Improve Your Writing: Words That Are Often Misspelled
Misspelling words can be a common issue, even for seasoned writers. Learning to spell correctly not only improves your writing but also boosts your credibility. In this post, we will explore over 100 words that are often misspelled and provide tips to remember their correct words usually misspelled.
| Misspelled Word | Correct Spelling | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| beleive | believe | विश्वास करना |
| accidant | accident | दुर्घटना |
| beleif | belief | विश्वास |
| acheive | achieve | प्राप्त करना |
| seperation | separation | अलगाव |
| recieve | receive | प्राप्त करना |
| neccessary | necessary | आवश्यक |
| posession | possession | संपत्ति |
| aftr | after | बाद में |
| accross | across | पार |
| accomodate | accommodate | आवास |
| arguement | argument | तर्क |
| acheivement | achievement | उपलब्धि |
| apparetnly | apparently | प्रत्यक्षता |
| committment | commitment | प्रतिबद्धता |
- ...........................More
1. Accommodate
“Accommodate” is one of those words that is frequently misspelled because of its double letters.
Memory Aid: Think of it as needing to “accommodate” both pairs of letters: two 'c's and two 'm's.
Examples:
- We need to accommodate the growing number of guests.
- The hotel will accommodate up to 300 people.
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: Please _______ all the guests comfortably. (accomodate/accommodate)
- The hotel can _______ 200 people. (accommodate/accomodate)
- Try to _______ everyone’s needs. (accommodate/accomodate)
2. Definitely
“Definitely” is often misspelled as “definately” or “definatly.”
Memory Aid: A good way to remember its correct spelling is by noting that it has the word “finite” in it.
Examples:
- I will definitely be there tomorrow.
- This is definitely a great opportunity.
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct spelling: I will _______ be there tomorrow. (definately/definitely)
- This is _______ a great opportunity. (definately/definitely)
- She _______ said she would join us. (definately/definitely)
3. Embarrass
The word “embarrass” can be tricky because of the double 'r' and double 's'.
Memory Aid: To avoid being embarrassed by this word, remember that it is so embarrassing it needs double the letters!
Examples:
- He felt embarrassed in front of the class.
- Don’t embarrass me with your questions.
Practice Exercise:
- Correct the spelling: He felt _______ in front of the class. (embarass/embarrass)
- Don’t _______ me with your questions. (embarrass/embarass)
- It was an _______ moment. (embarassing/embarrassing)
4. Independent
Many people misspell “independent” by adding an extra 'a' making it “independant.”
Memory Aid: To remember it correctly, note that “independent” ends with “-ent” just like “dependent.”
Examples:
- She is a very independent person.
- We celebrate our independence day.
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: She is a very _______ person. (independant/independent)
- We celebrate our _______ day. (independent/independant)
- He values being _______. (independent/independant)
5. Necessary
“Necessary” often trips people up with its combination of 'c's and 's's.
Memory Aid: One trick is to remember it has one 'c' and two 's's, just like in the phrase “Never Eat Crispy Sausages, Eat Soft Sausages And Remain Young.”
Examples:
- It is necessary to complete the form.
- Is this really necessary?
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct spelling: It is _______ to complete the form. (necessary/necessarry)
- Is this really _______? (necessary/necessarry)
- Make the _______ arrangements. (necessary/necessarry)
6. Occurrence
The word “occurrence” is often misspelled with varying numbers of 'c's and 'r's.
Memory Aid: It has two 'c's and two 'r's. Think of it as a frequent “occurrence” to remember its spelling.
Examples:
- It was an unusual occurrence.
- The occurrence of the event was surprising.
Practice Exercise:
- Correct the spelling: It was an unusual _______. (occurrence/occurance)
- The _______ of the event was surprising. (occurance/occurrence)
- Such an _______ is rare. (occurrence/occurance)
7. Recommend
“Recommend” is often misspelled as “reccomend” or “recomend.”
Memory Aid: To remember its correct spelling, think of it as recommending a friend, which requires two 'm's to fully support them.
Examples:
- Can you recommend a good book?
- I highly recommend this restaurant.
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: Can you _______ a good book? (recommend/reccomend)
- I highly _______ this restaurant. (recomend/recommend)
- She will _______ you for the job. (recommend/reccomend)
8. Separate
Many people misspell “separate” as “seperate.”
Memory Aid: Remember that there is “a rat” in “separate” to get it right.
Examples:
- Please separate these papers into two piles.
- Keep the items separate.
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct spelling: Please _______ these papers into two piles. (seperate/separate)
- Keep the items _______. (seperate/separate)
- We need to _______ the tasks. (seperate/separate)
9. Vacuum
The word “vacuum” is often misspelled as “vaccum” or “vacume.”
Memory Aid: Think of it as having a double 'u' like in the word “double” itself.
Examples:
- Use the vacuum to clean the carpet.
- There is a vacuum in the space.
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: Use the _______ to clean the carpet. (vaccum/vacuum)
- There is a _______ in the space. (vacuum/vacume)
- Buy a new _______ cleaner. (vacume/vacuum)
10. Conscious
“Conscious” is tricky because of its 's' and 'c' combination.
Memory Aid: Remember that being “conscious” means you are aware, and both have a similar 's' and 'c' sound.
Examples:
- He was fully conscious during the procedure.
- Be conscious of your surroundings.
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct spelling: He was fully _______ during the procedure. (conscious/concious)
- Be _______ of your surroundings. (concious/conscious)
- She remained _______ after the fall. (concious/conscious)
11. Their/They're/There
These homophones are often confused.
Memory Aid: “Their” shows possession, “they’re” is a contraction of “they are,” and “there” refers to a place.
Examples:
- Their house is big. (possession)
- They’re going to the park. (contraction)
- We will meet there. (place)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: _______ house is beautiful. (Their/They're/There)
- _______ going to the market. (Their/They're/There)
- We will meet _______. (Their/They're/There)
12. Your/You're
These words are frequently mixed up.
Memory Aid: “Your” indicates possession, while “you’re” is a contraction of “you are.”
Examples:
- Your dog is cute. (possession)
- You’re welcome to join us. (contraction)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: _______ dog is adorable. (Your/You're)
- _______ invited to the party. (Your/You're)
- Is this _______ book? (Your/You're)
13. Its/It's
Another common pair of words that are often confused.
Memory Aid: “Its” is possessive, while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
Examples:
- The cat chased its tail. (possessive)
- It’s a beautiful day. (contraction)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: The dog wagged _______ tail. (its/it's)
- _______ raining outside. (Its/It's)
- _______ a long way to the store. (Its/It's)
14. Effect/Affect
“Effect” and “affect” are commonly mixed up.
Memory Aid: “Effect” is usually a noun, meaning a result, while “affect” is usually a verb, meaning to influence.
Examples:
- The effect of the new law was significant. (noun)
- The weather can affect your mood. (verb)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: The new policy had a positive _______ on the company. (effect/affect)
- The medicine did not _______ her as expected. (effect/affect)
- His actions will _______ the entire team. (effect/affect)
15. Lose/Loose
These words are often confused because of their similar pronunciation.
Memory Aid: “Lose” means to misplace or not win, while “loose” means not tight.
Examples:
- Don’t lose your keys. (misplace)
- The shirt is too loose. (not tight)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: Don’t _______ your passport. (lose/loose)
- The knot is too _______. (lose/loose)
- He might _______ the game. (lose/loose)
16. Accept/Except
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Accept” means to receive, while “except” means to exclude.
Examples:
- I accept your apology. (receive)
- Everyone is invited except John. (exclude)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: I _______ your invitation. (accept/except)
- Everyone is here _______ Sarah. (accept/except)
- Please _______ my gratitude. (accept/except)
17. Principal/Principle
These homophones are often confused.
Memory Aid: “Principal” refers to the head of a school or main person, while “principle” means a fundamental truth or belief.
Examples:
- The school principal is very strict. (head of school)
- She follows the principle of honesty. (fundamental truth)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: The _______ of the school welcomed us. (principal/principle)
- Honesty is a core _______. (principal/principle)
- The _______ reason for his success is hard work. (principal/principle)
18. Compliment/Complement
These words are often mistaken for each other.
Memory Aid: “Compliment” means to praise, while “complement” means to complete or enhance.
Examples:
- She gave me a nice compliment. (praise)
- This wine complements the meal. (enhances)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Your dress received many _______. (compliments/complements)
- The two colors _______ each other well. (compliment/complement)
- He _______ her on her performance. (complimented/complemented)
19. Than/Then
These words are commonly confused.
Memory Aid: “Than” is used for comparisons, while “then” is used to indicate time or sequence.
Examples:
- She is taller than her brother. (comparison)
- First we’ll eat, then we’ll go out. (time/sequence)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: He is faster _______ I am. (than/then)
- We’ll go to the park, _______ we’ll have lunch. (than/then)
- She is more experienced _______ her colleagues. (than/then)
20. Ensure/Insure/Assure
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Ensure” means to make sure, “insure” means to provide insurance, and “assure” means to give confidence or guarantee.
Examples:
- Please ensure that the door is locked. (make sure)
- I need to insure my car. (provide insurance)
- I assure you, everything will be fine. (give confidence)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Please _______ that you have all your belongings. (ensure/insure/assure)
- I need to _______ my house. (ensure/insure/assure)
- He tried to _______ her that everything was okay. (ensure/insure/assure)
21. Allusion/Illusion
These words are often confused.
Memory Aid: “Allusion” is a reference to something, while “illusion” is a false perception.
Examples:
- Her speech included an allusion to Shakespeare. (reference)
- The magician created the illusion of disappearing. (false perception)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: His comment was an _______ to a famous movie. (allusion/illusion)
- The mirror created an _______ of depth. (allusion/illusion)
- Her book makes many _______ to classical literature. (allusions/illusions)
22. Cite/Site/Sight
These homophones are often mixed up.
Memory Aid: “Cite” means to quote or reference, “site” means a location, and “sight” means the ability to see.
Examples:
- Please cite your sources. (quote/reference)
- The construction site is busy. (location)
- He regained his sight after the surgery. (ability to see)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Remember to _______ your sources. (cite/site/sight)
- The new office _______ is under construction. (cite/site/sight)
- He lost his _______ in the accident. (cite/site/sight)
23. Desert/Dessert
These words are often confused because of their similar spelling and pronunciation.
Memory Aid: “Desert” refers to a dry, barren area, while “dessert” is a sweet course eaten at the end of a meal. Remember, “dessert” has an extra 's' because you always want more sweets!
Examples:
- The Sahara is a vast desert. (dry area)
- I love chocolate cake for dessert. (sweet course)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: The _______ is very hot during the day. (desert/dessert)
- She baked a delicious _______. (desert/dessert)
- After dinner, we had ice cream for _______. (desert/dessert)
24. Advise/Advice
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Advise” is a verb meaning to give counsel, while “advice” is a noun meaning the counsel given.
Examples:
- I advise you to take caution. (verb)
- He gave me great advice. (noun)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: I need your _______ on this matter. (advice/advise)
- She _______ him to be careful. (advice/advise)
- His _______ was very helpful. (advice/advise)
25. Who's/Whose
These words are frequently confused.
Memory Aid: “Who’s” is a contraction of “who is” or “who has,” while “whose” indicates possession.
Examples:
- Who’s coming to the party? (who is)
- Whose book is this? (possession)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: _______ coming to the meeting? (Who's/Whose)
- _______ keys are these? (Who's/Whose)
- Do you know _______ car is parked outside? (Who's/Whose)
26. Altar/Alter
These words are often mistaken for each other.
Memory Aid: “Altar” refers to a table used in religious ceremonies, while “alter” means to change.
Examples:
- The bride and groom stood at the altar. (religious table)
- We need to alter our plans. (change)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: They will get married at the _______. (altar/alter)
- We need to _______ our schedule. (altar/alter)
- The _______ in the church was decorated with flowers. (altar/alter)
27. Stationery/Stationary
These words are often confused due to their similar spelling.
Memory Aid: “Stationery” refers to paper and office supplies, while “stationary” means not moving.
Examples:
- I bought new stationery for the office. (paper and supplies)
- The car remained stationary at the stop sign. (not moving)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: I need to buy some _______ for my new job. (stationery/stationary)
- The bike was _______ on the stand. (stationery/stationary)
- He writes letters on beautiful _______. (stationery/stationary)
28. Precede/Proceed
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Precede” means to come before, while “proceed” means to continue or go forward.
Examples:
- The speech will precede the dinner. (come before)
- Let’s proceed with the meeting. (continue)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: The introduction will _______ the main event. (precede/proceed)
- We will _______ with the presentation. (precede/proceed)
- The parade will _______ the concert. (precede/proceed)
29. Formally/Formerly
These words are often confused because of their similar spelling.
Memory Aid: “Formally” means in a formal manner, while “formerly” means previously.
Examples:
- We were dressed formally for the event. (formal manner)
- She was formerly known as Jane Doe. (previously)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: He was _______ a member of the club. (formally/formerly)
- They dressed _______ for the gala. (formally/formerly)
- The artist _______ went by a different name. (formally/formerly)
30. Whether/Weather
These words are often mistaken for each other.
Memory Aid: “Whether” is used to introduce choices, while “weather” refers to atmospheric conditions.
Examples:
- We’ll go whether it rains or not. (introduce choices)
- The weather is nice today. (atmospheric conditions)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Let me know _______ you can come. (whether/weather)
- The _______ today is sunny. (whether/weather)
- I can’t decide _______ to go or stay. (whether/weather)
31. Lose/Loose
These words are often confused because of their similar pronunciation.
Memory Aid: “Lose” means to misplace or not win, while “loose” means not tight.
Examples:
- Don’t lose your keys. (misplace)
- The shirt is too loose. (not tight)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: Don’t _______ your passport. (lose/loose)
- The knot is too _______. (lose/loose)
- He might _______ the game. (lose/loose)
32. Accept/Except
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Accept” means to receive, while “except” means to exclude.
Examples:
- I accept your apology. (receive)
- Everyone is invited except John. (exclude)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: I _______ your invitation. (accept/except)
- Everyone is here _______ Sarah. (accept/except)
- Please _______ my gratitude. (accept/except)
33. Principal/Principle
These homophones are often confused.
Memory Aid: “Principal” refers to the head of a school or main person, while “principle” means a fundamental truth or belief.
Examples:
- The school principal is very strict. (head of school)
- She follows the principle of honesty. (fundamental truth)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: The _______ of the school welcomed us. (principal/principle)
- Honesty is a core _______. (principal/principle)
- The _______ reason for his success is hard work. (principal/principle)
34. Compliment/Complement
These words are often mistaken for each other.
Memory Aid: “Compliment” means to praise, while “complement” means to complete or enhance.
Examples:
- She gave me a nice compliment. (praise)
- This wine complements the meal. (enhances)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Your dress received many _______. (compliments/complements)
- The two colors _______ each other well. (compliment/complement)
- He _______ her on her performance. (complimented/complemented)
35. Than/Then
These words are commonly confused.
Memory Aid: “Than” is used for comparisons, while “then” is used to indicate time or sequence.
Examples:
- She is taller than her brother. (comparison)
- First we’ll eat, then we’ll go out. (time/sequence)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: He is faster _______ I am. (than/then)
- We’ll go to the park, _______ we’ll have lunch. (than/then)
- She is more experienced _______ her colleagues. (than/then)
36. Ensure/Insure/Assure
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Ensure” means to make sure, “insure” means to provide insurance, and “assure” means to give confidence or guarantee.
Examples:
- Please ensure that the door is locked. (make sure)
- I need to insure my car. (provide insurance)
- I assure you, everything will be fine. (give confidence)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Please _______ that you have all your belongings. (ensure/insure/assure)
- I need to _______ my house. (ensure/insure/assure)
- He tried to _______ her that everything was okay. (ensure/insure/assure)
37. Allusion/Illusion
These words are often confused.
Memory Aid: “Allusion” is a reference to something, while “illusion” is a false perception.
Examples:
- Her speech included an allusion to Shakespeare. (reference)
- The magician created the illusion of disappearing. (false perception)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: His comment was an _______ to a famous movie. (allusion/illusion)
- The mirror created an _______ of depth. (allusion/illusion)
- Her book makes many _______ to classical literature. (allusions/illusions)
38. Cite/Site/Sight
These homophones are often mixed up.
Memory Aid: “Cite” means to quote or reference, “site” means a location, and “sight” means the ability to see.
Examples:
- Please cite your sources. (quote/reference)
- The construction site is busy. (location)
- He regained his sight after the surgery. (ability to see)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Remember to _______ your sources. (cite/site/sight)
- The new office _______ is under construction. (cite/site/sight)
- He lost his _______ in the accident. (cite/site/sight)
39. Desert/Dessert
These words are often confused because of their similar spelling and pronunciation.
Memory Aid: “Desert” refers to a dry, barren area, while “dessert” is a sweet course eaten at the end of a meal. Remember, “dessert” has an extra 's' because you always want more sweets!
Examples:
- The Sahara is a vast desert. (dry area)
- I love chocolate cake for dessert. (sweet course)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: The _______ is very hot during the day. (desert/dessert)
- She baked a delicious _______. (desert/dessert)
- After dinner, we had ice cream for _______. (desert/dessert)
40. Advise/Advice
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Advise” is a verb meaning to give counsel, while “advice” is a noun meaning the counsel given.
Examples:
- I advise you to take caution. (verb)
- He gave me great advice. (noun)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: I need your _______ on this matter. (advice/advise)
- She _______ him to be careful. (advice/advise)
- His _______ was very helpful. (advice/advise)
41. Who's/Whose
These words are frequently confused.
Memory Aid: “Who’s” is a contraction of “who is” or “who has,” while “whose” indicates possession.
Examples:
- Who’s coming to the party? (who is)
- Whose book is this? (possession)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: _______ coming to the meeting? (Who's/Whose)
- _______ keys are these? (Who's/Whose)
- Do you know _______ car is parked outside? (Who's/Whose)
42. Altar/Alter
These words are often mistaken for each other.
Memory Aid: “Altar” refers to a table used in religious ceremonies, while “alter” means to change.
Examples:
- The bride and groom stood at the altar. (religious table)
- We need to alter our plans. (change)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: They will get married at the _______. (altar/alter)
- We need to _______ our schedule. (altar/alter)
- The _______ in the church was decorated with flowers. (altar/alter)
43. Stationery/Stationary
These words are often confused due to their similar spelling.
Memory Aid: “Stationery” refers to paper and office supplies, while “stationary” means not moving.
Examples:
- I bought new stationery for the office. (paper and supplies)
- The car remained stationary at the stop sign. (not moving)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: I need to buy some _______ for my new job. (stationery/stationary)
- The bike was _______ on the stand. (stationery/stationary)
- He writes letters on beautiful _______. (stationery/stationary)
44. Precede/Proceed
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Precede” means to come before, while “proceed” means to continue or go forward.
Examples:
- The introduction will precede the main event. (come before)
- Let’s proceed with the presentation. (continue)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: The introduction will _______ the main event. (precede/proceed)
- We will _______ with the presentation. (precede/proceed)
- The parade will _______ the concert. (precede/proceed)
45. Formally/Formerly
These words are often confused because of their similar spelling.
Memory Aid: “Formally” means in a formal manner, while “formerly” means previously.
Examples:
- We were dressed formally for the event. (formal manner)
- She was formerly known as Jane Doe. (previously)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: He was _______ a member of the club. (formally/formerly)
- They dressed _______ for the gala. (formally/formerly)
- The artist _______ went by a different name. (formally/formerly)
46. Whether/Weather
These words are often mistaken for each other.
Memory Aid: “Whether” is used to introduce choices, while “weather” refers to atmospheric conditions.
Examples:
- Let me know whether you can come. (introduce choices)
- The weather is nice today. (atmospheric conditions)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Let me know _______ you can come. (whether/weather)
- The _______ today is sunny. (whether/weather)
- I can’t decide _______ to go or stay. (whether/weather)
47. Lose/Loose
These words are often confused because of their similar pronunciation.
Memory Aid: “Lose” means to misplace or not win, while “loose” means not tight.
Examples:
- Don’t lose your keys. (misplace)
- The shirt is too loose. (not tight)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: Don’t _______ your passport. (lose/loose)
- The knot is too _______. (lose/loose)
- He might _______ the game. (lose/loose)
48. Accept/Except
These words are often used incorrectly.
Memory Aid: “Accept” means to receive, while “except” means to exclude.
Examples:
- I accept your apology. (receive)
- Everyone is invited except John. (exclude)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: I _______ your invitation. (accept/except)
- Everyone is here _______ Sarah. (accept/except)
- Please _______ my gratitude. (accept/except)
49. Principal/Principle
These homophones are often confused.
Memory Aid: “Principal” refers to the head of a school or main person, while “principle” means a fundamental truth or belief.
Examples:
- The school principal is very strict. (head of school)
- She follows the principle of honesty. (fundamental truth)
Practice Exercise:
- Fill in the blanks: The _______ of the school welcomed us. (principal/principle)
- Honesty is a core _______. (principal/principle)
- The _______ reason for his success is hard work. (principal/principle)
50. Compliment/Complement
These words are often mistaken for each other.
Memory Aid: “Compliment” means to praise, while “complement” means to complete or enhance.
Examples:
- She gave me a nice compliment. (praise)
- This wine complements the meal. (enhances)
Practice Exercise:
- Choose the correct word: Your dress received many _______. (compliments/complements)
- The two colors _______ each other well. (compliment/complement)
- He _______ her on her performance. (complimented/complemented)
This list covers 50 commonly misspelled words along with explanations, examples, and practice exercises to reinforce understanding. Practice using these words correctly to improve your writing skills!
Conclusion :- mastering the correct spelling of commonly misspelled words is crucial for enhancing your writing proficiency and ensuring clear communication. By familiarizing yourself with the correct spellings, understanding their meanings, and practicing their usage through exercises, you can significantly improve your writing accuracy and credibility. Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to overcoming spelling challenges and becoming a more effective communicator. So, embrace the opportunity to refine your writing skills by avoiding these embarrassing mistakes and striving for excellence in your written communication.
