Ten Words Writers Often Confuse

You don’t have to be an author to use these five words incorrectly.  Many do it everyday and don’t even know they are doing it!  Some of these words are homophones and some are not. 

1. They’re and their.  They’re is a contraction for “they are” Their is the possesive form of they.
2. Principal and principle.  “Principal” means the head of something, as in a principal of a high school.  “Principle” simply means the basic truth. 
3. Capital and capitol.  “Capital” is either an uppercase letter, or is referring to money.  “Capitol” is a building as in Washington D.C.
4. Complement and compliment.  “Complement” means something that makes up a whole, or completes something, or brings to perfection.  “Compliment” is an expression of praise or congratulation.
5. Ours and Hours.  You would think this would be obivious, but I have seen people misuse them! “Ours” is something that belongs to us.  “Hours” is the time of day determined on a 24 hour basis, or an hour is 60 minutes.
6. Know and now.  “Know” is to regard as true beyond doubt.  “Now” is at the present time.
7. Picture and Pitcher.  “Picture” is a visual image painted, drawn or photographed.  “Pitcher”  is someone who pitches, as in a baseball game.  It is also something liquid is poured out of.
8. Flower and Flour.  “Flower” is a seed bearing plant that blossoms.  “Flour” a fine white powdery foodstuff that is obtained by grinding and sifting grain and wheat.  It is used for cooking.
9. Die and Dye.  “Die” means to cease living or to expire.  “Dye” is a substance used to color materials or hair.
10. Pole and Poll.  “Pole” either extremity of an axis through a sphere.  “Poll” is the casting and registering of votes.