English has many words that seem similar but have different meanings, making them tricky for learners. In this post, we’ll clear up some common confusions and provide simple tips to remember the differences!
Affect vs. Effect
Affect (verb): To influence or cause a change.
Example: The weather can affect my mood.
In this example the weather is causing a change to my mood. We don’t know the results yet, only that I’m feeling an impact from the weather.
Effect (noun): The result or outcome of an action.
Thanks to the effects of today’s bad weather, I’m feeling a bit tired and hopeless.
In this example we see what the result is. What is the weather doing to me? It is making me feel tired and hopeless.
Affect (verb): To influence or cause a change.
The new policy is going to affect the students the most.
In this example we are now talking about who the policy will cause a change to. Once the policy is implemented, it is the students specifically who will see a difference. We do not know what the result is yet.
Effect (noun): The result or outcome of an action.
Example: The new policy had a positive effect on students.
In this example the result provided by the new policy is the focus. We are talking about how positive the change is for the students.
Tip: Think of "Affect" as an Action (both start with "A") and "Effect" as a Result (both end with "-t").
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Say vs. Tell
Say (verb): Used when focusing on the words spoken, without mentioning who was spoken to.
Example: She said she was tired.
In this example “she” is speaking about being tired, but it’s not being spoken directly to anyone. It’s a generalized comment.
Tell (verb): Used when mentioning who received the information.
Example: She told me she was tired.
In this example “she” is speaking directly to “me”. I am receiving the information being spoken, it is not generalized toward just anyone who may be listening.
Tip: "Tell" always needs a person (Tell someone), but "Say" does not.
Lie vs. Lay
Lie (verb): To rest or recline (no object needed).
Example: I need to lie down for a while.
In this example "I" am talking about needing rest. I want to lie down, likely on a bed or couch, and take a break.
Lay (verb): To put something down (needs an object).
Example: Lay the book on the table.
In this example "the book" is being placed on the table. The book is not taking a break, it is the object that is receiving the verb.
Tip: "Lay" needs an object, while "Lie" does not.
Then vs. Than
Then (adverb): Refers to time or a sequence of events.
Example: We went to the park, then we ate lunch.
In this example we are talking about what happened after going to the park. First we went to the park, after that we ate lunch.
Than (conjunction): Used for comparisons.
Example: She is taller than her brother.
In this example we are comparing height between two people. She is taller compared to her brother.
Tip: "Then" relates to time, while "Than" is for comparisons.
Who vs. Whom
Who (subject): Used when referring to the person doing the action.
Example: Who is calling me?
In this example the "who" is doing the action of making a phone call.
Whom (object): Used when referring to the person receiving the action.
Example: To whom should I send this email?
In this example "whom" is receiving the action of the email being sent.
Tip: If you can replace it with "he/she," use "Who." If you can replace it with "him/her," use "Whom."
Final Thoughts
Learning these distinctions takes time, but practicing them in real sentences will help! Keep an eye out for a future blog post where we will discuss even more of these confusing words. Until then, do you struggle with any of these words? Have suggestions for which words we should include in the next post? Let us know in the comments!