This document provides examples to distinguish between commonly confused word pairs including a lot vs alot, its vs it's, there vs they're vs their, two vs to vs too, I vs i, are vs our, where vs were, principal vs principle, no vs know, and new vs knew. Each pair is defined and an example sentence is given for each word to illustrate its meaning in context.

1. Commonly Confused Words Part 1

2. A lot A lot is 2 words not one alot

3. its, it’s Its shows possession or ownership. It’s is a contraction of “it is.” it’s = it is The dog ate its food. It’s a great day. .

4. there, they’re, their There is the place. They’re is a contraction of “they are.” Their shows ownership (belonging to someone). I am going there . They’re my friends. Their books are on the table.

5. two, to, too Two is the number 2. To is a preposition. Too means also or in addition. I have two feet . I’m going to school. I like pizza too .

6. I I must always be capitalized. i

7. are, our Are is a verb. Our shows ownership (belonging to us). Our house is blue. We are going.

8. where, were Where is a place. Were is a verb. Where is the game? We were playing basketball.

9. principal, principle Princi pal is the main person or main thing. (The princi pal is your pal .) A princip le is a ru le . I’m the principal . Fairness is an important principle .

10. no, know No is the opposite of yes. Know means to have information. No ! Don’t go there. I know how to skateboard.

11. new, knew New is the opposite of old. Knew is the past tense of to know. I’m new at this school. I knew where to go. Art used with permission from ClipArt.com