Fun Ways to Remember Commonly Misused Words

Misusing words is a common mistake for speakers and writers.

The English language can be quite confusing, particularly when it comes to words that sound the same but mean two entirely different things. It can be tricky to use a word in the correct context. With a few fun tips and activities, you will be able to remember which word to use in what context.

Play a Game

You can play this game alone or as part of a larger group. Write down several words that you commonly misuse, such as "a lot," "effect," "affect," "then" and "than," on small slips of paper. Fold each slip in half and put them in a bowl. Mix them up. Draw one word out of the hat and challenge yourself to use the word correctly in a sentence as quickly as possible. You can say the sentence out loud or write it down. Set a timer for 30 seconds to keep track of how quickly you come up with the sentence. As part of a large group, divide the players into two teams and see which team can come up with a correct sentence first.

Write Silly Sentences

Write down as many words that you commonly misuse that you can. Include words like "naval," "navel," "cite" and "site." Challenge yourself to write silly sentences using as many of the words as you can. Read the sentences out loud to see if you have used the words in the proper way. If not, repeat the activity. Try the activity several times using a variety of different words. Alternatively, challenge friends to see who can come up with the silliest, but correct, sentences.

Ad-Libs

Ad-libs leave blanks in the middle of sentences where the player fills in with a certain type of word, such as a verb or noun. Ask a friend or family member to write you an ad-lib story leaving blanks for commonly misused words. Have your friend or family member include a list of possible misused words that could go in each blank. Clues, such as "verb" or "noun," can also be included. Fill out the story using the correct form of each word. Read the ad-lib out loud to further solidify in your mind how each word is used. Write your own ad-libs for friends as another way to practice words you commonly misuse.

High-Use Paragraphs

Write paragraphs using the same commonly misused word as much as possible. Words such as "then," "than," "their," "there" and "they're" are effective words to use for this activity. Choose a topic that interests you or plan to write a comical story. Use your chosen commonly misused words as many times as you can. The goal with this activity to is repeatedly practice using a specific word in the correct way. Over time, you will be more likely to remember how to use the word if you can relate it to your paragraph.

References

• Words You Thought You Knew: Jenna Glatzer
• Word Smart: Building an Educated Vocabulary; Adam Robinson