The document provides guidance on the correct usage of several commonly confused word pairs in the English language. It explains the differences between there/their/they're, to/too, its/it's, who/whom, then/than, affect/effect and provides examples to illustrate when each word should be used. The overall purpose is to help the reader distinguish between similar sounding words and use the right word in different contexts.

1. Mrs. Ferrington
9 th Grade English

2.  Many words look or sound similar
 Use the right word so the reader knows your meaning
 Incorrect words can be distracting!

3.  There is used when you are referring to a PLACE
 Examples:
 The book belongs over there.
 There are many different ways to begin a story.

4.  Their refers to possession of something
 Examples:
 This is their house.
 Their parents are both teachers.

5.  They’re is a contraction meaning they are.
 A good test is to replace they’re with they are
 If the sentence works it’s the correct version
 If it doesn’t work, check your rules!
 Examples:
 They’re busy all day.
 They are busy all day.
 Nobody would tell me what they’re doing.
 Nobody would tell me what they are doing.

6.  To is used to indicate a direction
 To is also used when you are using a verb in the infinitive
 Examples:
 I am going to the store.
 I want to see that movie this weekend.
 http://www.wikihow.com/Use-%22Too%22-and-%22To%22-Correctly

7.  Too is used to mean in addition.
 If you can replace the word too with also or very this is
the correct form to use!
 Examples:
 He wants to come too.
 He wants to come also.
 They were too glad to be done with their homework.
 They were very glad to be done with their homework.

8.  Two is a number.
 Please only use the word two if you are talking about
an amount.
 Examples:
 I have two kinds of ice cream.
 These two puppies are adorable.

9.  Its is used to show possession.
 Try replacing the word its with his. If it works this is
the correct form.
 Examples:
 The dog has its bone in the corner.
 The dog has his bone in the corner.
 The play was showing its last performance.
 The play was showing his last performance.

10.  It’s is used as a contraction that means it is or it has.
 If you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has” the
correct form is it’s.
 Example:
 It’s the best sandwich in town.
 It is the best sandwich in town.
 This is the way it’s going to be.
 This is the way it is going to be.

11.  Try replacing the word who with he or answering the
question with he. If it works use who.
 Examples:
 We saw who walked by the window.
 We saw he walked by the window.
 Who went to the show?
 He went to the show.

12.  When you use the word whom you should be able to
replace it with the word him.
 Examples:
 This is the friend whom I told you about.
 I told you about him.
 To whom it may concern:
 It concerns him.

13.  Then can be used to specify a certain time.
 I am going to see my mom then.
 Then can be used to show order.
 We went to the movie then to dinner.
 Then can be used to show an addition.
 She took my money then my car.
 Then can be used to demonstrate “in that case”
 If you plan on leaving this house, then you need to clean the
kitchen.
 http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/difficulties/thanthen.html

14.  Than is used to make comparisons.
 Examples:
 I think he is nicer than she is.
 This dog is cuter than that one.

15.  Affect is used when you are showing influence.
 It is usually used as a verb.
 Examples:
 It affected the team when Joel got suspended.
 Practicing has a huge affect on performance.
 http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/affect-versus-effect.aspx

16.  Effect is what happens after a cause. It is a result.
 It is usually used as a noun.
 Examples:
 Weight loss is an effect of eating well and exercising.
 The broken leg is a side effect of jumping out the
window.
 http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/affect-versus-effect.aspx