Last year’s article on commonly confused words was so popular (click here if you missed it) that I thought I’d tackle another set of words that tend to cause confusion. It’s easy to mix these words up – especially since your word processing program’s spell checker probably won’t notice the error.

Of course, if you’re in the middle of writing something and just can’t figure out which word you’re supposed to use, give me a call. As your marketing writer and editor, I’m here for you! 

Accept vs. Except

Accept means to take or receive

Except means with the exclusion of

Donald found it hard to accept the fact that everyone was invited to the party except him.

Aid vs. Aide

Aid is a verb that means to help or a noun that means assistance

Aide is a noun that means an assistant or helper

Laura’s aide took the day off from work in order to aid the fire victims.

All Ready vs. Already

All ready means prepared

Already means previously or by now

Lee and Cindy are all ready for their vacation; in fact, they have already packed their bags.

Among vs. Between

Among is used when there are more than two involved

Between is used when only two are involved

Between the two households there were seven children, and among these seven children there were two sets of twins.

Loose vs. Lose

Loose is an adjective that means not rigidly fastened or securely attached

Lose is a verb that means to suffer the loss of or to miss

David was very unhappy when he realized that the hole in his pocket had caused him to lose all of his loose change.

Principal vs. Principle

Principal refers to the chief person or thing, such as the Principal of a school (remember the old saying, the Principal is your “pal”)

Principle is a rule of conduct or a fundamental doctrine or tenet

The Principal of Northshore Elementary School taught a class on the principles of modern physics.

Fewer vs. Less

Fewer is used when the things you are describing are able to be counted

Less is used when describing things that cannot be counted, or abstract or imprecise things such as time, speed, and quality

Morgan is less active in the Boy Scout troop than the rest of his patrol, and consequently has earned fewer merit badges than the other boys.