7 Confusing English Words Learners Often Mix Up 🤔

Intermediate Level | September 6, 2025

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English can be tricky—even for professionals who use it every day. Some words look or sound similar, but their meanings are completely different. Others have multiple meanings depending on the context. Misusing these confusing English words can cause problems at work or in daily conversation. Today, we’ll explore 7 confusing English words and show you how to use them correctly.

1. Affect vs. Effect

“Affect” is usually a verb, meaning to influence. Think of it as the action that changes something. Example: The weather can affect our travel plans. Here, the weather is doing something—it influences whether we can travel or not.

“Effect” is usually a noun, meaning a result. It’s the outcome of an action. Example: The new policy had a positive effect on employee morale. In this case, the policy caused a result, and that result is called the “effect.”

👉 A quick memory tip: Affect = Action (verb), Effect = End result (noun).

2. Compliment vs. Complement

A “compliment” is something nice you say about someone. Example: She gave me a compliment on my presentation. Think of it as giving praise or saying something positive to another person.

“Complement” means something that completes or goes well with something. Example: Her skills complement mine perfectly. This is about things working together to form a better whole.

👉 Memory tip: A compliment makes someone smile. A complement makes something complete.

3. Advice vs. Advise

“Advice” is a noun—it’s the suggestion or recommendation itself. Example: He gave me good advice about career growth.

“Advise” is a verb—it’s the act of giving a suggestion. Example: I advise you to review the report before the meeting.

👉 If you are talking about the idea (noun), use advice. If you are talking about the action (verb), use advise.

4. Stationary vs. Stationery

“Stationary” means not moving. Example: The car remained stationary at the light. You can think of this word as describing something fixed in place.

“Stationery” refers to paper, pens, and other writing materials. Example: I bought new stationery for the office.

👉 Quick tip: “Stationery” with an e is for “envelopes and pens.”

5. Principle vs. Principal

A “principle” is a rule or belief. Example: She follows the principle of honesty. It’s about values or guiding truths.

A “principal” can mean the head of a school or something most important. Example: The principal gave a speech. Or The principal reason for the delay was the weather.

👉 Memory tip: A principle is a rule. A principal is your pal (person) or the primary reason.

6. Raise vs. Rise

“Raise” is a verb that takes an object—you raise something. Example: Please raise your hand. Here, the subject does the action to an object.

“Rise” is a verb that does not take an object—it happens on its own. Example: The sun will rise at 6 a.m. The subject itself is doing the action without affecting another object.

👉 Tip: If you can add an object after the verb, use raise. If not, use rise.

7. Borrow vs. Lend

“Borrow” means to take something temporarily, with the intention of giving it back. Example: Can I borrow your book? Here, the speaker is the one taking.

“Lend” means to give something temporarily. Example: I will lend you my book. Here, the speaker is the one giving.

👉 Memory tip: Borrow = take. Lend = give.

Vocabulary List

Influence (verb) — To affect something.
Example: The manager’s words influenced the team’s decision.
Result (noun) — The outcome of an action.
Example: The result of the meeting was a new plan.
Polite (adjective) — Showing good manners.
Example: She was polite when giving feedback.
Complete (verb) — To make something whole or finished.
Example: He completed the project ahead of schedule.
Recommendation (noun) — A suggestion.
Example: She made a recommendation to improve sales.
Temporary (adjective) — Not lasting forever.
Example: He took a temporary job for the summer.
Object (noun) — A thing that is acted upon in a sentence.
Example: In the sentence “I raised my hand,” “hand” is the object.
Outcome (noun) — The final result.
Example: The outcome of the project was successful.
Confuse (verb) — To mix things up or misunderstand.
Example: Similar words often confuse learners.
Context (noun) — The situation in which something happens.
Example: The meaning of a word depends on the context.

5 Questions About the Article

What is the difference between “affect” and “effect”?
When should you use “compliment” vs. “complement”?
Give one example sentence with “advice.”
What is the difference between “borrow” and “lend”?
How does context help with understanding confusing English words?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Which of these confusing English words confuse you the most?
Can you think of another pair of English words that are often mixed up?
How can practicing with context help you remember difficult words?
Do you use similar word pairs in your own language? How are they confusing?
How do you usually learn to avoid mistakes with confusing English words?

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