Troublesome WordsTroublesome Words

To, Two, and TooTo, Two, and Too

‘‘To’ : To’ : Shows movement towards: e.g. He Shows movement towards: e.g. He is going to school.is going to school.

‘‘To’To’ also indicates the infinitive of a verb. also indicates the infinitive of a verb. E.g. She hopes to win a prize.E.g. She hopes to win a prize.

‘‘Two’ :Two’ : Is a number. E.g. The two boys are Is a number. E.g. The two boys are with two lovely girls.with two lovely girls.

‘‘Too’ : Too’ : Means ‘also’, ‘enough’ ‘more than Means ‘also’, ‘enough’ ‘more than enough’, ‘likewise’enough’, ‘likewise’

Example: The inspector asked too many Example: The inspector asked too many difficult questions.difficult questions.

Try writing the correct Try writing the correct form of ‘to,too two’ in the form of ‘to,too two’ in the

following sentences.following sentences.

1. David is ……….ill ……… go…………… the pop concert.

2. The last…….. days were………..wet……… play games.

3. The teacher told me…….. leave for home at….. o’clock.

4. My……… sisters travel………school by bus.

5. I am…….. young ………be admitted……the dance.

6. It is ……early ………retire …….bed.

7. The question was………… hard ………… answer.

8. If you are going…..the pop concert may I come…..?

9. It is ………soon after dinner……go swimming.

10. He showed us…….ways……..solve the problem.

Now Check Your Answers!Now Check Your Answers! 1. Too, to, to.1. Too, to, to. 2. Two, too, to.2. Two, too, to. 3. To, two.3. To, two. 4. Two, to.4. Two, to. 5. Too, to, to.5. Too, to, to. 6. Too, to, to.6. Too, to, to. 7. Too, to.7. Too, to. 8. To, too.8. To, too. 9. Too. To9. Too. To 10. Two, to. 10. Two, to.

Their, There, + Their, There, + They’reThey’re

THERETHERE

Use Use there there when referring to when referring to a place.a place.

How to remember: The How to remember: The word word herehere is hiding in the is hiding in the word word therethere. Both . Both herehere and and therethere are words that refer are words that refer to a place or direction. to a place or direction.

THERETHERE

ThereThere is a computer store on is a computer store on Fox Hill Avenue.Fox Hill Avenue.

The science textbooks are over The science textbooks are over therethere on the floor.on the floor.

ThereThere are many documents are many documents that are used in investigations.that are used in investigations.

THEIRTHEIR

Use Use theirtheir when talking about when talking about something that belongs to more something that belongs to more than one. T H E I R shows than one. T H E I R shows possession or ownership. The word possession or ownership. The word “heir” is in their.“heir” is in their.

My friends have lost My friends have lost theirtheir tickets. tickets. TheirTheir things were scattered across things were scattered across

the room.the room.

THEY’RETHEY’RE

They're is a contraction of the They're is a contraction of the words they and are.words they and are.

Hurry up! Hurry up! They'reThey're closing the closing the mall at 6 tonight!mall at 6 tonight!

I'm glad that I'm glad that they'rethey're so nice to so nice to new students here.new students here.

. ______ are no excuses this time, . ______ are no excuses this time, Buddy!Buddy!

ThereThereTheirTheirThey'reThey're

I can't imagine where I can't imagine where __________ going after the __________ going after the movie.movie.

theretheretheirtheirthey'rethey're

It's ________ car, so let them It's ________ car, so let them decide where we're going.decide where we're going.

theretheretheirtheirthey'rethey're

Wherever ________ are two or Wherever ________ are two or more firefighters in the same more firefighters in the same room, you know what they'll be room, you know what they'll be talking about.talking about.

theretheretheirtheirthey'rethey're

Its and It’s

It’sIt’sMeans “it is”Means “it is”

ItsItsGoes before a noun or Goes before a noun or noun phrase to show noun phrase to show

the noun or noun the noun or noun phrase belongs to “it”phrase belongs to “it”

Confused?Confused?

Words ending in apostrophe-s Words ending in apostrophe-s usually show belonging usually show belonging

BUTBUT

not with not with it’sit’s

How can I remember which one to How can I remember which one to use?use?

Try the old rhyme:Try the old rhyme:

When you say When you say it’s time for teait’s time for tea

It’s time to use the apostrophe.It’s time to use the apostrophe.

When you say When you say the dog has got its bonethe dog has got its bone

It’s time to leave the apostrophe alone.It’s time to leave the apostrophe alone.

The mental processThe mental process

Does Does it isit is fit? fit?

Otherwise…Otherwise…

Use Use it’sit’s

NO APOSTROPHE

Affect vs. effectAffect vs. effect

AffectAffect– A verb that means influenceA verb that means influence(sway, modify, alter,

touch, stir). – Example: The drought will affect the color of theExample: The drought will affect the color of the

fall foliage.fall foliage.

EffectEffect– A noun that means result A noun that means result (outcome issue,

consequence)– Example: The medicine has unpleasant side Example: The medicine has unpleasant side

effects.effects.

Effect and AffectEffect and Affect

Effect: a nounEffect: a noun– The resultsThe results– An effect, the effect, good effect, special An effect, the effect, good effect, special

effecteffect– Can be plural: effectsCan be plural: effects

Affect: a verb meaning to changeAffect: a verb meaning to change– Not studying will affect my grade.Not studying will affect my grade.– Can be past tense: affectedCan be past tense: affected– Can be participle: affectingCan be participle: affecting

Your TurnYour Turn

The __ of the medicine is unknown. I The __ of the medicine is unknown. I hope it doesn’t __ your mood.hope it doesn’t __ your mood.

These lights always __ my eyes. These lights always __ my eyes. Poor eyesight can have a negative – Poor eyesight can have a negative –

on one’s driving.on one’s driving. Did the extra credit – your grade?Did the extra credit – your grade? My GPA __ my financial aid.My GPA __ my financial aid. The writer’s tone can __ the reader The writer’s tone can __ the reader

strongly. strongly.

AnswersAnswers

The The effecteffect of the medicine is unknown. of the medicine is unknown. I hope it doesn’t I hope it doesn’t affectaffect your mood. your mood.

These lights always These lights always affectaffect my eyes. my eyes. Poor eyesight can have a negative Poor eyesight can have a negative

effecteffect on one’s driving. on one’s driving. Did the extra credit Did the extra credit affectaffect your grade? your grade? My GPA My GPA affectsaffects my financial aid. my financial aid. The writer’s tone can The writer’s tone can affectaffect the reader the reader

strongly.strongly.

Accept vs. ExceptAccept vs. Except

AcceptAccept is always a verb. It means “to take or is always a verb. It means “to take or receive, consent to receive; say receive, consent to receive; say yesyes to.” to.”

ExceptExcept is most commonly used as a preposition is most commonly used as a preposition meaning “but.”meaning “but.”

A similarity in sound often causes confusion in the A similarity in sound often causes confusion in the use of these two words.use of these two words.

Accept vs. Except - ApplicationAccept vs. Except - Application

I I accepted/exceptedaccepted/excepted the invitation to the party. the invitation to the party. I I acceptedaccepted the invitation to the party. the invitation to the party.

All the employees All the employees accept/exceptaccept/except Bill received a Bill received a bonus.bonus.

All the employees All the employees exceptexcept Bill received a bonus. Bill received a bonus.

Between vs. AmongBetween vs. AmongBetween – used when Between – used when

choosing between two thingschoosing between two things

I must choose between the I must choose between the devil and the deep blue sea.devil and the deep blue sea.

I must choose between rocky I must choose between rocky road and vanilla ice cream.road and vanilla ice cream.

Between vs. Among Between vs. Among (cont.)(cont.)

I must choose I must choose amongamong The The Four Horsemen of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.Apocalypse.

((AmongAmong is usually, but is usually, but not always, required for not always, required for three or more)three or more)

Leave or LetLeave or Let LeaveLeave means “ means “to go away, depart, or set to go away, depart, or set

out” out” or “or “to allow to remainto allow to remain.” .”

What time should we What time should we leaveleave for the fiddle for the fiddle contest?contest?

If you If you leaveleave Old Dan behind, he will just Old Dan behind, he will just follow us.follow us.

LetLet means “ means “to permit or consentto permit or consent.”.”

I will I will let let you wear my new hat. you wear my new hat.

WrongWrongLetLet him alone! him alone!

RightRight Leave Leave him alone! him alone!

(Allow him to remain alone.) (Allow him to remain alone.)

WrongWrong LeaveLeave me do it again. me do it again.

RightRight Let Let me do it again. me do it again.

(Permit me to do it.) (Permit me to do it.)

The most common mistake is The most common mistake is whether to say:whether to say:

Let it be. or Let it be. or

Leave it be.Leave it be.

Just remember the old Beatles Just remember the old Beatles song to help you remember song to help you remember this.this.

I I letlet Little Ann sleep in the house. Little Ann sleep in the house. I had to I had to leaveleave Old Dan outside Old Dan outside..

I I permittedpermitted Little Ann sleep in the house.Little Ann sleep in the house. I had I had to allowto allow Old Dan Old Dan to remainto remain

outside.outside.

OR OR

Old Dan had to Old Dan had to leaveleave the porch. the porch.

Old Dan had Old Dan had to departto depart the porch. the porch.

Write Write letlet or or leaveleave to complete to complete the sentence.the sentence.

___________it sitting on the ___________it sitting on the stove. stove.

LeaveLeave it sitting on the stove. it sitting on the stove.

Allow it to remain on the stove.Allow it to remain on the stove.

I I letlet Little Ann sleep in the house. Little Ann sleep in the house. I had to I had to leaveleave Old Dan outside Old Dan outside..

I I permittedpermitted Little Ann sleep in the house.Little Ann sleep in the house. I had I had to allowto allow Old Dan Old Dan to to

remainremain outside. outside.

OR OR

Old Dan had to Old Dan had to leaveleave the porch. the porch.

Old Dan had Old Dan had to departto depart the the porch..porch..

Write Write letslets or or leavesleaves to complete to complete the sentence.the sentence.

My mom ___________ me stay up My mom ___________ me stay up until 9:00.until 9:00.

My mom My mom letslets me stay up until me stay up until 9:00.9:00.

My mom My mom permitspermits me stay up me stay up until 9:00.until 9:00.

I I letlet Little Ann sleep in the house. Little Ann sleep in the house. I had to I had to leaveleave Old Dan outside Old Dan outside..

I I permittedpermitted Little Ann sleep in the house.Little Ann sleep in the house. I had I had to allowto allow Old Dan Old Dan to to

remainremain outside. outside.

OR OR

Old Dan had to Old Dan had to leaveleave the porch. the porch.

Old Dan had Old Dan had to departto depart the the porch.porch.

Write Write letslets or or leavesleaves to to complete the sentence.complete the sentence.

Billy _________ his books on the Billy _________ his books on the table. table.

Billy Billy leavesleaves his books on the his books on the table.table.

Billy allows his books to remain Billy allows his books to remain on the table.on the table.

I I letlet Little Ann sleep in the house. Little Ann sleep in the house. I had to leave Old Dan I had to leave Old Dan outsideoutside..

I I allowedallowed Little Ann sleep in the house.Little Ann sleep in the house. I had I had to allowto allow Old Dan Old Dan to remainto remain

outside.outside.

Write Write letlet or or leaveleave to complete to complete the sentence.the sentence.

We __________ the room We __________ the room together. together.

We We leaveleave the room together. the room together.

We depart the room together.We depart the room together.

Practice – Number your paper Practice – Number your paper from 1 to 10. Write the correct from 1 to 10. Write the correct answer for each of the answer for each of the following items.following items.

1. (1. (Let, Leave) me help you with that.

2. 2. Dad will ((let, leave) the pie on the counter for Billy.

3. 3. I will ((let, leave) you alone until you feel better.

4. 4. Grandpa will ((let, leave) Billy be by himself for a while.

5. (5. (Let, Leave) your little brother alone.

6. (6. (Let, Leave) him be.

7. Although 7. Although Billy was the master, he often ((let, leave) Old Dan and Little Ann have their way.

8. 8. Grandpa often said, “((Let, Leave) me tell you what Old Dan and Little Ann did today.”

9. 9. By the end of the day, Billy will ((let, leave) you with an answer to that question.

10. 10. Someday you must ((let, leave) me tell you the story of Old Dan and Little Ann.

Teach and Learn Teach means “to instruct, train,

or pass on knowledge.”

Ms. Fletcher teaches her class how to read.

To learn something is “to receive or be given knowledge.”

The students The students learnlearn to read with the to read with the help of the teacher.help of the teacher.

Think of it this way.Think of it this way.

Many people can Many people can teachteach you you something they know how to something they know how to do. However, you are the one do. However, you are the one who who learnslearns how to do how to do something new. something new.

Wrong I will learn you how to solve this

math problem.

Right I will teach you how to solve this

math problem. I am sure you can learn it.

Wrong I will teach how to dance after

a series of lessons.

Right I will learn how to dance after

a series of lessons.

Billy will Billy will teachteach the hounds how to hunt. The hounds will the hounds how to hunt. The hounds will learn learn how to how to hunt. hunt. Billy will train the dogs. The hounds will Billy will train the dogs. The hounds will

gain knowledge. gain knowledge.

Write Write teachteach or or learnlearn to to complete the sentence.complete the sentence.

Little Ann will _________ Old Dan Little Ann will _________ Old Dan how to swim across the river. how to swim across the river.

Little Ann will Little Ann will teachteach Old Dan Old Dan how to swim across the river.how to swim across the river.

Billy will Billy will teachteach the hounds how to hunt. The hounds will the hounds how to hunt. The hounds will learn learn how to how to hunt. hunt. Billy will train the dogs. The hounds will Billy will train the dogs. The hounds will

gain knowledge. gain knowledge.

Write Write teachteach or or learnlearn to to complete the sentence.complete the sentence.

Billy used a raccoon hide to Billy used a raccoon hide to ______ Little Ann and Old Dan. ______ Little Ann and Old Dan.

Billy used a raccoon hide to Billy used a raccoon hide to teachteach Little Ann and Old Dan. Little Ann and Old Dan.

Billy will Billy will teachteach the hounds how to hunt. The hounds will the hounds how to hunt. The hounds will learn learn how to how to hunt. hunt. Billy will train the dogs. The hounds will Billy will train the dogs. The hounds will

gain knowledge. gain knowledge.

Write Write teachteach or or learnlearn to to complete the sentence.complete the sentence.

Samie could not _________ to Samie could not _________ to stay away from the trap. stay away from the trap.

Samie could not Samie could not learnlearn to stay to stay away from the trap.away from the trap.

Billy will Billy will teachteach the hounds how to hunt. The hounds will the hounds how to hunt. The hounds will learn learn how to how to hunt. hunt. Billy will train the dogs. The hounds will Billy will train the dogs. The hounds will

gain knowledge. gain knowledge.

Write Write taughttaught or or learnedlearned to to complete the sentence.complete the sentence.

Little Ann and Old Dan ________ Little Ann and Old Dan ________ quickly how to track coons. quickly how to track coons.

Little Ann and Old Dan Little Ann and Old Dan learnedlearned quickly how to track quickly how to track coons.coons.

Practice – Number your paper Practice – Number your paper from 1 to 10. Write the correct from 1 to 10. Write the correct answer for each of the answer for each of the following items.following items.

1. Why did Billy (teach, learn) 1. Why did Billy (teach, learn) the girls to take care of the girls to take care of Samie?Samie?

2. Do you want to (teach, 2. Do you want to (teach, learn) how to trap coons? learn) how to trap coons?

3. Dad tried to (teach, learn) 3. Dad tried to (teach, learn) Billy how to set the trap.Billy how to set the trap.

4. In this book you will (teach, 4. In this book you will (teach, learn) all about coon hunting.learn) all about coon hunting.

5. How will Billy (teach, learn) 5. How will Billy (teach, learn) the way to town?the way to town?

6. Who will (teach, learn) the 6. Who will (teach, learn) the girls how to skip a stone girls how to skip a stone across the creek?across the creek?

7. Billy (taught, learned) his 7. Billy (taught, learned) his sisters how to build a dog sisters how to build a dog pen.pen.

8. I (taught, learned) how to 8. I (taught, learned) how to make a fishing pole using a make a fishing pole using a safety pin and string.safety pin and string.

9. Grandpa can (teach, learn) 9. Grandpa can (teach, learn) me how to grind corn to make me how to grind corn to make cornmeal.cornmeal.

10. Can you (teach, learn) Billy 10. Can you (teach, learn) Billy how to skin a coon?how to skin a coon?

Who’s, WhoseWho’s, Whose

Who’sWho’sWell, Well, who'swho's is is alwaysalways short for short for

who is.who is.

For For

example: example:

Who’sWho’s

The easiest way to The easiest way to explain explain whosewhose is to is to say that you use it say that you use it

whenever it would be whenever it would be

wrongwrong to say to say

who is.who is.

Whose

For example: For example:

Is he the guy Is he the guy (who (who is/whose)is/whose) tie was red? tie was red?

(Who is/Whose)(Who is/Whose) iPad is iPad is this? this?

Whose

More Examples…More Examples…The different uses of these words is illustrated The different uses of these words is illustrated

by the following pair of sentences: by the following pair of sentences: Bob, Bob, who'swho's normally prompt, normally prompt, was late today. was late today. Bob, Bob, whosewhose record is record is exemplary, was late today. exemplary, was late today.

In summary, use In summary, use who'swho's when you mean when you mean who iswho is and and

whosewhose otherwise. otherwise.

Who’s / WhoseWho’s / Whose

Copy the sentences, using the correct form Copy the sentences, using the correct form of (who’s / whose).of (who’s / whose).

1.1. (Who’s / (Who’s / whosewhose) book is this?) book is this?2.2. ((Who’s Who’s / whose) coming to the / whose) coming to the

football game tomorrow?football game tomorrow?3.3. The man (who’s / The man (who’s / whosewhose) house ) house

collapsed is now homeless.collapsed is now homeless.4.4. I need to know (who’s /I need to know (who’s /whosewhose) with ) with

me.me.

Principal vs. PrinciplePrincipal vs. PrincipleThe word The word principalprincipal means “the head of means “the head of

a school,” or “main or most a school,” or “main or most important.”important.”

Mr. Stephens is the Mr. Stephens is the principalprincipal..The The principalprincipal export of Brazil is coffee. export of Brazil is coffee.

The word The word principleprinciple means “a rule of means “a rule of conduct,” or “a fact of general truth.”conduct,” or “a fact of general truth.”Her Her principlesprinciples are very high. are very high.MLK supported a MLK supported a principleprinciple of non-violence. of non-violence.

May vs CanMay vs Can May- asking permission to do somethingMay- asking permission to do something

Can- able to do something; abilityCan- able to do something; ability

Ex: Ex: MayMay I carry your lunch for you? I carry your lunch for you? EX: EX: CanCan those tiny girls lift those heavy those tiny girls lift those heavy

boxes? boxes?

Choose “can,” “was able to,” “may,” or “might” to complete each sentence. 1. The old man (can/was able to/may/might) walk with a cane yesterday. 2. My teacher (can/was able to/may/might) recite 24 digits of Pi. 3. Jeff and Tom (can/was able to/may/might) attend the private party. 4. Grandmother (can/was able to/may/might) eat when she comes out of surgery. 5. My brother (can/was able to/may/might) kick a football across the whole field. 6. Yesterday, she (can/was able to/may/ might) pay off her credit card. 7. My dad says I (can/was able to/may/might) sleep at my friend’s house tonight. 8. Last year, I (can/was able to/may/might) earn my diploma and graduate. 9. My teacher said I (can/was able to/may/might) participate in the show. 10. Your cousin Joe (can/was able to/may/might) whistle through his teeth.

Compliment vs Complement Compliment vs Complement

ComplimentCompliment means a statement of praise means a statement of praise ComplementComplement means to go well with or means to go well with or

perfect something else.perfect something else.

Example: Example:

The customer sent his The customer sent his complimentscompliments to the to the chef.chef.

The picture The picture complementscomplements the design the design perfectly.perfectly.

In each of the exercises below, circle the word in parentheses that completes the sentence correctly.1.Nothing makes a gal feel better than a nice (complement/compliment) or two to start the day.2.The rich brown tones of the lamp shade (complement/compliment) the rest of the room’s decor.3.The routine (complemented/complimented) the skating styles of two ice skaters who had recently started performing as a pair.4.A (complement/compliment) goes a long way when you are trying to woo the girl of your dreams.5.The homemade croutons were the perfect (complement/compliment) to the rich and creamy red-pepper soup.6.(Complementing/Complimenting) your boss every chance you get does not guarantee that your raise is higher when it is time for a performance review.

Capital vs Capitol Capital vs Capitol Definitions: capital refers to (1) a city that serves as a center

of government, (2) wealth in the form of money or property, and (3) a capital letter.

Capitol has two very specific definitions (outside ancient Rome): (1) a U.S. state legislature building, and (2) the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. State capitols are located in the capital cities of U.S. states, and the Capitol is located in the capital city of the U.S. If you’re not talking about any of these capitol buildings, then the word you want is probably capital.

Stationary vs StationeryStationary vs StationeryStationery, with an "e," is paper, usually paper that you use for writing letters or notes. Use the nice stationery to write to your grandmother. You can remember that it’s spelled with an “e” by thinking that the “e” stands for “e-mail.”Stationary means not moving, fixed in one place, still. Almost every big gym has a row of stationary bikes. You can remember the spelling of this word by thinking that  when you are stationary, you are often standing. Since “standing” is also spelled with an “a,” the association can remind you to put the second “a” in “stationary.”