Title: READ: Commonly Confused Words V
Course: English 9 (B)

Commonly Confused Words V

The following is a list of words that are often confused and misused in writing. Study each word and then complete the practice exercise.

Accept - to consider or hold as true; to receive
Except - take exception to; prevent from being included; to leave out

Examples:
- She accepted the criticism with grace and understanding.
- You may eat any of the pies, except the pumpkin pie.

Allusion - indirect mention
Illusion- a false perception of reality

Examples:
Her allusion to the president in her speech was uncalled for.
Your hope for being rescued is an illusion.

Breath - air inhaled or exhaled (noun)
Breathe - to inhale or exhale (verb)

Examples:
- It is so cold I can see my breath.
- You need to calm down and just breathe.

Its - possessive form of the pronoun it
It's - conjunction of 'it is'.

Examples:
- The puppy will howl if you take away its food dish.
- It's going to be a rainy day.

Principal - educator who has executive authority over a school
Principle - a rule or standard

Examples:
- If you earn one more incomplete you will have to go see the principal.
- This company was founded on three core principles.

Lose - to misplace; to not win
Loose - not tight; to release

Examples
- You cannot lose this key.
- If you cannot fix the engine, you will lose the race.
- I forgot my belt and my pants are too loose.
- The turkeys have been set loose.