📚 Detailed Explanation of Correcting Errors with Frequently Confused Words

Frequently confused words are words that sound the same or look very similar but have different meanings and spellings. Year 6 students often find these tricky because they can easily mix them up when writing. Errors happen with frequently confused words because they can sound alike when spoken, so it’s easy to forget which spelling or meaning is right.

Some common pairs of frequently confused words include:

  • Their / There / They’re
    Their means something belongs to them (e.g., Their books are on the table).
    There refers to a place (e.g., The book is over there).
    They’re is short for “they are” (e.g., They’re going to the park).
  • Your / You’re
    Your shows that something belongs to you (e.g., Your coat is blue).
    You’re means “you are” (e.g., You’re very kind).
  • To / Too / Two
    To is used before a verb or to show direction (e.g., I am going to school).
    Too means “also” or “more than needed” (e.g., It’s too hot outside).
    Two is the number 2 (e.g., I have two cats).

To spot and correct errors with frequently confused words, try these tips:

  1. Ask yourself the meaning: Before using the word, think about what you want to say. Is it showing possession, a place, or a contraction? This helps you choose the right word.
  2. Say the sentence out loud: Hearing the sentence can help you hear which word fits best.
  3. Check if the word can be replaced: For example, if you can replace “they’re” with “they are,” then that is the right choice.
  4. Use a dictionary or spellchecker: These tools can help if you’re still unsure.
  5. Practice with examples: Writing sentences using the pairs will make you more confident.

By taking your time and using these steps, you can correct errors with frequently confused words and make your writing clear and correct.

✍️ 20 Examination-Style Questions with Answers on Correcting Errors with Frequently Confused Words

Question 1

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
I have ____ to the park yesterday.
a) went
b) gone

Answer: a) went
Explanation: “Went” is the past tense of “go,” so it is correct for a past action.


Question 2

Find and correct the mistake:
She is very good at cooking, but she can no way cook well.

Answer: She is very good at cooking, but she can not cook well.
Explanation: “No way” is informal and awkward here; “cannot” or “not” is the correct word.


Question 3

Which word is correct?
Their / There / They’re going to the cinema tonight.

Answer: They’re
Explanation: “They’re” means “they are,” which fits the sentence best.


Question 4

Correct this sentence:
Your going to love this film!

Answer: You’re going to love this film!
Explanation: “You’re” means “you are.” “Your” shows possession and is incorrect here.


Question 5

Choose the correct word:
Can I have ____ apple?
a) an
b) a

Answer: a) an
Explanation: Use “an” before vowel sounds, like “apple.”


Question 6

Fix the error:
Its a beautiful day outside.

Answer: It’s a beautiful day outside.
Explanation: “It’s” is a contraction of “it is,” while “its” shows possession.


Question 7

Choose the right word:
The dog wagged ____ tail happily.
a) it’s
b) its

Answer: b) its
Explanation: “Its” shows that the tail belongs to the dog.


Question 8

Identify and correct the mistake:
I will loose the game if I don’t practice.

Answer: I will lose the game if I don’t practice.
Explanation: “Loose” means not tight; “lose” means not to win.


Question 9

Which is correct?
There / Their / They’re house is big.

Answer: Their
Explanation: “Their” shows something belongs to them.


Question 10

Find and fix the error:
The knight rode threw the forest.

Answer: The knight rode through the forest.
Explanation: “Threw” means to throw something. “Through” means moving in one side and out the other.


Question 11

Choose the correct word:
I have ____ homework to do tonight.
a) a lot
b) allot

Answer: a) a lot
Explanation: “A lot” means many. “Allot” means to give out something.


Question 12

Correct the sentence:
He didn’t no the answer to the question.

Answer: He didn’t know the answer to the question.
Explanation: “Know” means to be sure of something, while “no” is a negative word.


Question 13

Choose the correct word:
The weather is ____ cold today.
a) quite
b) quiet

Answer: a) quite
Explanation: “Quite” means fairly or very; “quiet” means silent.


Question 14

Find the error and correct it:
We should of gone earlier.

Answer: We should have gone earlier.
Explanation: “Should of” is incorrect; the correct form is “should have.”


Question 15

Correct the mistake:
Your the best player on the team.

Answer: You’re the best player on the team.
Explanation: “You’re” means “you are.” “Your” shows possession.


Question 16

Choose the correct word:
She found her book on the table over _____.
a) their
b) there

Answer: b) there
Explanation: “There” means a place; “their” shows possession.


Question 17

Fix the error:
Its raining outside, so take you’re umbrella.

Answer: It’s raining outside, so take your umbrella.
Explanation: “It’s” means “it is.” “Your” shows possession. “You’re” means “you are.”


Question 18

Identify the error and correct it:
The children are going to there house after school.

Answer: The children are going to their house after school.
Explanation: “Their” shows possession; “there” means a place.


Question 19

Choose the right word:
The teacher asked us to ____ our books.
a) bring
b) take

Answer: Both can be correct depending on context, but usually:
a) bring (to bring something to where the teacher is)
Explanation: “Bring” means to carry towards a location; “take” means to carry away.


Question 20

Correct the sentence:
I excepted your invitation to the party.

Answer: I accepted your invitation to the party.
Explanation: “Accept” means to agree to something; “except” means excluding.


These questions help Year 6 students practise identifying and correcting errors involving frequently confused words, improving their writing accuracy and understanding.