dissect'' means "to cut apart", both literally and figuratively. ''{{sic|hide=y|Dis|ect}}'' is an archaic word meaning "to separate by cutting", but has not been in common use since the 17th century.
** ''Standard'': The Americas are bisected by the Panama canal.
** ''Standard'': She dissected Smith's dissertation, pointing out scores of errors.
** ''Standard'': We dissected the eye of a bull in biology class today.
** ''Probably non-standard'': We {{sic|hide=y|bis|ected}} the eye of a bull in biology class today.
*'''[[wikt:born|born]]''' and '''[[wikt:borne|borne]]'''. ''Born'' is when a living creature enters the world through the birthing process. ''Borne'' means to carry, realize, or bear something.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/born_borne.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': I was born on March 6, 1982. 
** ''Standard'': I contracted mosquito-borne malaria while in Africa.
* '''[[wikt:breath|breath]]''' and '''[[wikt:breathe|breathe]]'''. A ''breath'' (noun) is the air that is inhaled or exhaled from the lungs.  To ''breathe'' (verb) is the act of inhaling or exhaling.
* '''[[wikt:buy|buy]]''' and '''[[wikt:by|by]]'''. ''Buy'' means to purchase or spend money on something. ''By'' is a preposition meaning close to or indicating who did something.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/buy_by.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': I want to buy a TV.
** ''Standard'': We are by the station now.
** ''Standard'': My favorite novel is by Ursula Le Guin.

===C===
* '''[[wikt:cache|cache]]''', '''[[wikt:cachet|cachet]]''' and '''[[wikt:cash|cash]]'''. A ''cache'' (IPA: {{IPA|/kæʃ/}}) is a storage place from which items may be quickly retrieved. A ''cachet'' (IPA: {{IPA|/kæˈʃeɪ/}}) is a seal or mark, such as a wax seal on an envelope or a mark of authenticity on a product (usually used figuratively to mean "marked by excellence, distinction or superiority").<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cache |title=cache |quote=Can be confused: cache, cachet, cash. |access-date=July 19, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': The pirates buried a cache of jewels near the coast.
** ''Standard'': Living in New York City definitely has a certain cachet.
** ''Standard'': But if a recommendation out of the Board of Governors meeting Tuesday in Las Vegas gets enacted as soon as this autumn, division titles would lose more than cachet.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/steve_aschburner/07/14/board-of-governors-2015-recap/index.html |title=Silver expects changes to playoff seeding next season |work=NBA.com |author=Steve Aschburner |date=July 14, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': The Wiz would be safer following the path San Antonio took with Leonard, only they haven't built up the cachet that allowed the Spurs to say, essentially, "Trust us. Hold tight as a cheap cap hold, and we'll make it worth your while."<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://grantland.com/the-triangle/welcome-to-extensionville-the-nbas-next-big-money-community/ |title=Welcome to Extensionville: The NBA's Next Big-Money Community |work=Grantland.com |author=Zach Lowe |date=August 4, 2015 |access-date=August 6, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': This of course would be the second time Prokhorov was able to take advantage of a situation where his huge cache of cash helped him with the Nets.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.netsdaily.com/2015/9/3/9254045/new-york-post-mikhail-prokhorov-nears-purchase-of-nets-barclays |title=New York Post: Mikhail Prokhorov nears purchase of Nets, Barclays Center at bargain price |author=Net Income |work=SBNation Nets Daily |date=September 3, 2015 |access-date=September 5, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': It was easy: For one, he was an athlete who had made it, which provided the ultimate caché among parents who wanted their kids to go as far in sports as their talent could take them.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.sbnation.com/2014/7/15/5883593/the-many-crimes-of-mel-hall#2-Chapter-Two--The-Coach |title=The many crimes of Mel Hall |date=July 15, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': The greatest cache this team has is that one of the players has an umlaut in his name.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2014/12/23/7443453/the-atlanta-hawks-and-the-battle-of-attrition-with-their-own-city |title=The Atlanta Hawks and the battle of attrition with their own city |author=hawksdawgs |work=PeachTreeHoops.com |date=December 23, 2014 |access-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': You need a couple of money guys (serious big money), then it doesn't hurt if you have a minority owner or two with some cache in said city to help win over the local fans.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/12/report-atlanta-baseball-legend-hank-aaron-joins-group-trying-to-buy-hawks/ |title=Report: Atlanta baseball legend Hank Aaron joins group trying to buy Hawks |author=Kurt Helin |work=ProBasketballTalk.NBCSports.com |date=January 12, 2015 |access-date=January 12, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Despite the celebrity status, big-name athletes seem to have more cache with average Americans than their cohorts from Hollywood or the Executive Suite.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2560207-athletes-peddling-dubious-health-treatments |title=Athletes Peddling Dubious Health Treatments |author=Amber Lee |date=September 3, 2015 |work=BleacherReport.com |access-date=September 6, 2015}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:can't|can't]]''' and '''[[wikt:cant|cant]]'''. ''Can't'' is a contraction of ''cannot''. ''Cant'' has a number of different meanings, including a slope or slant, or a kind of slang or jargon spoken by a particular group of people. "Canting arms" is a coat-of-arms that represents meaning of the bearer's surname.
** ''Standard'': I can't understand the dialogue in this book because it is written in cant.
** ''Standard'': [[Heralds]] do not pun; they cant.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://dragon_azure.tripod.com/UoA/Canting.html |title=Heraldry 300: Canting |work=Dragon_Azure.Tripod.com |access-date=January 31, 2011}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': I cant swim; I have never taken lessons.
* '''[[wikt:canvas|canvas]]''' and '''[[wikt:canvass|canvass]]'''. ''Canvas'' is a type of fabric known for being tough and strong. ''Canvass'' is a way to try to get people's support or find out where their support lies.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/canvass_canvas.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': I use a canvas cover to protect the barbecue.
** ''Standard'': Canvass the block for information on their votes.
** ''Non-standard'': My political party needs to canvas the local neighborhoods. 
* '''[[wikt:cloth|cloth]]''', '''[[wikt:clothe|clothe]]''' and '''[[wikt:clothes|clothes]]'''. ''Cloth'' is the material that is typically woven and available in rolls, known as 'bolts' (though 'bolt' is a defined length of cloth) and sold in fabric stores. ''Clothe'' is a verb and refers to the action of putting on ''clothes'' that have been created using (usually) ''cloth''.  ''Clothes'' are garments that have been manufactured, usually using ''cloth''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.english-for-students.com/What-is-the-difference-between-Cloth-and-Clothe-and-Clothes.html |title=What is the difference between Cloth and Clothe and Clothes?|work=www.english-for-students.com |access-date=December 28, 2018}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': I will look for a clothes shop to purchase some garments to wear.
** ''Standard'': At the local cloth shop I can purchase fabric to sew some garments.
** ''Standard'': I will clothe her in the new garment I have made, so that she may attend the ball.
** ''Non-standard'': This cloth shop only sells women's garments.
** ''Non-standard'': The clothes shop only sells bolts of cloth. 
* '''[[wikt:complementary|complementary]]''' and '''[[wikt:complimentary|complimentary]]'''. Things or people that go together well are ''complementary'' (i.e., they '''''comple'''te'' each other); ''complimentary'' describes an item given without charge (considered a 'gift'), usually in addition to a product or service that may have been purchased. It also describes praise given to someone or something.
** ''Standard'': Exercise, nutrition, and medical care are complementary factors in good health.
** ''Standard'': The motel provides a complimentary breakfast to overnight guests.
** ''Standard'': Jane was complimentary about the new couch, which she said complements the drapes and carpet.
*<li style="list-style:none;">Similarly, a ''complement'' is an accessory, while a ''compliment'' is a statement of admiration.</li><!--{{subst:i*}}-->
* '''[[wikt:complacency|complacency]]''' and '''[[wikt:complaisance|complaisance]]'''. ''Complacency'' means self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. ''Complaisance'' means the willingness to comply with the wishes of others.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/complacent |title=complacent |quote=Can be confused: complacent, complaisant, compliant. |access-date=2014-07-19}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:contiguous|contiguous]]''', '''[[wikt:continual|continual]]''', and '''[[wikt:continuous|continuous]]'''. ''Contiguous'' means "touching" or "adjoining in space"; ''continual'' means "repeated in rapid succession"; ''continuous'' means "uninterrupted" (in time or space).
** ''Standard'': Alaska is not one of the forty-eight contiguous states.
** ''Standard'': The field was surrounded by a continuous fence.
** ''Standard'': The continuous murmur of the stream.
** ''Standard'': His continual interruptions are very irritating.
* '''[[wikt:contingent|contingent]]''' and '''[[wikt:contingency|contingency]]'''. As a noun, a ''contingent'' is a representative group; a ''contingency'' is a possible event.
** ''Standard'': The explorers were prepared for every contingency.
** ''Standard'': He was a member of the California contingent at the convention.
** ''Non-standard'': He was greeted by a contingency from the school board.
* '''[[wikt:copy write|copy write]]''' and '''[[wikt:copyright|copyright]]''': ''Copy write'' means to make written copies for manuals, press releases, or advertisements. A ''copyright'' consists of select privileges that legally protect a work and prohibit its duplication.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/copy_write_and_copyright.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref> 
** ''Standard'': Contact a copy writer if you need more advertisements written for the event.
** ''Standard'': This book has another five years of protection under its copyright.

===D===
* '''[[wikt:defuse|defuse]]''' and '''[[wikt:diffuse#Etymology 1|diffuse]]'''. To ''defuse'' is to remove the fuse from a bomb, or in general to render a situation less dangerous, whereas to ''diffuse'' is to disperse randomly. ''[[wikt:diffuse#Etymology 2|Diffuse]]'' can also be used as an adjective, meaning "not concentrated".<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/defuse |title=defuse |quote=Can be confused: defuse, diffuse. |access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': Bill's face turned red at Joe's tactless remark to the Kennel Club meeting, but Clarice defused the situation by turning it into a joke. "Not that even a [[Dachshund]] would stoop so low, of course!" she quipped.
** ''Standard'': The speaker droned on, his words like a powerful sleeping gas slowly diffusing through the stuffy air of the auditorium.
** ''Standard'': The spotlights went dark, leaving the scene lit only by the diffuse glow of the lanterns.
** ''Non-standard'': Houston was aware it was happening and worked to diffuse the campaign late in the process.<ref>{{cite web |first=Adrian |last=Wojnarowski |url= http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--rockets-give-dwight-howard-what-lakers--kobe-wouldn-t--unconditional-love-061137592.html |title=Rockets give Dwight Howard what Lakers, Kobe wouldn't: unconditional love |work=Sports.Yahoo.com |date=July 7, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': A government agency long associated with efforts to mediate and diffuse tense situations in communities helped organize rallies over the killing of Florida teen Trayvon Martin last year, a conservative leaning legal advocacy group claims.<ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Johns |url= http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/10/politics/peacekeepers-zimmerman/index.html |title=Justice Dept. 'peacekeepers' worked 'Trayvon' rallies, group claims |work=CNN |date=July 11, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Cavaliers small forward Luol Deng tried to diffuse all the questions about how emotional it will be facing his former team – the Chicago Bulls –  Wednesday night at The Q.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mary Schmitt |last=Boyer |url= http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2014/01/cleveland_cavaliers_luol_deng.html |title=Cleveland Cavaliers Luol Deng insists date with Chicago Bulls will be ''just another game'' |date=January 22, 2014 |access-date=January 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': After finding the suspected bomb, Pennsylvania state police were called in to diffuse it.<ref>{{cite web |first=Gillian |last=Mohney |url= http://abcnews.go.com/US/russian-citizen-pa-charged-wmd/story?id=22072231 |title=Russian Citizen in Pennsylvania Charged with Having WMD |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=January 26, 2014 |access-date=January 30, 2014}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:desert|desert]]''' and '''[[wikt:dessert|dessert]]'''. As a verb, ''desert'' means to abandon. As a noun, ''desert'' is a barren or uninhabited place; an older meaning of the word is "what one deserves", as in the idiom [[wikt:just deserts|just deserts]]. A ''dessert'' is the last course of a meal.
* '''[[wikt:disassemble|disassemble]]''' and '''[[wikt:dissemble|dissemble]]'''. To ''disassemble'' means "to dismantle" (e.g., to take a [[machine code]] [[computer program|program]] apart to see how it works); to ''dissemble'' means "to tell lies".
* '''[[wikt:disburse|disburse]]''' and '''[[wikt:disperse|disperse]]'''. ''Disburse'' means "to give out", especially money. ''Disperse'' means "to scatter".
* '''[[wikt:discreet|discreet]]''' and '''[[wikt:discrete|discrete]]'''. ''Discreet'' means "circumspect". ''Discrete'' means "having separate parts", as opposed to contiguous.

===E===
* '''[[wikt:e.g.|e.g.]]''' and '''[[wikt:i.e.|i.e.]]''' The abbreviation ''e.g.'' stands for the Latin ''exempli gratiā'' "for example", and should be used when the example(s) given are just one or a few of many. The abbreviation ''i.e.'' stands for the Latin ''id est'' "that is", and is used to give the only example(s) or to otherwise qualify the statement just made.
** ''Standard'': A Briton is a British citizen, e.g., John Lennon.
** ''Standard'': Tolkien's ''The Hobbit'' is named after its protagonist, i.e., Bilbo Baggins.
** ''Non-standard'': A Briton is a British citizen, i.e., Paul McCartney ''(at the last count, there were about 60 million Britons—Sir Paul is far from being the only one)''
* '''[[wikt:economic|economic]]''' and '''[[wikt:economical|economical]]'''. ''Economic'' means "having to do with the economy". ''Economical'' means "financially prudent, frugal" and also figuratively in the sense "sparing use" (of time, language, etc.)<ref name=Fowler>''The New Fowler's Modern English Usage'' (revised 3rd edition) (1998) {{ISBN|0-19-860263-4}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': Buying in bulk can often be the most economical choice.
** ''Standard'': The actor should be economical in his use of movement.
** ''Standard'': He attended the School of Economic and Business Sciences.
** ''Non-standard'': Leading economical indicators suggest that a recession may be on the horizon.
** ''Non-standard'': The actor should be economic in his use of movement.
* '''[[wikt:elicit|elicit]]''' and '''[[wikt:illicit|illicit]]'''. ''Elicit'' is a verb that means to draw out, evoke or obtain. ''Illicit'' is an adjective that refers to something illegal or improper. 
** ''Standard'': The lawyer hopes to elicit convincing testimony from the witness.
** ''Standard'': Police found a large amount of illicit drugs.
** ''Standard'': They had an illicit love affair.
* '''[[wikt:emigrate|emigration]]''' and '''[[wikt:immigrate|immigration]]'''. ''Emigration'' is the process of leaving a country; ''immigration'' is the process of arriving in a country—in both cases, indefinitely.
** ''Standard'': Ethnic communities, such as Little Italy, were created by people emigrating from their home countries.
* '''[[wikt:eminent|eminent]]''', '''[[wikt:immanent|immanent]]''', '''[[wikt:imminent|imminent]]''', and '''[[wikt:preeminent|preeminent]]'''. ''Eminent'', originally meaning "emerging", means "illustrious or highly-regarded". ''Preeminent'' means "most highly-regarded". ''Imminent'' means "about to occur". ''Immanent'' (less common than the other two, and often theological) means "indwelling, pervading".
** ''Standard'': The eminent doctor Jones testified on behalf of the defence.
** ''Standard'': Rumours that war was imminent soon spread through the population.
** ''Standard'': God's grace is immanent throughout the entire creation.
* '''[[wikt:emoji|emoji]]''' and '''[[wikt:emoticon|emoticon]]'''. ''Emojis'' are actual pictures, whereas ''emoticons'' are typographic displays of a facial representation, e.g. :-).
* '''[[wikt:epitome|epitome]]''' is used to mean a typical or ideal example of something. '''[[wikt:epidemy|epidemy]]''' is an epidemic disease.
* '''[[wikt:eponymous|eponymous]]''' is used to describe something that gives its name to something else, not something that receives the name of something else.{{Dubious|date=June 2023|reason=See e.g. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eponymous that says both are eponymous}}
** ''Standard'': Frank, the eponymous owner of ''Frank's Bistro'', prepares all meals in a spotless kitchen.
** ''Non-standard'': Frank maintains an eponymous restaurant, ''Frank's Bistro.''
* '''[[wikt:ethic|ethic]]''' and '''[[wikt:ethnic|ethnic]]'''. ''Ethic'' refers to morals. ''Ethnic'' refers to nationalities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://grammarist.com/usage/ethnic-vs-ethic/ |title=Ethnic vs ethic |website=Grammarist |date=23 February 2018 |access-date=2024-02-29 }}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:every day|every day]]''' and '''[[wikt:everyday|everyday]]'''. ''Every day'' (two words) is an adverb phrase meaning "daily" or "every weekday". ''Everyday'' (one word) is an adjective meaning "ordinary".<ref>{{cite web |title='Everyday' vs. 'Every Day' |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/everyday-vs-every-day-difference-usage |website=Merriam–Webster |access-date=6 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:exacerbate|exacerbate]]''' and '''[[wikt:exasperate|exasperate]]'''. ''Exacerbate'' means "to make worse". ''Exasperate'' means "to annoy".
** ''Standard'': Treatment by untrained personnel can exacerbate injuries.
** ''Standard'': Do not let Jack talk to the state trooper; he is tactless and will just exasperate her.
* '''[[wikt:expedient|expedient]]''' and '''[[wikt:expeditious|expeditious]]'''. ''Expedient'' means "done conveniently or quickly, but possibly improperly". ''Expeditious'' means "done efficiently", and does not carry any negative connotation.
** ''Standard'': The chef's expedient solution was to microwave the undercooked hamburger.
** ''Standard'': The chef's expeditious solution was to cook a new hamburger.

===F===
* '''[[wikt:flack|flack]]''' and '''[[wikt:flak|flak]]'''. '''Flak''' is adverse criticism or [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft fire]] (the latter being the original definition). A '''flack''' is a publicity agent or press relations person.<ref>{{cite web |title=flak |url= http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flak |work=Merriam-Webster.com |access-date=27 November 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': He took a lot of flak for his unpopular position.
** ''Standard'': The B-17 was shot down by German flak.
** ''Non-standard'': But he took no flack from her people. 
* '''[[wikt:flesh|flesh]]''' and '''[[wikt:flush|flush]]'''. To ''flesh out'' is to add flesh to a skeleton, or metaphorically to add substance to an incomplete rendering. To ''flush out'' is to cause game fowl to take to flight, or to frighten any quarry from a place of concealment.
** ''Standard'': The forensic pathologist will flesh out the skull with clay.
** ''Standard'': The beaters flushed out the game with drums and torches.
** ''Non-standard'': This outline is incomplete and must be flushed out.
* '''[[wikt:flounder|flounder]]''' and '''[[wikt:founder|founder]]'''. To ''flounder'' is to be clumsy, confused, indecisive, as if flopping about like a fish out of water (a ''[[flounder]]'' being a kind of fish). To ''founder'' is to fill with water and sink (or, figuratively, to fail).
** ''Standard'': The ship is damaged and may founder.
** ''Standard'': She was floundering on the [[balance beam]].
** ''Non-standard'': The ship is damaged and may flounder.
* '''[[wikt:flout|flout]]''' and '''[[wikt:flaunt|flaunt]]'''. One ''flouts'' a rule or law by flagrantly ignoring it. One ''flaunts'' something by showing it off.
** ''Standard'': If you have it, flaunt it.
** ''Standard'': He continually flouted the speed limit.
** ''Standard'': The diplomat's son flaunted his ability to flout the speed limit.
** ''Non-standard'': If you have it, flout it.
** ''Non-standard'': He continually flaunted the speed limit.
* '''[[wikt:forego|forego]]''' and '''[[wikt:forgo|forgo]]''': ''Forego'' means to go before. ''Forgo'' means to give up or do without.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/forego_forgo.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words: Forego and Forgo |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': After reading the foregoing paragraph, she decided to forgo the rest of the book.

===G===
* '''[[wikt:gone|gone]]''' and '''[[wikt:went|went]]'''. ''Gone'' is the [[past participle]] of ''go''. ''Went'' is the simple past tense of ''go''.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gone |title=Gone |work=Dictionary.Reference.com |quote=1. past participle of go. |access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/went |title=Went |work=Dictionary.Reference.com |quote=1. simple past tense of go. 2. Nonstandard. a past participle of go. |access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Looking back on it, they should have '''went''' No. 1 in their respective drafts.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/239171/Dirk-Pau-And-The-Next-Great-European-7-Footer |title=Dirk, Pau and the Next Great European 7-footer |author=Jonathan Tjarks |work=Basketball.RealGM.com |date=September 8, 2015 |access-date=September 9, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': She had previously '''underwent''' a surgical procedure to remove an abscess discovered during a recent ultrasound.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Critically-Endangered-Northern-White-Rhino-Dies-352949041.html |title=Nola, One of Four Northern White Rhinos in Existence, Dies at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Only 3 Left in World Now |author=Samantha Tatro |work=NBCSanDiego.com |date=November 22, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Phoenix has '''went''' 5–15 over the last 20 games and now that Bledsoe is out with another knee injury, the Suns could potentially see their losing streak extend to seven as they face the elite Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in their next three games.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/report-suns-jeff-hornacek-under-immediate-threat-of-being-fired/ |title=Report: Suns' Jeff Hornacek 'under immediate threat' of being fired |author=Ananth Pandian |work=CBS Sports |date=December 27, 2015 |access-date=December 28, 2015}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:guarantee|guarantee]]''' and '''[[wikt:guaranty|guaranty]]'''. In legal terms, a ''guaranty'' is a binding assurance of the performance of a product or service, commonly a security for the fulfillment of an obligation (often on another's behalf), while a ''guarantee'' is a person who benefits from a guaranty (provided by a ''guarantor''). However, it has become common for the word ''guarantee'' to refer to any assurance itself (often verbal, rather than a written [[wikt:warranty|warranty]]) of a certain outcome, including figuratively.  The verb form has also become ''guarantee''. {{crossreference|printworthy=y|(See also '''warrantee''' and '''warranty''', below.)}}
** ''Standard'': I guarantee that you will make a return on your investment.
** ''Standard'': The radio advertisement promised a three-month, money-back satisfaction guarantee.
** ''Standard'': The collision statistics to date seem to virtually guarantee several such accidents per month until this intersection is redesigned.
** ''Standard'': The completion bond firm lost its $50 million guaranty when the film production collapsed after the death of the director.
** ''Uncommon except in law'': This phone comes with a written one-year guaranty against defects. (Use ''warranty'' in most contexts, which is more precise and more common.)
** ''Uncommon except in law'': The guarantee studio received a $50 million payout from the completion bond firm. (Rephrase, e.g.: The studio received a $50 million guaranty payout from the completion bond firm.)

===H===
* '''[[wikt:hang|hang]]'''. The standard past participle of ''hang'' is ''hung''.  The past participle ''hanged'' is reserved for [[execution by hanging]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Is it 'Hung' or 'Hanged'? |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/hung-or-hanged |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=Merriam-Webster}}</ref> and sometimes for [[suicide by hanging]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-06-29 |title=Hanged vs. Hung—Learn the Difference |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/hanged-or-hung/ |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=[[Grammarly]]}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=March 2022}} although usage guides differ on the importance of the distinction between ''hanged'' and ''hung''.<ref name=":0" />
* '''[[wikt:hangar|hangar]]''' and '''[[wikt:hanger|hanger]]'''.
** ''Standard'': The aeroplane is in the hangar; the coat is on the hanger.
* '''[[wikt:hay|hay]]''' and '''[[wikt:straw|straw]]'''. ''Hay'' is animal fodder made by cutting and drying a grassy plant. ''Straw'' is the dry stalk of a cereal plant (e.g., barley, oats, rice, or rye), after the grain or seed has been removed; it is used to line an animal's stall or for insulation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-30 |title=The difference between hay and straw |url=https://www.agdaily.com/crops/difference-between-hay-and-straw/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=AGDaily}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:hear|hear]]''' and '''[[wikt:here|here]]'''. To ''hear'' is to detect a sound with one's ears. ''Here'' refers to one's immediate location.
* '''[[wikt:hoard|hoard]]''' and '''[[wikt:horde|horde]]'''. A ''hoard'' is a store or accumulation of things. A ''horde'' is a large group of people.
** ''Standard'': A horde of shoppers lined up to be the first to buy the new gizmo.
** ''Standard'': He has a hoard of discontinued rare cards.
** ''Non-standard'': Do not horde the candy, share it.
** ''Non-standard'': The hoard charged when the horns sounded.
** ''Non-standard'': It probably shouldn't come as a surprise; an angry '''hoard''' is calling for his head to be mounted on a wall.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://us.cnn.com/2015/07/30/us/walter-palmer-whereabouts/index.html |title=Cecil the lion backlash: Where is dentist Walter Palmer? |author=Ed Payne |work=CNN| date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=July 30, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Despite good progress on the team's bid for a new arena, the Bucks aren't getting LeBron James or Durant next summer, so why '''horde''' cap space to chase ghosts?<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25254868/last-title-run-for-san-antonio-spurs-dont-bet-on-it |title=Last title run for Spurs? Don't bet on it |work=CBS Sports |author=Ken Berger |date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=July 30, 2015}}</ref>

===I===
* '''[[wikt:imply|imply]]''' and '''[[wikt:infer|infer]]'''. Something is ''implied'' if it is a suggestion intended by the person speaking, whereas a conclusion is ''inferred'' if it is reached by the person listening.
** ''Standard'': When Tony told me he had no money, he was implying that I should give him some.
** ''Standard'': When Tony told me he had no money, I inferred that I should give him some.
** ''Non-standard'': When Tony told me he had no money, he was inferring that I should give him some.
* '''[[wikt:inherent|inherent]]''' and '''[[wikt:inherit|inherit]]'''. A part ''inherent in'' X is logically inseparable from X. ''To inherit'' is a verb, meaning "pass down a generation".
** ''Standard'': Risk is inherent in the stock market.
** ''Standard'': The next president inherits a legacy of mistrust and fear.
** ''Non-standard'': There is violence inherit in the system.
* '''[[wikt:it's|it's]]''' and '''[[wikt:its|its]]'''. ''It's'' is a contraction that replaces ''it is'' or ''it has'' (see [[apostrophe (punctuation)|apostrophe]]).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commonly Confused Words: It's Versus Its|url=https://www.editorworld.com/article/commonly-confused-words-it-is-versus-its|access-date=2023-10-14|website=Editor World}}</ref> ''Its'' is the [[possessive determiner]] corresponding to ''it'', meaning "belonging to it".
** ''Standard'': It's time to eat! (it is time)
** ''Standard'': It's been nice getting to meet you. (it has been)
** ''Standard'': My cell phone has poor reception because its antenna is broken.
** ''Non-standard'': Its good to be the king.
** ''Non-standard'': The bicycle tire had lost all of {{sic|hide=y|it|'s}} pressure.

===J===
* '''[[wikt:jibe|jibe]]''' and '''[[wikt:jive|jive]]'''. Jibe is to be in accord with. Jive is [[Hipster (1940s subculture)|hepcat]] patois or deception.
** ''Standard'': Don't give me that same old jive.
** ''Standard'': Your report doesn't jibe with the facts.
** ''Non-standard'': Your report doesn't jive with the facts.

===L===
* '''[[wikt:levee|levee]]''' and '''[[wikt:levy|levy]]'''. A ''levee'' is a structure built along a river to raise the height of its banks, thereby preventing nearby land from flooding (see: [[wikt:dike|dike]]). ''To levy'' is to impose (1) a tax, fine or other assessment, or (2) a military draft; as a noun, a ''levy'' is an assessment or army thus gathered. The two words share a common root, but they are not considered interchangeable in Standard English. Because they are [[homophones]], misuse is usually only apparent when observed in writing.
** ''Standard'': The Netherlands is well known for its elaborate system of levees.
** ''Standard'': This statute allows the state to levy a 3% tax.
** ''Non-standard'': Recent storms have weakened the levy.
* '''[[wikt:loathe|loathe]]''' and '''[[wikt:loath|loath]]''' or '''[[wikt:loth|loth]]''': ''Loathe'' is a verb meaning "to strongly dislike", and ''loath'' (or ''loth'') is an adjective meaning "unwilling" or "reluctant".
** ''Standard'': I loathe arrogant people.
** ''Standard'': I was loath to concede defeat.
** ''Standard'': I was loth to concede defeat.
** ''Non-standard'': Colangelo and Krzyzewski are loathe to break the players up into categories, but essentially, that's what is in place.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/david_aldridge/07/29/morning-tip-usa-basketball-krzyzewski-jerry-colagelo-summer-league-ian-clark-hgh-testing-nbpa/index.html |title=With talent pipeline full, USA Basketball turnaround is complete |last=Aldridge |first=David |date=July 29, 2013 |work=NBA.com |access-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Which is why the Panthers were loathe to give him a guaranteed contract.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/16/thomas-is-a-smart-gamble-for-panthers/related/ |title=Thomas is a smart gamble for Panthers |last=Brough |first=Jason |date=September 16, 2013 |work=NBCSports.com |access-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:loose|loose]]''' and '''[[wikt:lose|lose]]'''. ''Loose'', as an adjective, can mean the opposite of "tight", the opposite of "tighten", or (datedly) "promiscuous"/"of lax morals"; ''loose'', as a verb, means "release". ''Lose'' can mean "fail to win", "misplace", or "cease to be in possession". ''Lose'' is often misspelled ''loose''.
** ''Standard'': We cannot afford to lose customers to our competitors.
** ''Standard'': A screw is loose and I need a screwdriver to tighten it.
** ''Standard'': Loose the hounds!
** ''Dated'': He regularly consorted with loose women.
** ''Non-standard'': If the team cannot score any points, they will loose the game.

===M===
* '''[[wikt:militate|militate]]''' and '''[[wikt:mitigate|mitigate]]'''. To ''militate'' is to fight or exert pressure for something to happen or not to happen; it is typically followed by a preposition. To ''mitigate'' is to make something milder, typically something undesirable, and takes no preposition.
** ''Standard'': The seriousness of your crime was mitigated by the provocation you were under.
** ''Standard'': Over-protective practices in this factory militate against increased efficiency.
** ''Non-standard'': Over-protective practices in this factory mitigate against increased efficiency.

===N===
* '''[[wikt:novice|novice]]''' and '''[[wikt:novitiate|novitiate]]'''. A ''[[novice]]'' is a prospective or trainee member, as of a religious order. The ''[[Catholic novitiate|novitiate]]'' is the state of being a novice, or the time for which one is a novice. However, a novice monk or nun is often incorrectly described as "a novitiate" (perhaps confused with "initiate").

===O===
* '''[[wikt:of|of]]''' and '''[[wikt:have|have]]'''. In some dialects of spoken English, ''of'' and the contracted form of ''have'', '' 've'', sound alike. However, in standard written English, they are not interchangeable.
** ''Standard'': Susan would have stopped to eat, but she was running late.
** ''Standard'': You could have warned me!
** ''Non-standard'': I should of known that the store would be closed. (Should be "I should've known" or “I should have known”)
* '''[[wikt:overestimate|overestimate]]''' and '''[[wikt:underestimate|underestimate]]'''.  There is frequent confusion between things that ''cannot'' and ''should not'' be over/underestimated, though the meanings are opposite.
** ''Standard'': The damage caused by pollution cannot be overestimated (i.e., it is so enormous that no estimate, however high, is excessive)
** ''Standard'': The damage caused by pollution should not be overestimated (i.e., while significant, it would be wrong to exaggerate it)
** ''Standard'': The damage caused by pollution should not be underestimated (i.e., it is wrong to regard it as minor)
** ''Probably non-standard'': The damage caused by pollution cannot be underestimated (literal meaning: it is so minimal that no estimate is too small.  Intended meaning: probably as in the first or third example)

===P===
* '''[[wikt:palate|palate]],''' '''[[wikt:palette|palette]]''', and '''[[wikt:pallet|pallet]]'''. The ''[[palate]]'' is the roof of the mouth; used metaphorically to refer to one's preferences in food. A ''[[Palette (painting)|palette]]'' is a board for holding and mixing paint; used metaphorically to refer to a range or selection of colors or other features. A ''[[pallet]]'' is a wooden platform for raising stacked goods off the floor, or a thin sleeping mattress placed on the floor.
** ''Standard'': After unloading the boxes from the pallets, I slept on a pallet on the floor.
** ''Standard'': My palate is not very refined.
** ''Standard'': The artist placed globs of varying paint colors on his palette before beginning to paint.
* '''[[wikt:past|past]]''' and '''[[wikt:passed|passed]]'''. ''Past'' refers to events that have previously occurred, while ''passed'' is the past tense of "to pass", whether in a congressional action or a physical occurrence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2008 |title=When the Past Has Passed |url= https://languageandgrammar.com/2008/08/18/when-the-past-has-passed/ |work=Everything Language and Grammar |access-date=March 4, 2017}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': Congress passed the bill limiting the powers of the President.
** ''Standard'': History is mainly concerned with the events of the past.
** ''Standard'': He went past my house on his way to the store.
** ''Standard'': He passed my house on his way to the store.
** ''Non-standard'': He past my house on his way to the store.
* '''[[wikt:peremptory|peremptory]]''' and '''[[wikt:preemptive|preemptive]]'''. A ''peremptory'' act or statement is absolute; it cannot be denied. A ''preemptive'' action is one taken before an adversary can act.
** ''Standard'': He issued a peremptory order.
** ''Standard'': Preemptive air strikes stopped the enemy from launching the new warship.
* '''[[wikt:perpetrate|perpetrate]]''' and '''[[wikt:perpetuate|perpetuate]]'''. To ''perpetrate'' something is to commit it, while to ''perpetuate''  something is to cause it to continue or to keep happening.
** ''Standard'': The gang perpetrated outrages against several citizens.
** ''Standard'': The stories only serve to perpetuate the legend that the house is haunted.
* '''[[wikt:perquisite|perquisite]]''' and '''[[wikt:prerequisite|prerequisite]]'''. ''Perquisite'' usually means 'an extra allowance or privilege'.  ''Prerequisite'' means 'something required as a condition'.
** ''Standard'': He had all the perquisites of a movie star, including a stand-in.
** ''Standard'': Passing the examination was one of the prerequisites for a teaching position.
* '''[[wikt:perspective|perspective]]''' and '''[[wikt:prospective|prospective]]'''. ''Perspective'' is a view with correct visual angles, example:  parallel railway tracks converging in the distance.  ''Prospective'' is a future possibility or expectation.
* '''[[wikt:perspicuity|perspicuity]]''' and '''[[wikt:perspicacity|perspicacity]]'''. If something is perspicuous, it is easily understood; its meaning is obvious.  If one is perspicacious, then one is quick to understand or has good insight.
** ''Standard'': I admired her perspicacity; she just seemed to get it so much better than I.
** ''Standard'': He expressed the idea so perspicuously that anyone could understand.
** ''Non-standard'': She spoke in a perspicacious way.
* '''[[wikt:photogenic|photogenic]]''' and '''[[wikt:photographic|photographic]]'''. The former means someone's likeness is particularly amenable to being well photographed. The latter is anything pertaining to photography whether it is technical, e.g., photographic chemicals or equipment, or generic, e.g., photographic journals.
* '''[[wikt:pored|pored]]''' and '''[[wikt:poured|poured]]'''. The phrase 'pored over' means to study an item intently, however sometimes seen incorrectly in its place is ''poured over'', which would mean the act of tipping a substance onto something.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2016 |title=Pore Over vs. Pour Over |url= http://blog.dictionary.com/pore-over-vs-pour-over/ |work=Blog.Dictionary.com |access-date=April 3, 2017 |quote=Since pour is a common word and sounds identical to pore, many English speakers use the verb pour in the verb phrase pore over meaning "to meditate or ponder intently."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Commonly Confused Words |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/pour_pore.en.html |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=April 3, 2017 |quote=''Pore'' is a noun that means a small hole or opening: "You have pores in your skin that are too small to see." ''Pour'' is a verb that describes a way to make a non-solid material flow from one container to another: "Please pour me some more tea."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Commonly Confused Words: Poor, Pour, and Pore |url= https://www.editorworld.com/article/commonly-confused-words-poor-versus-pour-versus-pore |work=EditorWorld.com |access-date=October 14, 2023}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:prescribe|prescribe]]''' and '''[[wikt:proscribe|proscribe]]'''.  To ''prescribe'' something is to command or recommend it.  To ''proscribe'' somebody or something is to outlaw them or it.
** ''Standard'': The doctor prescribed some medicine to clear up the infection.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/prescribe_proscribe.en.html |title=Prescribe/Proscribe |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': The new law was going to proscribe public gatherings.
* '''[[wikt:prevaricate|prevaricate]]''', '''[[wikt:procrastinate|procrastinate]]''', and '''[[wikt:prognosticate|prognosticate]]'''.  To ''prevaricate'' is to avoid telling the truth.  To ''procrastinate'' is to put off doing something that must be done.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/journalism/glossary/writing/prevaricate-and-procrastinate.shtml |title=prevaricate and procrastinate |work=BBC Academy – Journalism |access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref> To prognosticate is to predict or prophesy.
* '''[[wikt:principal|principal]]''' and '''[[wikt:principle|principle]]'''. ''Principal'' is an adjective meaning "main" (though it can also be a noun meaning the head of a college or similar institution). ''Principle'' is a noun meaning a fundamental belief or rule of action.
** ''Standard'': The principal achievement of the nineteenth century is the rise of industry.
** ''Standard'': He got sent to the principal's office for talking during class.
** ''Standard'': I like a man who sticks to his principles.
** ''Non-standard'': The principle belief of Marxism–Leninism is the dictatorship of the proletariat.
* '''[[wikt:progeny|progeny]]''', '''[[wikt:prodigy|prodigy]]''', and '''[[wikt:posterity|posterity]]'''.  ''Progeny'' are [[offspring]], or things that follow or develop from something else.  A ''prodigy'' is a [[genius]] or extremely talented person (especially a young one).  ''Posterity'' means future generations, or the future in a personified sense (usually used after "for" or "to").
* '''[[wikt:prosecute|prosecute]]''' and '''[[wikt:persecute|persecute]]'''. ''Prosecute'' is the act of legally charging a crime. ''Persecute'' is the selective harming of certain groups of people.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Prosecute' vs. 'Persecute' |url= https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/prosecuted-vs-persecuted-usage |work=[[Merriam-Webster]] |access-date=February 7, 2024}}</ref>

===R===
* '''[[wikt:rain|rain]]''', '''[[wikt:reign|reign]]''' and '''[[wikt:rein#English|rein]]'''. ''[[Rain]]'' is liquid precipitation.  A ''[[reign]]'' refers to the rule of a monarch.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/reign |title=reign |access-date=2011-06-09}}</ref> ''[[Rein]]s'' are the straps used to control the movements of an animal (typically a horse).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rein |title=rein |access-date=2011-06-09}}</ref> Thus, to "take the reins" means to assume control, and to have "free rein" means to be free of constraints.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/free%20rein |title=free rein |access-date=2011-06-09}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': From dozens of ideas floated to '''rein''' in skyrocketing costs of Oregon's public pension system, Gov. [[John Kitzhaber]] and lawmakers two years ago pinned their hopes on one, risky option.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/05/oregon_pers_pension_fix_was_a.html |title=Oregon PERS COLA gamble: A risky and ultimately losing bet |author=Ted Sickinger |work=OregonLive.com |date=May 9, 2015 |access-date=May 11, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': Harrison would thrive in bench units with less attentive defenders and presumably a less capable lead guard who can let him take the '''reins''' from time to time.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/238344/Lerouxs-2015-NBA-Draft-Preview |title=Leroux's 2015 NBA Draft Preview |author=Daniel Leroux |work=Basketball.RealGM.com |date=June 24, 2015 |access-date=June 25, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': And there are signs that ESPN's spending may need to be '''reined''' in.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/espn-wants-keith-olbermann-quit-806220 |title=ESPN Wants Keith Olbermann to Quit Doing 'Commentary' |work=The Hollywood Reporter |author=Marisa Guthrie |date=July 1, 2015 |access-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': Thursday's central bank comments came after analysts said allowing market forces free '''rein''' could drive the yuan sharply lower.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://bigstory.ap.org/article/43d1ebe08fd247ba867adca790ec7f28/china-currency-falls-2nd-day-after-surprise-devaluation |title=China tries to quell fears of more big devaluations |agency=Associated Press |author=Joe McDonald |date=August 13, 2015 |access-date=August 13, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': It is but one example of Israel's failure to '''rein''' in youths suspected of carrying out ultranationalist attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://bigstory.ap.org/article/17c2392e8085471aa532dac33183df7b/israel-has-failed-reform-jewish-radicals-critics-charge |title=Israel has failed to reform Jewish radicals, critics charge |agency=Associated Press |author=Daniel Estrin |date=August 30, 2015 |access-date=August 30, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': Nationally, gambling has been slow to recover since the Great Recession as people continue to '''rein''' in leisure spending.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/north-carolina-cherokees-betting-110-million-casino-33568628 |title=North Carolina Cherokees Betting on New $110 Million Casino |work=ABC News |via=Go.com |author=Jonathan Drew |date=September 6, 2015 |access-date=September 18, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': Button's representatives said in a statement Friday that police have told them such thefts have become a growing problem, with thieves pumping in the gas to give them free '''rein''' in the properties.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/f1-driver-jenson-button-wife-may-have-been-gassed-at-french-holiday-villa-but-experts-say-this-is-unlikely |title=F1 driver Jenson Button and his wife may have been gassed in French villa robbery, but experts say this is 'unlikely' |work=National Post |agency=Associated Press |date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': It's rare to bring homicide charges against a physician, but the case came amid a prescription drug abuse epidemic that has led lawmakers to try to '''rein''' in so-called pill mills that dole out medications with little scrutiny.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/california-doctor-convicted-overdose-deaths-patients-34872154 |title=California Doctor Convicted in Overdose Deaths of 3 Patients |work=ABC News |via=Go.com |author=Brian Melley |date=October 31, 2015 |access-date=October 31, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': But '''reining''' in Maduro, who became president after Chavez died in 2013, will be tough.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://bigstory.ap.org/article/2ef2bd1fe3a44373ac301bff918a76c5/venezuelas-opposition-wins-control-national-assembly |title=Venezuelan opposition wins legislative voting in landslide |agency=Associated Press |author=Hannah Dreier and Joshua Goodman |date=December 7, 2015 |access-date=December 7, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': A few months later, the ailing president, Boris Yeltsin, stepped aside and Vladimir Putin took the '''reins''' as Russian president.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://us.cnn.com/2015/12/25/europe/vladimir-putin-bad-language/index.html |title=Vladimir Putin: What's presidential potty mouth about? |work=CNN |author=Jill Dougherty |date=December 25, 2015 |access-date=December 26, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': ...the Suns gave Sports Illustrated's Jack McCallum free '''reign''' of practices...<ref>{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Vecsey |url= http://www.nypost.com/seven/10072007/sports/media_now_the_enemy.htm |title=Media now the enemy |date=October 7, 2007 |work=New York Post}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Bobby Jindal, a whiz kid takes the reigns of Louisiana's Department of Health and Hospital<ref>{{cite web |first=Suz |last=Redfearn |url= http://www.littleindia.com/archive/Jun96/medicine.htm |title=The Medicine Man}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Taylor will be passing on the '''reigns''' of the neighborhood school to Assistant Principal Amy Kleiner.<ref>{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Buxton |url= http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/06/sunnyside_principal_retires_le.html |title=Sunnyside Environmental School Principal Sarah Taylor will retire to pursue aid work in Haiti |date=June 3, 2011 |work=The Oregonian |access-date=June 3, 2011}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': ...his rein of terror in 1969 is fascinating part of the history of 20th century crime...<ref>{{cite web |first=Tim |last=Nash |url= http://www.thefinertimes.com/Serial-Killers/the-rein-of-terror-of-charles-manson.html |title=The Rein of Terror of Charles Manson |work=The Finer Times |date=October 19, 2008 |access-date=June 9, 2011}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': He spent the last four seasons trying to patch together lineups in Houston, where injuries '''reined''' supreme, and he had a great deal of success under the circumstances.<ref>{{cite web |first=Bill |last=Ingram |url= http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-pm-super-agent-steps-in/ |title=NBA PM: Super-Agent Steps In? |work=HoopsWorld.com |date=July 21, 2011 | access-date=October 18, 2011}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Wesley Johnson: It's more that Johnson was proven a long-limbed bust before Lindsey Hunter and a tanking Phoenix team gave him free '''reign''' to jack triples and perhaps clarify his NBA destiny. Johnson still shot just 32 percent from deep amid all that freedom; his chances of membership here look slim.<ref>{{cite web |first=Zach |last=Lowe |url= http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9225802/players-shane-battier-harder-find-conventional-wisdom-suggests |title=Who Are the New Age Shane Battiers? |work=Grantland.com |date=April 30, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Over 13 games, he averaged 15.5 points and 9.9 assists while shooting 44.8 percent from 3-point range (while '''reigning''' in his attempts a bit).<ref>{{cite web |first=Steve |last=Aschburner |url= http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/07/13/options-dwindling-for-bucks-jennings/ |title=Options Dwindling for Bucks, Jennings |work=NBA.com |date=July 13, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': The transition from the previous luxury tax system, which penalized teams one dollar for every dollar they went over the tax threshold, to the new one that includes an escalating pay scale for every $5 million teams go over the threshold, was supposed to '''reign''' in spending and help level the playing field.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://nypost.com/2013/08/08/slip-through-the-nets-payroll-legal-but-nba-wanted-harder-cap/ |title=Slip through the 'Nets': Payroll legal, but NBA wanted harder cap |author=Tim Bontemps |date=August 8, 2013 |work=New York Post |access-date=January 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': If you're Mike Lupica you have the biggest column in one of America's largest circulation newspapers, you host a prestige show on ESPN each week and you have, presumably, free '''reign''' to talk about whatever you want to talk about in sports.<ref>{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Calcaterra |url= http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/12/if-youre-so-sick-of-a-rod-why-are-you-writing-about-him-mike-lupica/ |title=If you're so sick of A-Rod, why are you writing about him, Mike Lupica? |work=NBCSports.com |date=August 12, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': In fact, many moms say there's no way they would let their children do what their own parents gave them free '''reign''' to do as kids.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://abcnews.go.com/US/walked-school-kids/story?id=24809651 |title=Why I Walked to School Alone and My Kids Never Will |author=Rheana Murray |work=ABC News |date=August 2, 2014 |access-date=April 21, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Brooks allowed Durant and Westbrook free '''reign''' as players and kept an open-door policy in terms of suggestions, not that he had much choice.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2015/04/22/key-questions-crop-up-for-thunder-in-wake-of-brooks-firing/ |title=Key questions crop up for Thunder in wake of Brooks' firing |author=Shaun Powell |work=Hangtime.blogs.NBA.com |date=April 22, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': It'll be up to Doc Rivers and Chris Paul to '''reign''' Stephenson in early on.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.clipsnation.com/2015/6/16/8786877/lance-stephenson-question-or-answer |title=Lance Stephenson: Question or Answer? |work=Clips Nation |author=Justin Russo |date=June 16, 2015 |access-date=June 18, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Mexican fans '''reigned''' down debris on Panama players, and the match was held up for 11 minutes before Guardado stepped up to nail his first penalty kick and send the match to extra time.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/22/panama-1-2-mexico-extra-time-chaos-as-geiger-gives-early-red-pair-of-late-penalties-to-mexico/ |title=Panama 1-2 Mexico: Geiger gives early red, pair of late PKs to Mexico |work=ProSoccerTalk.NBCSports.com |author=Nicholas Mendola |date=July 22, 2015 |access-date=July 23, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Bryant has been given free '''reign''' for close to a decade.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25284197/jim-buss-says-kobe-has-to-know-his-role-if-he-plays-beyond-this-year |title=Buss says Kobe Bryant has to know his role with Lakers beyond this season |work=CBS Sports |author=Matt Moore |date=August 29, 2015 |access-date=August 30, 2015}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:raise|raise]]''' and '''[[wikt:raze|raze]]'''. ''Raise'' means to move to a higher position<ref>{{cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/raise |title=raise |access-date=2023-04-25}}</ref> while ''raze'' means to tear down.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/raze |title=raze |access-date=2023-04-25}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:redundant|redundant]]''' does not mean "useless" or "unable to perform its function". It means that there is an excess of something, that something is "surplus to requirements" and no longer needed. It can also refer to a duplicate of something retained as a backup, failsafe, or reinforcement.
** ''Standard'': The week before Christmas, the company made seventy-five workers redundant.
** ''Standard'': A new pill that will instantly cure any illness has made antibiotics redundant. (Antibiotics could still be used to cure illnesses, but they are no longer needed because a better pill has been invented.)
** ''Standard'': The security system has two levels of redundancy.
** ''Non-standard'': Over-use of antibiotics risks making them redundant. (This should read: over-use of antibiotics risks making them ineffective)
* '''[[wikt:regime#English|regime]]''', '''[[wikt:regimen|regimen]]''' and '''[[wikt:regiment|regiment]]'''.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/regime |title=Regime |work=Dictionary.Reference.com |quote=Can be confused: regime, regimen, regiment |access-date=June 7, 2015}}</ref> A ''regimen'' is a system of order, and may often refer to the systematic dosing of medication.  A ''regiment'' is a military unit.
** ''Standard'': The sick soldier was removed from his '''regiment'''.
** ''Standard'': The sick soldier was ordered to complete a '''regimen''' of [[amoxicillin]].
** ''Standard'': But there were issues regarding his training '''regimen''' and conditioning, and he was demoted by the Kings last season to their American Hockey League affiliate in Manchester.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nhl/story/_/id/13523055/former-los-angeles-kings-center-mike-richards-charged-possession-controlled-substance |title=Former Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards charged with possession of controlled substance |work=ESPN |via=Go.com |author=Scott Burnside |date=August 27, 2015 |access-date=August 31, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': The story states that TB12 markets Guerrero's training '''regimen''' as "a proven approach to help people reach and maintain their peak levels of performance. Developed by Brady and his body coach, Alex Guerrero, their revolutionary approaches to wellness in the areas of nutrition and supplementation, as well as physical and mental fitness training, have helped athletes maximize their potential and maintain peak performance levels for more than a decade."<ref name="report-tom-bradys-trainer">{{Cite web |url= http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25336305/report-tom-bradys-trainer-lied-that-he-was-a-doctor-was-investigated-by-feds |title=Report: Tom Brady's guru lied that he was an MD, was investigated by feds |work=CBS Sports |author=Jared Dubin |date=October 12, 2015 |access-date=October 12, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': But wow, without the daily '''regiment''' of basketball, imagine what will happen to him?<ref>{{Cite web |first=Jordan |last=Schultz |url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/07/nba-lockout-parody-whos-going-to-get-fat_n_892318.html |title=NBA Lockout Parody: Who's Going To Get Fat? |work=Huffington Post |date=July 7, 2011 |access-date=July 10, 2011}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Sports, science and technology are converging at an all-time pace and eight NBA teams are experimenting with a new device designed to optimize and personalize training '''regiments''', thus the ability to maximize performance and reduce injury.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jeff |last=Caplan |url= http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/08/17/teams-advancing-fast-at-the-intersection-of-science-and-technology/ |title=Teams Advancing Fast at the Intersection of Science And Technology |work=NBA.com |date=August 17, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': A treatment '''regiment''', sometimes constant, was not enough.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/05/02/clippers-head-into-game-7-with-hobbled-cp3/ |title=Clippers head into Game 7 with hobbled CP3 |work=Hangtime.Blogs.NBA.com |author=Scott Howard-Cooper |date=May 2, 2014 |access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': It's going to require a lot of additional work but she already runs a lot as part of her training '''regiment''' for tennis.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cbssports.com/general/eye-on-sports/24644882/caroline-wozniacki-to-run-in-new-york-city-marathon |title=Caroline Wozniacki to run in New York City Marathon |work=CBS Sports |author=Brian Stubits |date=July 31, 2014 |access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': It would appear that Guerrero's training, eating, and supplemental '''regiment''' works, at least for Brady, to whom Guerrero devotes near-constant attention by mapping out his training and nutrition years into the future.<ref name="report-tom-bradys-trainer"/>
*'''[[wikt:regretful|regretful]]''' and '''[[wikt:regrettable|regrettable]]'''. ''Regretful'' is an adjective meaning to be full of regret. ''Regrettable'' is an adjective meaning deplorable or unfortunate.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/regretful_regrettable.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref>
**''Standard'': She felt very regretful about her regrettable actions.
* '''[[wikt:revert|revert]]'''. To revert is to return to a former state, not to reply or respond to someone.
** ''Standard'': The Hulk reverted to Bruce Banner after he had a nice cup of tea and calmed down a bit.
** ''Non-standard'': Thanks for your email, I will look into this and revert to you.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.hamra.net/comm/usage.shtml#revert |title=5. revert instead of reply, respond, "get back to" |access-date=2011-08-06}}</ref>

===S===
* '''[[wikt:sensual|sensual]]''' and '''[[wikt:sensuous|sensuous]]'''.  Both words mean "to do with the senses".  ''Sensual'' is more often applied to a pleasure or experience or to a person's character; ''sensuous'' to someone or something of enticing appearance.
** ''Standard'': Don Juan is the most sensual character in fiction.
** ''Standard'': Ascetics believe in avoiding all sensual pleasures.
** ''Standard'': Marilyn Monroe looks extremely sensuous in this film clip.
* '''[[wikt:set|set]]''' and '''[[wikt:sit|sit]]'''. When used as a transitive verb, to ''set'' means "to place" or "to adjust to a value", whereas to ''sit'' means "to be seated".
** ''Standard'': Set the pot upon the stove.
** ''Standard'': Set the temperature-control to 100&nbsp;°C.
** ''Non-standard'': Set down over there.
** ''Standard'': Sit on the chair.
* '''[[wikt:shirk|shirk]]''' and '''[[wikt:shrink|shrink]]'''. To ''shirk'' means "to consistently avoid", "to neglect", "to be too afraid to engage". To ''shrink'' means "to contract", "to become physically smaller in size"; also, to ''shrink away'' means, "to suddenly jerk away from something in horror". However, to ''shrink from'' may also mean, "to hesitate or show reluctance toward".
** ''Standard'': I will not shirk discussion.
** ''Standard'': I will not shrink from discussion.
** ''Standard'': She shrank away from me.
** ''Non-standard'': I will not shrink discussion.
** ''Non-standard'': I will not shirk from discussion.
* '''[[wikt:shall|shall]]''', '''[[wikt:will|will]]''', '''[[wikt:should|should]]''' and '''[[wikt:would|would]]'''. See [[Shall and will]].
* '''[[wikt:since|since]]''' and '''[[wikt:sense|sense]]'''. ''Since'' is used as an adverb or a preposition to imply the same meaning as "after then" or "from" in a sentence. ''Sense'' is a noun meaning any method to gather data about an environment.
** ''Standard'': I have known her since last year.
** ''Standard'': My sense of smell is weak.
** ''Non-standard'': I won't go sense I have no fuel.
** ''Non-standard'': I can since your aura.
* '''[[wikt:cite|cite]]''', '''[[wikt:sight|sight]]''' and '''[[wikt:site|site]]'''. A ''sight'' is something seen; a ''site'' is a place. To ''cite'' is to quote or list as a source.
** ''Standard'': You are a sight for sore eyes.
** ''Standard'': I found a list of the sights of Rome on a tourist site.
** ''Standard'': Please cite the sources you used in your essay.
** ''Standard'': You must travel to the site of the dig to see the dinosaur bones.
** ''Standard'': It is necessary to have line-of-sight if you want to use semaphore.
** ''Non-standard'': One must be careful on a construction sight.
** ''Non-standard'': I will site the book in which I saw the statistics.
** ''Non-standard'': I could not fire because I did not have line-of-site to the target.
* '''[[wikt:stationary|stationary]]''' and '''[[wikt:stationery|stationery]]'''. ''Stationary'' is an adjective meaning "not moving"; ''stationery'' is a noun meaning office supplies.
** ''Standard'': The train remained stationary for a few moments, before lurching forward along the track.
** ''Standard'': We can pick up more paper and pens at the stationery store.
** ''Non-standard'': Let's go buy some stationary at the department store.
** ''Non-standard'': An object remains stationery until a force acts upon it.
*'''[[wikt:suit|suit]]''' and '''[[wikt:suite|suite]]'''. ''Suit'' is a noun meaning an article of clothing; it is also a verb meaning to make/be appropriate.  ''Suite'' is a noun meaning a set of things forming a series or set.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/suit_suite.en.html| title=Frequently Mixed-up Words |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': He got dressed in his new suit.
** ''Standard'': Before leaving the hotel suite, she checked her lipstick in the mirror.
**''Non-standard'': That wall color will suite our apartment nicely.

===T===
*'''[[wikt:taut|taut]]''' and '''[[wikt:tout|tout]]''': ''Taut'' is when something is tight or stretched. ''Tout'' means to hype up, advertise, or promote.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/taut_and_tout.en.html |title=Frequently Mixed-Up Words: Taut and Tout |work=Scribendi.com |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': You need to hold it taut to stretch it properly. 
** ''Standard'': This concert needs a lot of tout to be successful.
* '''[[wikt:temblor|temblor]]''' and '''[[wikt:trembler|trembler]]'''. A ''temblor'' is an earthquake. A ''trembler'' is something that trembles (also, a fine-tuned motion detector).
* '''[[wikt:tenant|tenant]]''' and '''[[wikt:tenet|tenet]]'''. A ''tenant'' is a person or body that rents property. A ''tenet'' is a particular belief of a religion or other belief system.
** ''Standard'': I am looking for a tenant for my apartment.
** ''Standard'': One of the tenets of Roman Catholicism is the infallibility of the Pope.
** ''Non-standard'': "... to accept certain tenants of Islam while rejecting others".<ref>John Esposito, ''The Oxford Handbook of Islam and Politics'' p. 146</ref>
* '''[[wikt:than|than]]''' and '''[[wikt:then|then]]'''. ''Than'' is a [[grammatical particle]] and [[preposition]] associated with comparatives, whereas ''then'' is an [[adverb]] and a [[noun]]. In certain dialects, the two words are usually [[homophone]]s because they are [[function word]]s with [[schwa|reduced vowels]], and this may cause speakers to confuse them.
** ''Standard'': I like pizza more than lasagna.
** ''Standard'': We ate dinner, then went to the movies.
** ''Non-standard'': You are a better person then I am.
* '''[[wikt:their|their]]''', '''[[wikt:there|there]]''', '''[[wikt:they're|they're]]''', and '''[[wikt:there're|there're]]'''. ''There'' refers to the location of something. ''Their'' means "belonging to them". ''They're'' is a contraction of "they are". ''There're'' is a contraction of "there are".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Learning English - Ask about English - there're / they're / there'll be / they'll be |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/askaboutenglish/2010/03/100330_aae_there_page.shtml |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=[[BBC]]}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': There're five of them, and they're all coming to the restaurant for their dinner; we will meet them there.
** ''Non-standard'': I don't like peanuts because of there texture when being chewed.
** ''Non-standard'': Bobby and Sally are coming over later and there bringing some friends with them.
** ''Non-standard'': The dogs are lying over their in the shade.
* '''[[wikt:there's|there's]]''', '''[[wikt:where's|where's]]''', etc. In spoken English, a singular contraction can be used in reference to a plural in words like ''there's'' and ''where's''. This stems from the fact that ''there're'' and ''where're'' are more difficult to enunciate and are often avoided for that reason in colloquial speech.
** ''Non-standard'': Where's the cars? (Instead of ''Where're'' or ''where are'')
** ''Non-standard'': There's many types of car. (Instead of ''There are'')
* '''[[wikt:throe|throe]]''' and '''[[wikt:throw|throw]]'''. ''Throe'' is a spasm (more often seen in the plural ''throes''). ''Throw'' means to propel an object through the air.
* '''[[wikt:to|to]]''' and '''[[wikt:too|too]]'''. ''Too'' means "in excess" or "also". ''To'' is a preposition or is a part of a verb in the infinitive. At the end of a sentence ''to'' may also refer to a dropped verb in the infinitive.
** ''Standard'': I have too much time on my hands.
** ''Standard'': Kick it to me.
* '''[[wikt:trimester|trimester]]'''. A ''trimester'' is a period of three [[month]]s.<ref>''Chambers 21st Century Dictionary''</ref>  Because it is most commonly used in conjunction with a nine-month ''academic year''<ref>{{Cite web |title=trimester |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/trimester |work=Dictionary.com |access-date=2011-03-20}}</ref> or a nine-month term of human [[pregnancy]],<ref>{{cite web |title=trimester |url= http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trimester |work=Merriam-Webster.com|date= 13 August 2023 }}</ref> it is sometimes wrongly assumed that ''trimester'' is a synonym for one third of a year or other period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nash, Shaq rule first trimester |url= https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=1954347 |author=Marc Stein |work=ESPN |via=Go.com| date=2005-03-01 |access-date=2011-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Living the Fantasy: Trimester Awards |url= http://www.nba.com/fantasy/features/ltf_070105.html |author=Rick Kamla |work=NBA.com |date=2007-01-05 |access-date=2011-03-20}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': One [[calendar year]] contains four trimesters.
** ''Non-standard'': Without further delay, then, comes ESPN.com's annual (and overdue) First Trimester Report, ushering folks back to the office by taking stock of the season's opening third.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First Trimester Report: KG captures two early awards |url= https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=FirstTrimesterReport-080104 |author=Marc Stein |work=ESPN |via=Go.com |date=2008-01-04 |access-date=2011-03-20}}</ref>

===U===
* '''[[Wikt:use|use]]''' and '''[[Wikt:used|used]]'''. ''Used'' is the past participle of ''use''. Among its meanings is "accustomed". The expression ''used to'' is in some spoken accents similar sounding to ''use to'', leading to confusion.
** ''Standard'': I always carry an umbrella because I am used to the weather being unpredictable in Melbourne.
** ''Standard'': An umbrella is what I use to avoid getting wet.
** ''Non-standard'': You should be use to it by now.

===V===
* '''[[wikt:venal|venal]]''' and '''[[wikt:venial|venial]]'''. These words are sometimes confused; ''venal'' means "corrupt", "able to be bribed", or "for sale"; ''venial'' means "pardonable, not serious".<ref name=Fowler /><ref>Oxford American Dictionary (1980) {{ISBN|0-19-502795-7}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': According to Catholic doctrine, eating meat on a Friday during Lent is a venial sin, but murder is a mortal sin.
** ''Standard'': All ages have examples of venal politicians.

===W===
* '''[[wikt:waive|waive]]''' and '''[[wikt:wave|wave]]'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waive |url= http://www.dictionary.reference.com/browse/waive |work=Dictionary.Reference.com |access-date=October 4, 2017 |quote=Can be confused: waive, wave}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': Brent Barry, TNT's analyst for Thursday's Bulls-Knicks game, views Phil Jackson's latest experiment a lost cause and advocates Carmelo Anthony '''waive''' his no-trade clause to join a winner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Marc |date=January 10, 2017 |title=Joakim Noah's a horrible fit and Carmelo has to bolt: TNT analyst |url= http://nypost.com/2017/01/10/joakim-noahs-a-horrible-fit-and-carmelo-has-to-bolt-tnt-analyst/ |work=New York Post |access-date=January 14, 2017}}</ref>
** ''Standard'': The forthcoming "pink slime" trial has the feeling to some degree of Hogan v. Gawker, insofar as there being a state court judge who '''waved''' off First Amendment objections to let a jury decide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=June 2, 2017 |title=ABC News Braces for $5.7 Billion &quot;Pink Slime&quot; Trial in the Heart of Trump Country |url= http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/abc-news-braces-57-billion-pink-slime-trial-heart-trump-country-1009269 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=June 17, 2017}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Scott '''waived''' off the notion that the Pac 12 might become a dumping ground for the SEC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canzano |first=John |date=September 26, 2015 |title=Oregon State president seeks Pac 12 ban of transfers with conduct issues |url= http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2015/09/oregon_state_president_seeks_p.html |work=OregonLive.com |access-date=September 27, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Tensions were apparently high at this meeting, and three SPD officers moved toward the pie-thrower — but Johnson '''waived''' them off.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Nick |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson Hit in Face with Pie at Event, Assaults Protester in 'Bloody' Scene |url= http://www.eastbayexpress.com/SevenDays/archives/2016/09/21/sacramento-mayor-kevin-johnson-hit-in-face-with-cake-at-event-assaults-protester-in-bloody-scene |work=The East Bay Express |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Except, upon review, the referees said that the clock should have started when Cousins touched the ball and that meant the shot did not get off on time. The officials '''waived''' off the shot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Helin |first=Kurt |date=November 21, 2016 |title=NBA report says officials handled clock situation correctly at end of Raptors/Kings |url= http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/11/21/nba-report-says-officials-handled-clock-situation-correctly-at-end-of-raptorskings/ |work=NBCSports.com |access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': On the call, Van Gundy argued for Snyder to '''waive''' it off and end the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haberstroh |first=Tom |date=June 3, 2017 |title=The NBA's most profitable play? Not the dunk |url= https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/presents-19522177/the-nba-most-profitable-play-not-dunk |work=ESPN |access-date=June 5, 2017}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Only two people, Ed Gilmartin, vice president of Beta Theta Pi, and Ryan Foster, '''waved''' their right to a preliminary hearing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Turpin |first=Craig |date=June 13, 2017 |title=They laughed after video of my dying son was shown in court, says dad of Penn State teen |url= http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/hunterdon-county/index.ssf/2017/06/they_laughed_after_video_of_my.html |work=LehighValleyLive.com |publisher=PennLive LLC |access-date=June 15, 2017}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': In his post, Obama '''waives''' off the legal challenge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lowry |first=Rich |date=September 5, 2017 |title=Trump just took a giant step toward truly legalizing the Dreamers |url= http://nypost.com/2017/09/05/trump-just-took-a-giant-step-toward-truly-legalizing-the-dreamers/ |work=New York Post |access-date=September 6, 2017}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:want|want]]''', '''[[wikt:won't|won't]]''' and '''[[wikt:wont|wont]]'''. ''Want'' means the act of desiring or wishing for something. ''Won't'' is a contraction for "will not", while ''wont'' is a word meaning "accustomed" or "inclined to" (as an adjective) or "habit or custom" (as a noun).
** ''Standard'': He won't let me drive his car.
** ''Standard'': He spent the morning reading, as he was wont to do.
** ''Standard'': He took a walk in the evening, as was his wont.
** ''Standard'': His only want was to see his son again.
** ''Non-standard'': I wont need to go to the supermarket after all.
** ''Non-standard'': He took a walk in the evening, as was his want.
* '''[[wikt:warrantee|warrantee]]''' and '''[[wikt:warranty|warranty]]'''. A ''warranty'' is a legal assurance that some object can perform some specified task or meets certain quality standards. A ''warrantee'' is a person who benefits from a warranty, provided by a ''warrantor''. The verb form is ''[[wikt:warrant|warrant]]''. {{crossreference|printworthy=y|(See also '''guarantee''' and '''guaranty''', above.)}}
** ''Standard'': Most new cars come with at least a three-year warranty.
** ''Standard'': This contract warrants that you will make a certain minimum return on your investment.
** ''Non-standard'': Your mobile phone has stopped working? Maybe you need to file a claim under the warrantee.
* '''[[wikt:where|where]]''' and '''[[wikt:wherefore|wherefore]]'''. ''Wherefore'' means 'why'. In the well-known passage from ''Romeo and Juliet'' she is not asking where he is but rather ''why'' he is Romeo, whose name only stands in the way of their love. 
* '''[[wikt:who's|who's]]''' and '''[[wikt:whose|whose]]'''. ''Whose'' is an [[interrogative word]] (Whose is this?) or a relative pronoun (The people whose house you admired); ''who's'' is a contraction for "who is" or "who has".<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/who's |title=Who's |work=Dictionary.Reference.com |quote=Can be confused: who's, whose |access-date=May 28, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.scribendi.com/advice/who_s_whose.en.html |title=Who's/Whose |work=Scribendi.com |quote=Who's: A contraction of who is. Whose: A pronoun and is the possessive case of who or which. |access-date=October 14, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Which brings us right back to Del Negro, '''whose''' navigated this mercurial stretch seamlessly.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/12/31/del-negro-stays-clear-of-hot-seat/ |title=Del Negro Stays Clear of Hot Seat |work=Hangtime.Blogs.NBA.com |author=Sekou Smith |date=December 31, 2012 |access-date=January 23, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': But there remains a group of teams, of which the Brooklyn Nets are a member, '''who's''' fate remains in the balance.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.givemesport.com/528871-brooklyn-nets-put-trio-of-allstars-on-trade-block-in-effort-to-resurrect-season |title=Brooklyn Nets put trio of All-Stars on trade block in effort to resurrect season |work=GiveMeSport.com |author=Alastair Davidson |date=December 9, 2014 |access-date=2014-12-10}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Mr. Cent, '''who's''' real name is Curtis Jackson, was worth as much as $150 million earlier this year.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cheatsheet.com/money-career/5-hard-lessons-we-can-learn-from-50-cents-bankruptcy.html/ |title=50 Cent: 5 Hard Lessons We Can Learn from His Bankruptcy |work=Cheatsheet.com |author=Sam Becker |date=July 15, 2015 |access-date=July 17, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Well, more like 19 months older, but '''whose''' counting?<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/08/02/giannis-antetokounmpo-was-confused-when-anthony-davis-talked-smack-called-him-kid/ |title=Giannis Antetokounmpo was confused when Anthony Davis talked smack, called him 'kid' |work=ProBasketballTalk.NBCSports.com |author=Kurt Helin |date=August 2, 2015 |access-date=August 2, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': At 7’2 300, Haas is one of the only players in the country '''whose''' actually bigger than Hammons.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/239084/Older-Center-Prospects-Can-Be-The-Exception-To-The-Rule |title=Older Center Prospects Can Be the Exception to the Rule 
|work=Basketball.RealGM.com |author=Jonathan Tjarks |date=August 24, 2015 |access-date=January 30, 2021}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Embattled, hard-line, milquetoast coach '''who's''' job is on the line so he cuts it loose and starts winning???<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25280483/joe-philbin-had-never-heard-of-dr-dre-before-seeing-straight-outta-compton |title=Joe Philbin had 'never heard of Dr. Dre' before 'Straight Outta Compton' |work=CBS Sports |author=Will Brinson |date=August 25, 2015 |access-date=August 26, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Amy Carey, a VIPP volunteer '''whose''' the first to respond to a lost dog call, made it her mission to find the canines.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dog-stands-watch-over-trapped-canine-companion-for-7-days/ |title=Dog stands watch over trapped canine buddy for 7 days |work=CBS News |author=Jennifer Earl |date=September 18, 2015 |access-date=September 21, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': They have run the numbers and they know that enough guys slip through the cracks the first time they come through the league that it's worth giving unproven guys a shot as opposed to a veteran on the downside of his career '''whose''' already shown what he will be.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/239551/Sam-Hinkie-And-The-76ers-Numbers-Game |title=Sam Hinkie And The 76ers' Numbers Game |work=Basketball.RealGM.com |author=RealGM Administrator |date=October 17, 2015 |access-date=October 18, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Duncan is getting older but he's still a 7’0 with one of the most refined post games in NBA history '''whose''' capable of stepping out and playing at the high post.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/240258/The-NBAs-Counter-Revolution-Has-Begun |title=The NBA's Counter-Revolution Has Begun |work=Basketball.RealGM.com |author=Jonathan Tjarks |date=December 27, 2015 |access-date=December 27, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': There's a world full of young basketball players who slipped through the cracks in their first stint through the NBA and there's no reason for any of the league's 30 teams to waste a roster spot on a proven commodity '''whose''' proven he can't play anymore.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/240341/When-Youre-Only-As-Good-As-The-End-Of-Your-Bench |title=When You're Only as Good as the End of Your Bench |work=Basketball.RealGM.com |author=Jonathan Tjarks |date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Sen. Marco Rubio, '''who's''' seat is up, has said he will not seek re-election.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/01/politics/ben-carson-answered-prayers/index.html |title=GOP operatives to pitch Ben Carson on Florida Senate run |work=CNN |author=Dana Bash and Nia-Malika Henderson |date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Renowned Dallas sports anchor Dale Hansen of WFAA believes that Starr isn't the only one '''who's''' job should be in the chopping block, however.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/05/dale-hansen-rips-art-briles-failing-women-baylor |title=Texas sports anchor rips Art Briles for failing the women at Baylor |work=FTW.USAToday.com |author=Laken Litman |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Track, supposedly the glue that brings the whole thing together, would be nothing more than a collection of pole vaulters, distance runners and others '''who's''' every accomplishment immediately falls under the lens of the ever-present doping microscope: Is anything you see in this stadium really to be believed?<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://bigstory.ap.org/article/7ca6932983c84ea5825afda926519182/bolt-saved-his-sport-and-kept-olympics-relevant |title=Bolt saved his sport – and kept the Olympics relevant |agency=Associated Press |author=Eddie Pells |date=August 20, 2016 |access-date=August 20, 2016}}</ref>
* '''[[wikt:woman|woman]]''' and '''[[wikt:women|women]]'''. ''Woman'' is the singular form of the word for an adult human female. ''Women'' is the plural form.
** ''Non-standard'': USADA is the national anti-doping partner of the Olympics, and Rousey spent much of her childhood training to compete in the Games, eventually becoming the first American '''women''' to medal in judo with her 2008 bronze medal campaign in Beijing.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/7/30/9075267/ronda-rousey-was-shocked-at-the-drug-testing-when-she-first-started |title=Ronda Rousey was 'shocked' at the drug testing when she first started MMA: It was 'so easy' for people to cheat |work=MMAFighting.com |author=Shaun Al-Shatti |date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=August 4, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': The audience cheered as the '''woman''' were asked to leave, and everyone gave Lochte a standing ovation.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/09/12/ryan-lochte-protesters-storm-the-dancing-with-the-stars-stage-are-escorted-out-by-security/ |title=Ryan Lochte protesters arrested after storming the 'Dancing with the Stars' stage on live TV |newspaper=The Washington Post |author=Emily Yahr |date=September 13, 2016 |access-date=September 13, 2016}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': Keenly aware of her role as a '''women''' of color in media, Ifill once told The New York Times, "When I was a little girl watching programs like this – because that's the kind of nerdy family we were – I would look up and not see anyone who looked like me in any way. No women. No people of color.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://abcnews.go.com/US/pbs-anchor-gwen-ifill-dies-61/story?id=43528987 |title=PBS Anchor Gwen Ifill Dies at 61 |work=ABC News |via=Go.com |author=Erin Dooley |date=November 14, 2016 |access-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref>

===Y===
* '''[[wikt:you're|you're]]''' and '''[[wikt:your|your]]'''.  While they sound the same in many dialects, in standard written English they have separate meanings. ''You're'' is a contraction of "you are", and ''your'' is a possessive pronoun meaning "belonging to you". When in doubt, check whether the word in question can logically be expanded to "you are".
** ''Standard'': When driving, always wear your seatbelt.
** ''Standard'': If you're going out, please be home by ten o'clock.
** ''Non-standard'': You also can't use 4G or LTE if '''you're''' Android phone doesn't support Bluetooth tethering.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/google-glass-googles-wearable-gadget/story?id=19091948&singlePage=true |title=Google Glass: What You Can and Can't Do with Google's Wearable Computer |last=Stern |first=Joanna |date=May 2, 2013 |via=Go.com |work=ABC News |access-date=August 29, 2013}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': If '''you're''' first instinct is "man the USA lucked into the soft side of the bracket" your instinct would be correct.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/04/fiba-world-cup-knockout-round-bracket-set/ |title=FIBA World Cup knockout round bracket set |work=ProBasketballTalk.NBCSports.com |author=Kurt Helin |date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=January 8, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': From here, you draft supporting talent, develop that talent, add some veteran free agents, and if '''your''' lucky, you're on your way to truly competing.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25253002/different-paths-to-rebuilding-a-view-of-the-sixers-celtics-magic |title=Different paths to rebuilding: A view of the Sixers, Celtics, Magic |work=CBS Sports |author=Matt Moore |date=August 2, 2015 |access-date=August 5, 2015}}</ref>
** ''Non-standard'': '''You're''' mother called this morning.
** ''Non-standard'': '''Your''' the first person to notice my new haircut today!

==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Commonly misspelled English words]]
* [[English language]], [[English grammar]], [[Disputed English grammar]]
* [[Engrish]], [[Franglais]], [[Spanglish]], [[Yinglish]]
* [[Eggcorn]]
* [[Homonym]], [[Synonym]], [[Antonym]]
* [[Hypercorrection]]
* [[Malapropism]]
* [[Misspelling]]
* [[List of common English usage misconceptions]]
* [[List of dialects of the English language]]
* [[List of English homographs]]
* [[List of English words with disputed usage]]
* [[List of words having different meanings in British and American English]]
{{div col end}}
'''Wiktionary appendices'''
* [[wikt:Appendix:English dialect-independent homophones|List of dialect-independent homophones]]
* [[wikt:Appendix:English dialect-dependent homophones|List of dialect-dependent homophones]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|30em}}

==References==
* {{cite book |first=Bryan A. |last=Garner |author-link=Bryan A. Garner |title=[[Garner's Modern English Usage]] |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press}}
* {{cite book |title=The American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage and Style |date=2005 |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt}}
* {{cite book |first=Robert M. |last=Ritter |title=[[New Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors]] |date=2014 |publisher=Oxford University Press}} Also available as part of ''New Oxford Style manual'' (2016).
* {{cite book |first=Jeremy |last=Butterfield |title=[[Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage]] |date=2015 |publisher=Oxford University Press}}
* {{cite book |last=Brians |first=Paul |date=1993 |url= http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html |title=Common Errors in English Usage |edition=Web |publisher=William James & Company |isbn=1-887902-89-9}}

==External links==
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,3604,1066667,00.html "Not I. It's me"], by [[John Humphrys]] (2003). An opinion piece excerpted from his book ''Between You and I: A Little Book of Bad English''.
* [http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/articles/media/1994_01_24_thenewrepublic.html Grammar Puss] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430100146/http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/articles/media/1994_01_24_thenewrepublic.html |date=2014-04-30 }}, by [[Steven Pinker]] (1994). Argues against prescriptive rules. A revised draft of this article became the chapter "The Language Mavens" in ''[[The Language Instinct]]''.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Commonly Misused English Words}}
[[Category:Lists of English words]]
[[Category:English grammar]]
[[Category:Linguistic error]]