Commonly confused words test
Test your knowledge of commonly confused words
We all have words that we commonly get confused. I often have to stop and think about some pairs such as discrete and discreet.
Research for the Concise Oxford Dictionary found that most people have learnt the difference between its and it’s (only 8% got it wrong), yet many people still get confused by words that look alike but have different meanings.
For example:
A coach can diffuse the situation by praising the players. (50% incorrect)
A taxi driver had free reign to charge whatever he liked. (26% incorrect)
Some pointed to his refusal to tow the line under Tony Blair. (21% incorrect)
He spent his evenings pouring over western art magazines. (12% incorrect)
Correct answers: defuse, rein, toe, poring.
Your score
Did you get them all right?
Take an Oxford Dictionaries quiz and test your knowledge of 31 commonly confused words.
Learn more
If you want to learn more about commonly confused words, register for my online Business Writing course.
Sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive writing and grammar tips.
