1. council / counsel – The beginnings of these words look the same, and it doesn’t help that they sound the same, which can fool some of us some of the time. A “council” is a committee, or a group of people, who have formed for a common cause. A “counsel” is someone who gives advice, otherwise known as a “counselor.” A council, of course, can also offer advice, but it’s not the same as a counsel.
2. advice / advise – Just one letter is the difference between the two, though they sound a little different. Their meanings are also fairly similar. “Advice” means “to offer guidance or recommendations, typically from someone who is considered knowledgeable or authoritative.” To “advise” is to offer suggestions about the best course of action.
3. principal / principle – A “principal,” as a noun, refers to someone who has the highest authority or most important position in an organization, institution, or group. As an adjective, it can denote something of primary importance or an original sum invested or lent. A main definition of “principle” is a truth that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.
4. affect / effect – “Affect” can refer to how something has influenced something else. “Effect” is more about the accomplishments or results of something. Grammar Girl’s trick to remember their differences: “The arrows *affected* the aardvark. The *effect* was eye-popping.”
5.than / then – “Than” is often used in comparison to something else or when contrasting something. “Then” means “at that time” or “afterward.”
Quotes
“The best of fiction, as we know, of course, doesn’t tell the truth; it tales the truth.” ~ Criss Jami, Healology
Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.
Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com
