Many pairs of English words sound alike, although the two words have different spellings and very different meanings. In these cases it can be hard to choose the right word, since a word can have the wrong meaning for your sentence but still be spelled correctly. Misused words can distract your readers and diminish your credibility.

Whenever you’re in doubt about a spelling, use one of these methods to select the right word:

• Rewrite the sentence, using a word that’s easier to spell and recognize
• Memorize the differences between similar-sounding words

Memorizing spelling differences requires some dedication on your part. For a simpler approach, try stepping back and rewriting the sentence below with a common word that’s easier to spell.

Nick met with his supervisor for (advice, or advise?) about handling troublesome customers.

The right word is advice: this noun is spelled with a c, while the verb advise is spelled with an s. But if you forgot the spellings and didn’t have a dictionary, you could also use an alternate word:suggestions.

Nick met with his supervisor for suggestions about handling troublesome customers.

You can test your spelling knowledge by selecting the correct word in the word pairs in the following sentences, and also step back and try to think of an alternate, easily spelled word.

1. The delay will not (affect or effect?) the outcome.
2. The attorney (cited, sighted, or sited?) similar cases.
3. What is your (principal or principle?) reason for this decision?
4. Her (principals or principles?) prevented her from accepting the illegal funds.

Here are the answers, with alternate words you might also choose if you’re not certain of the correct spelling:

1.  The delay will not affect the outcome.
orThe delay will not change the outcome.

2.  The attorney cited similar cases.
or The attorney referred to similar cases.
To remember:to cite is from the noun citation.

3.  What is your principal reason for this decision?
orWhat is your primary reason for this decision?

4.  Her principles prevented her from accepting the illegal funds.
orHer ethics prevented her from accepting the illegal funds.
To remember: principles are related to ethics. Principle ends with e, and ethics begins with e.

Check out our book Professional Writing Skills: A Write It Well Guide for more advice on spelling, word choice, and many other tips for maintaining a consistent image of yourself as a careful, knowledgeable writer. The new edition of the book and its corresponding facilitator kit will ship in February 2010.