Spelling is one of the most common roadblocks for writers. In order to be prepared for the PERT, you must be able to identify and correct common spelling errors in writing.
Spelling Correctly
Spelling questions on the PERT often focus on:
Commonly Confused Words
- Words like “their,” “there,” and “they’re” or “affect” and “effect” are often confused, and you will need to choose the correct one based on the context of the sentence.
Homophones
- These are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings (e.g. “its” vs. “it’s,” “your” vs. “you’re”). You will need to identify which spelling is correct for the given sentence.
Prefixes and Suffixes
- You may be tested on the correct spelling of words with added prefixes or suffixes. For example, changing “happy” to “happiness” or “stop” to “stopped” requires specific rules.
Deep Dive: Misspelled Mishaps
Some words in English are commonly misspelled due to their irregular spellings or because they sound like other words. Getting familiar with these words and their correct spellings will help prevent errors in your writing.
Here are some of the most frequently misspelled words:
Accommodation
- People often forget the double “c” and double “m” in this word.
Business
- The placement of the “i” can be tricky because it looks like the word should be pronounced “busyness.” Make sure you separate the vowels with an “s.”
Definitely
- Many people mistakenly spell this word as “definately.” Remember that it contains “finite,” like in “infinite.”
Grateful
- The word “great” is not in “grateful.” It’s actually “grate,” like what you do with cheese.
Necessary
- This word often trips people up because of the double “s” and single “c.” A mnemonic is to remember that it’s “necessary to have one collar (c) and two socks (s).”
Separate
- A common misspelling is “seperate.” Try to remember that “separate” has “a rat” in it.
Embarrass
- This word can be tricky with its double “r” and double “s.” Think of it as being doubly embarrassing to misspell it!
Recommend
- Many people drop the second “m” in this word. Try to recall that you’re recommending something twice by keeping both “m”s.
Occasionally
- The problem with this word usually lies in remembering the double “c” and single “s.”
Key Tip: To study commonly misspelled words, break the word down into smaller parts or use mnemonic devices to help with tricky letters. Writing them repeatedly in a sentence can also help reinforce the correct spelling in your memory.
Deep Dive: Help with Homophones
Homophones are words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings. They can cause confusion in writing, especially if you’re not familiar with their meanings.
Let’s explore some of the most common homophones:
To, Two, Too
- “To” is a preposition indicating direction or purpose.
- “Two” is the number 2.
- “Too” means “also” or “excessively.”
- Examples: “I’m going to the store.” “She has two cats.” “I want ice cream, too.”
Brake vs. Break
- “Brake” refers to a device used to stop motion.
- “Break” means to separate or destroy something.
- Examples: “Press the brake to stop the car.” “Don’t break that vase!”
Peace vs. Piece
- “Peace” refers to calmness or the absence of conflict.
- “Piece” is a part of something.
- Examples: “The treaty brought peace to the region.” “Can I have a piece of cake?”
Hear vs. Here
- “Hear” means to perceive sound.
- “Here” refers to a location.
- Examples: “Can you hear the music?” “I’ll wait for you here.”
Principle vs. Principal
- “Principle” is a rule or law.
- “Principal” is a person in a position of authority or something that is of the utmost importance.
- Examples: “We run our business on three core principles.” “The principal of my school is my pal.”
Plain vs. Plane
- “Plain” means simple or clear. It can also refer to a type of natural landscape, like a grassy plain.
- “Plane” refers to an aircraft.
- Examples: “She wore a plain dress.” “We flew on a plane to Paris.”
Key Tip: When studying homophones, try making pairs of sentences with each word used correctly. This will help you remember their meanings and spellings.
Deep Dive: Common Confusions
Many words in English sound similar or look alike but have very different meanings. Using them incorrectly can drastically change the meaning of a sentence.
Here’s a list of commonly confused words that often trip people up:
Affect vs. Effect
- “Affect” is a verb meaning to influence something.
- “Effect” is a noun meaning the result of a change.
- Examples: “The weather affects my mood.” “The new law had a positive effect on the economy.”
Your vs. You’re
- “Your” shows possession.
- “You’re” is a contraction of “you are.”
- Examples: “Is this your book?” “You’re going to love this movie!”
Their vs. There vs. They’re
- “Their” shows possession.
- “There” refers to a place.
- “They’re” is a contraction of “they are.”
- Example: “Their car is parked over there.” “They’re going to the concert.”
Then vs. Than
- “Then” refers to time.
- “Than” is used for comparisons.
- Examples: “First we went to dinner. Then we saw a movie.” “I’m taller than my brother.”
Its vs. It’s
- “Its” shows possession.
- “It’s” is a contraction of “it is.”
- Examples: “The dog wagged its tail.” “It’s going to rain tomorrow.”
Key Tip: When you encounter confusing word pairs, try writing each word in a sentence to check if it makes sense. If you are struggling with a contraction, write it out, such as replacing “you’re” with “you are.” Familiarize yourself with the correct usage by making flashcards or writing out examples.