Some Confusing English Words - Page 6

51. set, sit

a. If you place something you set it. Set must have an object
b. If you are in an upright position as in a chair you sit.
    Sit can't have an object.

52. sole, soul

a. Sole is an adjective meaning only.
    Also the bottom of your feet or shoe.
b. You soul refers to you spiritual side.

53. stalactite, stalagmite

a. Stalactites grow from the ceiling down.
b. Stalagmites grow from the ground up.

54. stationery, stationary

a. Something that lacks motion you mean stationary.
b. You use stationery to write letters.

55. throne, thrown

a. If you can sit on it , it's a throne.
b. If something has been tossed it's been thrown.

56. troop, troupe

a. Troop is a group.
b. Troupe is a group of actors.

57. use to, used to

a. Use to means means to employ for the purpose of.
b. Used to means formerly or in the past.

58. when, where

a. Don't use either of these words in a definition.
b. Wrong: Fatigue is when you get tired.
    Wrong: Home is where you sleep.

59. who, which, that

a. Don't use which if writing about people.
b. Some say the same for that and some don't.
c. Use who for writing about people.

60. whose, who's

a. Whose means belonging to whom.
b. Who's is a contraction of who is.