Commonly Confused Words

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Instructions: Affect or effect? Complement or compliment? Test your knowledge of tricky word pairs!

1.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
The weather will have no affect on us.
B
The weather will effect our plans.
C
The affect of the storm was devastating.
D
The weather will affect our plans.
2.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
She gave me a nice complement about my hair.
B
I received a lovely complement on my cooking.
C
That scarf really complements your outfit.
D
That scarf really compliments your outfit.
3.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
It's a matter of principal.
B
The principal of the school gave a speech.
C
The principle of the school gave a speech.
D
She has strong principals.
4.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
The car remained stationery at the light.
B
The car remained stationary at the light.
C
I need to buy some stationary for school.
D
I bought new stationary paper and pens.
5.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
Please except this gift.
B
I'll except your apology.
C
Everyone accept Tom was invited.
D
Everyone except Tom was invited.
6.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
I don't want to lose my keys.
B
Don't loose your keys.
C
My shoelaces are lose.
D
The knot came lose.
7.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
There going to the store later.
B
Their going to the store later.
C
They're going to the store later.
D
Theyre going to the store later.
8.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
Who's book is on the table?
B
Whose dog is that in the yard?
C
Who's dog is that in the yard?
D
Whose the person in charge here?
9.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
I have fewer money than yesterday.
B
There are less people here today.
C
She has less friends than her sister.
D
There are fewer people here today.
10.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
Please lie the book on the table.
B
The chicken lied three eggs.
C
I'm going to lay down for a nap.
D
I'm going to lie down for a nap.
11.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
Can you insure that the package arrives?
B
Please insure all doors are locked.
C
I need to ensure my car against theft.
D
Please ensure all doors are locked.
12.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
The capitol of France is Paris.
B
The capital building has a large dome.
C
The capital of France is Paris.
D
Washington, D.C. is our nation's capitol.
13.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
The Sahara Dessert is very hot.
B
The soldiers would never dessert their post.
C
I'll have chocolate cake for dessert.
D
I'll have chocolate cake for desert.
14.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
The elicit trade in wildlife is a problem.
B
The police uncovered illicit activities.
C
The survey was designed to illicit responses.
D
The comedian tried to illicit laughter.
15.
Which sentence uses the correct word?
A
They plan to immigrate from the country soon.
B
She emigrated to Canada from Mexico last year.
C
Many people immigrate from the United States.
D
My grandparents emigrated to America from Italy.

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