English Language Arts
Grade 11
15 min
Use the correct frequently confused word
Use the correct frequently confused word
What you'll learn
- Identify at least 8 out of 10 plural nouns in sentences, recognizing words that end in -s or -es.
- Correctly form the singular possessive of 7 out of 10 nouns by adding an apostrophe and -s ('s).
- Distinguish between singular possessive and plural nouns in 4 out of 5 sentences.
- Create 3 sentences using plural possessive nouns correctly, showing that something belongs to more than one person or thing.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between homophones, homonyms, and other commonly confused word pairs (e.g., affect/effect, then/than, principal/principle).
Apply knowledge of etymology and context clues to select the precise word in analytical and argumentative writing.
Edit and revise their own and peers' synthesis essays to correct the misuse of frequently confused words, enhancing clarity and credibility.
Analyze passages from American literature to identify how authors use word choice, including potentially confusing words, for specific rhetorical effects.
Integrate correct word usage into AP-style analytical essays to achieve higher scores for sophistication and command of language.
Construct complex sentences that correctly employ at least three different pairs of...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
HomophonesWords that are pronounced the same but have different meanings, origins, or spellings.`their` (possessive), `there` (a place), and `they're` (contraction for 'they are').
HomographsWords that are spelled the same but have different meanings and may have different pronunciations.`lead` (to guide) and `lead` (the metal).
DictionThe choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. Using frequently confused words correctly is a key component of precise diction.Choosing `elicit` (to draw out a response) instead of the incorrect `illicit` (illegal) demonstrates strong diction in an analytical essay.
MalapropismThe mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an amusing or nonsensical effect.Writing that a character...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The A-V-E-N Rule for Affect vs. Effect
Remember RAVEN: Remember, Affect is a Verb, Effect is a Noun.
Use 'affect' (verb) when you mean to influence or change something. Use 'effect' (noun) when you mean the result or consequence of an action. A rare exception: 'effect' can be a verb meaning 'to bring about change'.
The 'PAL' in Principal
A princiPAL is your PAL at school or the main thing. A princiPLE is a ruLE or belief.
Remember that 'principle' is always a noun referring to a fundamental truth or rule. 'Principal' can be a noun for a person in charge or an adjective meaning 'main' or 'primary'.
Than for Comparison, Then for Time
Use 'thAn' for compArisons. Use 't...
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Challenging
A student wrote the following sentence in a synthesis essay: 'Irregardless of the source's bias, it's main point is that the new law will have a negative affect on miners, whom, the author argues, could of been protected.' Which revision best corrects the errors in diction and grammar?
A.Irregardless of the source's bias, its main point is that the new law will have a negative affect on miners, who, the author argues, could have been protected.
B.Regardless of the source's bias, its main point is that the new law will have a negative effect on miners, who, the author argues, could have been protected.
C.Regardless of the source's bias, it's main point is that the new law will have a negative effect on miners, whom, the author argues, could of been protected.
D.Irregardless of the source's bias, its main point is that the new law will have a negative effect on miners, who, the author argues, could of been protected.
Challenging
According to the learning objective on constructing complex sentences, which of the following sentences correctly and effectively employs at least three different pairs of commonly confused words?
A.Their is no doubt that the author's principal goal is to show how war can alter a soldier's principles.
B.The committee will accept all papers, accept those that do not cite there sources correctly.
C.Then, the protagonist, whose conscience is clear, must decide whether to accept the consequences that will surely affect his family.
D.Its a difficult choice, but its effect is less important then the principle behind it.
Challenging
To achieve a higher score for sophistication on an AP-style essay, a student must demonstrate a strong command of language. Which of the following sentences best exemplifies this through precise and correct diction?
A.The poem's affect is powerful; its use of metaphors is better then any other poem we have studied.
B.It's clear that the author's main principle is to critique society, and she does so with less words than other writers.
C.The author's choice to allude to classical mythology complements the theme of hubris, a conscious decision that enhances the work's depth.
D.The characters must except their fate, and the reader is lead to believe that this was always inevitable.
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Use the correct frequently confused word is a Grade 11 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Use the correct frequently confused word?
You'll be able to: Identify at least 8 out of 10 plural nouns in sentences, recognizing words that end in -s or -es; Correctly form the singular possessive of 7 out of 10 nouns by adding an apostrophe and -s ('s); Distinguish between singular….
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This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.