Page 42 - Perfect English Grammar: The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking

For another, if you’re worried about slipping up and spelling the word as you
learned it in your home country instead of in the country you’re visiting or

studying in, just ask the locals, “How do you spell defence here?”

4.2.2 HOMOPHONE SPELLING ERRORS

Homophones are words that sound alike but are spelled differently. They are a

common source of spelling mistakes. The best way to know which spelling is the
correct one is to know what each word means, which can be inferred from seeing

how others use it.

■ accept: She accepted the award for best director.

■ except: All my camping gear is packed except for my tent.

■ affect: The lack of rain affects the tomato plants.

■ effect: The bug spray had no effect on the mosquitoes.

■ close: Close the door when you leave.

■ clothes: There are clean clothes in the closet.

■ desert: Never desert your friends when hiking.
■ dessert: For dessert, we have key lime pie with homemade crust.

■ discreet: Please be discreet—don’t share this news with anyone
else.

■ discrete: These funds are discrete from the money we use to pay
bills. The graphics are handled by a discrete processor.

■ ensure: How can you ensure you’ll be safe on your own?

■ insure: If you insure your car, you will be protected in the event it is

stolen.

■ it’s: It’s time to leave. Whether it’s fun or not, it’s still a bad idea. It’s
been too long.