Conquering English Editing Errors
Having taught English for 18 years now, I can tell you that there are three different types of commonly confused words — and there’s a technique to combat each kind. Come along to learn… and smile, too, since I’ve drawn cartoons to help remember!
Confusing Homophones
The first type of commonly confused words are: homophones: words which sound exactly the same and have the same pronunciation, but are spelled differently, and mean different things. An example would be whose and who’s or weather vs. whether. Each homophone set has different tricks to help remember it, so keep reading to learn those.
Then there are “almost-homophones:” words that sound and look similar, but are not pronounced exactly the same, such as lose vs. loose, and clothes vs. cloths.

Concept Confusions
The second kind of commonly confused words are errors in concepts: mixing up two ideas which actually mean quite different things. An example of this would be confusing former and latter.
The best way to fix these mix-ups is to get a visual image of each word’s definition implanted in your brain — ideally through a funny picture (like a certain “Deep Seated or Deep Seeded?” article) or story. Stay tuned: I have good examples of those for you coming next! This drawing is a sneak preview…

The Hardest Words to Spell…
Third, there are mistakes with spelling, and commonly misspelled words. What’s funny is that the most confusing words to spell in English are often frequently-used ones which just don’t follow usual conventions.
For example, “Its” is a short, simple word which we use every day, but which doesn’t adhere to the usual English language rules for apostrophes. The way to combat these spelling errors is via mnemonic devices: funny memory tricks to stick the spelling in your brain.
Now let’s learn how to swat down the most frequently mixed-up words of ALL these three types so that your writing can sparkle with perfection! I will definitely continue to add to this list, so feel free to send in your requests for which to do next.
Commonly Confused Words
Want to make your English writing sound more professional, and expertly edited? Learn how to fix these commonly confused words with lively cartoon lessons!
Loose vs. Lose:
Though "loose" and "lose" sound similar, they are not pronounced exactly the same, and thus are not homophones. "Loose" is about not being contained or tightly attached, while "Lose" is about not winning or not being able to keep.
Desert vs. Dessert:
The words "desert" and "dessert" may appear to be easily distinguished (sand vs. sweets), but things get more complex when you bring in the two pronunciations of "desert," and the tricky phrases "food desert" and "just deserts..."
Clothes vs. Cloths:
People mix up "clothes" and "cloths" all the time, even though they're pronounced differently, and "clothes" means garments like shirts and pants, while "cloths" just refers to pieces of cloth that are usually in a rectangular shape, and not good for anyone to wear.
Weary vs. Wary
"Weary" means tired, while "wary" means cautious about possible danger. Quite different meanings and somewhat altered pronunciations from the addition of a single letter!
Below or Bellow:
The word "below" means underneath, while "bellow" is to yell or roar -- very different!
Tone vs. Mood:
Two literary terms which are frequently confused are "tone" and "mood." How can we tell them apart? See definitions and examples of each.
Former vs. Latter:
What's the difference between "former" and "latter," and when should each be used? See examples here.
Topic vs. Theme:
Learning the difference between topic and theme can help save ELA class grades, since it's a TOPIC that frequently arises on English tests and essays. See more here.
Figuratively vs. Literally
What's the difference between figurative language and literal? Find out here, with examples of each, and explanation of when to use them -- so someone doesn't end up feeding you an entire horse.
Imply vs. Infer:
The words "imply" (to hint at) and "infer" (to deduce) are useful in everyday life as well as academic discussions. Yes, you can infer that implying that it's worth it to click through and learn their definitions well!
Arc vs. Arch:
Arc and arch have the closest meanings of any word pairs on this list, but they do have distinct meanings. "Arch" describes an upside-down "U" shape that has both "feet" on the ground. "Arc" is a curved line in the shape of part of a circle, but usually is conceptualized as floating above the ground.
Hair or Hairs?
The plural of "hair" is confusing, because when you're referring to the thousands of hairs on a person's head, you say "hair" with no "s," but when you're referring to just a few strands of hair, you say "hairs."
Common Homophones List
Homophones are words which sound the same but have different meanings. They can be incredibly tricky with editing! Here's my huge homophones list with illustrated lessons on how to use each correctly.
Stalactites vs. Stalagmites:
How can you remember which cave spikes go in which direction? Learn the difference between stalactites and stalagmites here!
Work Out or Workout?
As a fitness buff, I constantly see the words work out and workout used incorrectly. See some muscular cartoons teach you the difference, here...
Every Time or Everytime?
One of these words does not exist... Yes that's right: "Every time" is correct, while "Everytime" is just plain wrong. Don't make that mistake!
Incase or In Case? Encase?
Is the correct spelling incase or incase or encase? Well, the first one, "incase," is just plain wrong. "In case" is correct if you mean "in the event that." Finally, "encase" is the right one to use if you mean to enclose something. See tricks for how to remember each here.
How to Spell Dilemma
One of the most confusing words to spell in the English language is "dilemma." Learn a funny mnemonic device for how to remember how to spell it here.
Spelling Definitely and Defiantly
Oh,, the many ways I've misspelled "definitely!" See this article for a trick to remember spelling of that word, given that its synonym is "certain." The drawings here also explain how to spell defiantly -- with an angry ant to illustrate that it means rebelliously!
How to Spell "Onomatopoeia"
Don't freak out -- there's a funny memory phrase to keep the letter order of "onomatopoeia" in your brain. It's a little goofy, but does the trick.
Spelling Separate
The word "separate" is forever misspelled as "seperate." This article explains where that confusion comes from, and gives three tricks for how to remember the correct letter configurations. (Yes, there's a rat involved!)
Relevant and Irrelevant Spelling
The word "relevant" is particularly confusing to spell because it's pronounced more like "relavant" (with an "a"), and means "related" -- which also has an "a" after the "l." Click through for a way to remember the letter order.
It's vs. Its, Your vs. You're, and There vs. Their and They're
Three of the most commonly confused sets of homophones are these sneaky ones. Luckily, each has memory shortcuts to edit them correctly and avoid errors.
Apart vs. A Part
It's confusing to tell APART the homophones "apart" and "a part" but there's a simple trick to remember, which hinges on the fact that each is written as the opposite of its meaning! See the full story here.
Aww or Awe?
What's the difference between the words "Aww" (sometimes spelled "Aw") and "Awe?" Find out here.
Commonly Confused Words Worksheet
How to TEACH Commonly Confused Words
Want a printable (or electronic) four-page interactive lesson on the most commonly confused words? Click to see this grammar and editing worksheet from my online store, which gets high reviews! I hope you find it as useful and enjoyable as my students do.
(Honestly — former pupils come back years later and say they remember these grammar and usage lessons fondly! It warms the heart of this teacher.)
VIDEO: Commonly Confused Words
More English Language Arts Lessons:
Curious to see other English lessons from this friendly middle school ELA teacher and artist, Lillie Marshall? (Don’t be frightened by the fact that I teach 7th grade — these articles are good for all ages.) Check them out here:
- Juxtaposition Examples
- Why is School Important?
- Liminal Space
- Here Here or Hear Hear?
- Traveling or Travelling?
- Why is Art Important?
- Foreshadowing Examples

Other Commonly Confused Words
There are oh-so-many other frequently mixed up words in the English language (“fiction vs. nonfiction,” anyone?), and I would love your help picking the next commonly confused words for me to teach through cartoon lessons! Do use the comment section below to make your request…
Want more? Check out “Flush Out or Flesh Out?”

The author and artist, Lillie Marshall, is a National Board Certified Teacher of English who has been a public school educator since 2003, and an experienced Reiki practitioner since 2018. All art on this site is original and hand-drawn by Lillie. She launched DrawingsOf.com Educational Cartoons in 2020, building upon the success of her other sites, AroundTheWorldL.com (established 2009), TeachingTraveling.com (founded 2010), and ReikiColors.com. Subscribe to Lillie’s monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media to stay connected!
Becky
Thursday 7th of October 2021
How about "effect" and "affect", please? Thank you!
Lillie Marshall
Thursday 7th of October 2021
Adding VERY HIGH on the "To Do" list and will let you know when it's done!
Michelle | Flipped-Out Food
Friday 12th of March 2021
This is great! Editing is a big part of my "real job," and I see a few of these mistakes over and over. They never fail to give me hives, ha ha. Instilling these rules with images is a great idea. If you could tackle apostrophe abuse next, you'd be doing the world another great service!
Lillie Marshall
Friday 12th of March 2021
By "commonly confused words," I do indeed mean COMMON. These are everywhere! Thanks for the suggestion of apostrophe usage. I'll add it to the list to illustrate!
Soheila Hakimi
Tuesday 9th of March 2021
Is it bad that i'm 32 and still have to check my self sometimes for using the wrong your/you're lol
Lillie Marshall
Wednesday 10th of March 2021
It's SO COMMON! You're not alone, and there's nothing to be ashamed about -- just read and practice the rules and it will come!
Brianna
Tuesday 9th of March 2021
It's and its is a big one for me!
Lillie Marshall
Tuesday 9th of March 2021
Such a tricky commonly confused word!
Jeff Albom
Monday 8th of March 2021
This is a nice summary for learning the difference between these words. Great for the primary school aged kids.
Lillie Marshall
Monday 8th of March 2021
Thanks! In fact the feedback I've been getting is that many adults appreciate this tutorial, too. "It's and its" are particularly confusing for all ages.