Ten (or Twenty) Mistakes That Your Spell Checker Will Never Catch

Here, from our Glossary of Commonly Confused Words, are ten tricky word pairs that look and sound alike but have different meanings.

• All Ready & Already
  The phrase all ready means completely prepared. Already is an adverb meaning previously or by this time.



• All Together & Altogether
  The phrase all together refers to people or things gathered in one place. The adverb altogether means entirely or wholly.



• Baited & Bated
  A hook, witness, or animal is baited (lured, enticed, tempted). Breath is bated (moderated).



• Cite & Site
  The verb cite means to mention or quote as an authority or example. The noun site means a particular place.



• Complement & Compliment
  Complement means something that completes or brings to perfection. A compliment is an expression of praise.



• Discreet & Discrete
  The adjective discreet means tactful or prudent self-restraint. Discrete means distinct or separate.



• Formally & Formerly
  The adverb formally means in a formal way. The adverb formerly means at an earlier time.



• Lightening & Lightning
  The noun lightening means making lighter in weight or changing to a lighter or brighter color. Lightning is the flash of light that accompanies thunder.



• Prescribe & Proscribe
  The verb prescribe means to establish, direct, or lay down as a rule. The verb proscribe means to ban, forbid, or condemn.



• Stationary & Stationery
  The adjective stationary means remaining in one place. The noun stationery refers to writing materials. (Try associating the er in stationery with the er in letter and paper.)

You'll find 80 more sets of commonly confused words (with examples and exercises) in our Glossary of Usage. And if there are others that you'd like to see added, please let us know by clicking on the "comments" button below.