A/An

A: used before a word beginning with a consonant

a store, a bike, a person, a dog

 

An: used before a word beginning with a vowel

an apple, an elephant, an icicle, an umbrella

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Affect/Effect

Affect: to change or influence (verb)

The rain affected our plans.

It affects me when you yell.

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Effect: the result or consequence (noun)

Does the medication have side effects?

The powerful speech had the desired effect.

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Are/Our 

Are: verb

You are doing a great job.

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Our: shows ownership

Our class has been working very hard this semester.

Everyday/Every day

 

Everyday: ordinary (functions as an adjective)

an everyday occurrence

 

Every day: tells when/how often something happens

I go to school every day, every single day.

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Here/Hear

Here: shows location

You will take the test here in this room.

Here is the paper you will use for the test.

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Hear: listening (has the word “ear” in it)

I cannot hear you because it is too loud.

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Passed/Past 

Passed: verb

She passed away last year.

He passed me the ball.

 

Past: adjective or noun

The past tense of “be” is “was.”

She liked to reminisce about the past.

There/Their/They’re

 

There: shows location (has the word “here” in it)

My car is over there.

There are two more weeks of school.

 

Their: shows ownership (has the word “heir” in it)

Their house is beautiful.

 

They’re: contraction of they + are

They’re going to the movie after the test.

Than/Then

Than: shows a comparison

She is taller than he is.

I want this one rather than that one.

 

Then: shows time or sequence

If you study, then you will do well.

I will then take the quiz.

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To/Too

To: proposition (shows direction), OR used with verb

The car belongs to her.

I love to run.

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Too: more than enough

I cannot hear you because it is too loud.

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Whether/Weather

 

Whether: used to introduce alternative possibilities

I will go whether or not you do.

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Weather: climate (rain, snow, sleet, hail)

Chicago has cold weather in the winter.

Your/You’re

 

Your: shows ownership

Your essay was wonderful!

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You’re: contraction of you + are

You’re going to do very well in this class.