{"id":10515,"date":"2012-03-07T09:30:47","date_gmt":"2012-03-07T16:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=10515"},"modified":"2012-02-29T16:32:02","modified_gmt":"2012-02-29T23:32:02","slug":"20-commonly-misused-word-pairs-on-the-gmat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/20-commonly-misused-word-pairs-on-the-gmat\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Commonly Misused Word Pairs on the GMAT"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Although thousands of different word-usage errors could appear on the GMAT, the test repeatedly includes commonly misused words. The following is a list of twenty commonly misused word pairs (or trios), along with definitions and examples of the proper use of each word.<\/p>\n

Accept, Except<\/h2>\n

Accept is a verb that means \u201cto agree to receive something\".
\nExample: I could not pay for my purchases with a credit card because the store would only\u00a0accept\u00a0cash.<\/em><\/p>\n

Except is either a preposition that means \u201cother than, or but,\u201d or a verb meaning \u201cto omit or leave out.\u201d
\nExample:\u00a0Except for a B+ in history, Kate received all As on her report card.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Affect, Effect<\/h2>\n

Affect is usually a verb meaning \u201cto influence.\u201d
\nExample: Fortunately, Kylie\u2019s sore ankle did not\u00a0affecther performance in the game.<\/em><\/p>\n

Effect is usually a noun that \u201cindicates or achieves a result.\u201d Effect is also sometimes used as a transitive verb meaning \u201cto bring into existence,\u201d but it is generally not used in this way on the GMAT.
\nExample: Studies have shown that too much exercise can have a negative\u00a0effect on a person\u2019s health.<\/em><\/p>\n

Among, Between<\/h2>\n

Among is used with more than two items.
\nExample: Jackie\u2019s performance last night was the best\u00a0amongall the actors in the play.<\/em><\/p>\n

Between is usually used with two items.
\nExample: Simon could not decide\u00a0between the two puppies at the pound, so he adopted them both<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Assure, Insure, Ensure<\/h2>\n

Assure means \u201cto convince\u201d or \u201cto guarantee\u201d and usually takes a direct object.
\nExample: If we leave two hours early, I\u00a0assureyou that we will arrive at the concert on time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Insure means \u201cto guard against loss.\u201d
\nExample: Before he could leave for his trip, Steve had to\u00a0insurehis car against theft.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ensure means \u201cto make certain.\u201d
\nExample: Our company goes to great lengths to\u00a0ensure that every product that leaves the warehouse is of the highest quality.<\/em><\/p>\n

Because, Since<\/h2>\n

Because means \u201cfor the reason that.\u201d
\nExample: My sister was late for school\u00a0becauseshe missed the bus.<\/em><\/p>\n

Since implies \u201ctime,\u201d either continuous or not, in addition to \u201creason.\u201d
\nExample:\u00a0Since he lost the election, he has remained sequestered in his home.<\/em><\/p>\n

It is important to note that in your writing, you should be aware of the subtle difference in meaning. However, in some Critical Reasoning passages and question stems, the GMAT often uses \u201csince\u201d as a conjunction to mean \u201cin as much as\u201d or \u201cbecause.\u201d<\/p>\n

Compare to, Compare with<\/h2>\n

Compare to means \u201cassert a likeness.\u201d
\nExample: The only way to describe her eyes is to compare them tothe color of the sky.<\/em><\/p>\n

Compare with means \u201canalyze for similarities and differences.\u201d
\nExample: For her final project, Susan had to\u00a0compare bike riding with other aerobic activities and report her findings.<\/em><\/p>\n

Complement, Compliment<\/h2>\n

Complement implies \u201csomething that completes or adds to\u201d something else.
\nExample: My favorite place to dine is on the terrace; the breathtaking views are the ideal\u00a0complementto a romantic dinner.<\/em><\/p>\n

A compliment is \u201cflattery or praise.\u201d
\nExample: Larry was thrilled when the award-winning author\u00a0complimented him on his writing style.<\/em><\/p>\n

Farther, Further<\/h2>\n

Farther refers to distance.
\nExample: At baseball camp, Jack learned that with the correct stance and technique, he could throw the ball\u00a0farther this year than he could last year.<\/em><\/p>\n

Further indicates \u201cadditional degree, time, or quantity.\u201d It can also be used as a verb.
\nExample: I enjoyed the book to a certain degree, but I felt that the author should have provided\u00a0further details about the characters.<\/em>
\nExample: Kim\u00a0furthered her education by taking summer classes.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fewer, Less<\/h2>\n

Fewer refers to units or individuals that can be counted.
\nExample: Trish received all the credit, even though she worked\u00a0fewerhours on the project than did the other members of the group.<\/em><\/p>\n

Less refers to mass or bulk that can\u2019t be counted.
\nExample: When it comes to reading, Mike is\u00a0less inclined to read for pleasure than is Stephanie.<\/em><\/p>\n

Imply, Infer<\/h2>\n

Imply means \u201cto suggest.\u201d
\nExample: His sister did not mean to\u00a0imply that he was incorrect.<\/em><\/p>\n

Infer means \u201cto deduce,\u201d \u201cto guess,\u201d or \u201cto conclude.\u201d
\nExample: The professor\u2019s\u00a0inference was correct concerning the identity of the student.<\/em><\/p>\n

Its, It's<\/h2>\n

Its is the possessive form of \u201cit.\u201d
\nExample: In the summer, my family enjoys drinking white tea for\u00a0its refreshing, light flavor.<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s is the contraction of \u201cit is.\u201d
\nExample: Fortunately for the runners,\u00a0it\u2019s a sunny day.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lay, Lie<\/h2>\n

Lay means \u201cto put\u201d or \u201cto place,\u201d and requires a direct object to complete its meaning.
\nExample: To protect your floor or carpet, you should always\u00a0laynewspaper or a sheet on the ground before you begin to paint a room.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lie means \u201cto recline, rest, or stay\u201d or \u201cto take a position of rest.\u201d This verb cannot take a direct object. The past tense of lie is lay, so use extra caution if you see these words on the GMAT.
\nExample: On sunny days, our lazy cat will\u00a0lie on the porch and bask in the warmth of the sunlight.<\/em>
\nExample: Yesterday, our lazy cat\u00a0lay in the sun for most of the afternoon.<\/em><\/p>\n

Like, Such as<\/h2>\n

Like indicates similarity.
\nExample: Kate and Allie were very close,\u00a0liketwo peas in a pod.<\/em><\/p>\n

Such as indicates an example or examples.
\nExample: Composers\u00a0such as Mozart and Bach are among my favorites.<\/em><\/p>\n

Number, Amount<\/h2>\n

Number is used when the items can be counted.
\nExample: The\u00a0numberof students enrolled at Valley College has increased during the last five years.<\/em><\/p>\n

Amount denotes quantity.
\nExample: A small\u00a0amount of rain has fallen so far this year.<\/em><\/p>\n

Principal, Principle<\/h2>\n

Principal is a noun meaning \u201cthe head of a school or an organization.\u201d
\nExample: A high school\u00a0principalis responsible not only for the educational progress of his students, but also for their emotional well-being.<\/em><\/p>\n

Principal can also mean \u201ca sum of money.\u201d
\nExample: I hope to see a 30 percent return on my\u00a0principalinvestment within the first two yea<\/em>rs.<\/p>\n

Principal can also be used as an adjective to mean \u201cfirst\u201d or \u201cleading.\u201d
\nExample: Our\u00a0principal concern is the welfare of our customers, not the generation of profits<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Principle is a noun meaning \u201ca basic truth or law.\u201d
\nExample: A study of basic physics includes Newton\u2019s\u00a0principle that every action has an opposite and equal reaction.<\/em><\/p>\n

Than, Then<\/h2>\n

Than is a conjunction used in comparison.
\nExample: Rana made fewer mistakes during her presentation\u00a0than she thought she would make.<\/em><\/p>\n

Then is an adverb denoting time.
\nExample: Mandy updated her resume and\u00a0then applied for the job.<\/em><\/p>\n

That, Which<\/h2>\n

That introduces an essential clause in a sentence. Commas are not required before the word that.
\nExample: I usually take the long route because the main highway\u00a0that runs through town is always so busy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Which is best used to introduce a clause containing nonessential and descriptive information. Commas are required before the word which if is used in this way. Which can also be used to introduce an essential clause to avoid repeating the word that in the sentence.
\nExample: The purpose of the Civil Rights Act of 1991,\u00a0which amended the original Civil Rights Act of 1964, was to strengthen and improve federal civil rights laws.<\/em>
\nExample: I gave Mandy that book which I thought she might like.<\/em><\/p>\n

There, Their, They're<\/h2>\n

There is an adverb specifying location.
\nExample: Many people love to visit a big city, but few of them could ever live\u00a0there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Their is a possessive pronoun.
\nExample: More employers are offering new benefits to\u00a0their employees, such as day-care services and flexible scheduling.<\/em><\/p>\n

They\u2019re is a contraction of \u201cthey are.\u201d
\nExample:\u00a0They\u2019re hoping to reach a decision by the end of the day.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whether, If<\/h2>\n

Whether should be used when listing alternatives.
\nExample: Traci could not decide\u00a0whether to order the fish or the chicken.<\/em><\/p>\n

If should be used when referring to a future possibility.
\nExample:\u00a0If Traci orders the fish, she will be served more quickly.<\/em><\/p>\n

Your, You're<\/h2>\n

Your is a possessive pronoun.
\nExample: Sunscreen protects\u00a0yourskin from sun damage.<\/em><\/p>\n

You\u2019re is a contraction of \u201cyou are.\u201d
\nExample: When\u00a0you\u2019re at the beach, always remember to wear sunscreen.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This post was written b Bhavin Parikh, founder of Magoosh GMAT<\/a>, and originally posted here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Although thousands of different word-usage errors could appear on the GMAT, the test repeatedly includes commonly misused words. The following is a list of twenty commonly misused word pairs (or…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[783,243,719,735],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-magoosh-blog","category-blog","category-sentence-correction-gmat","category-verbal-gmat-blog","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10515","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/133"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10515"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10515\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10518,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10515\/revisions\/10518"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10515"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10515"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10515"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}