Words people mix up all the time
The classic confusable pairs, decoded - each one links to its full plain-English definition.
Affect is a verb meaning to change or influence something. Effect is a noun meaning the result of that change.
Alpacas are smaller and raised mainly for their wool. Llamas are larger and often used to carry loads.
An award is something you receive after a decision is made, like a prize. A reward is given to encourage good behavior.
Buffalo live in Africa and Asia. Bison - the animal most Americans picture - live in North America.
Capital is money or resources used to run a business. The Capitol is the building where lawmakers meet.
A colon (:) introduces something, like a list. A semicolon (;) connects two closely related complete thoughts.
A complement is something that completes or goes well with another thing. A compliment is a nice thing you say to someone.
Discreet means careful not to draw attention. Discrete means separate or distinct.
Disinterested means neutral, with nothing to gain either way. Uninterested just means bored or not caring.
Fortuitous means happening by chance. Fortunate means lucky - the two aren't actually synonyms, despite how often they're swapped.
A principal is a person (like a school principal) or a sum of money. A principle is a rule or belief.
Stationary means not moving. Stationery is paper and pens.
Coincidence is two things happening together by chance. Irony is when the opposite of what's expected happens - not the same thing, despite common misuse.