Common Spelling Mistakes in English
English can be confusing at times, even for native speakers, expert writers, and linguists. There are so many words that sound the same but are spelled different and mean different things. (These are known as a homophone.)
As a writer and as someone who has worked as a freelance editor, I’ve run into plenty of spelling mistakes. These are the ones I’ve noticed people confuse most often.
Most Common Spelling Mistakes
To vs. Two vs. Too
Three words that sound the same but are all spelled different and mean different things are two, to, and too.
Two is an easy one because it’s spelling and meaning are both quite different. But, we’ll look at it anyways.
Two: a number
I ordered two cakes.
To: a preposition with many meanings
I went to the store today.
I hoped to see them.
I walked from one country to another.
Too: an adverb, meaning also, in addition, or very
I liked that, too.
I wasn’t too tired.
They’re vs. Their vs. There
Some of the most confused words (rather, the most confused words) are they’re, there, and their.
They’re: a contraction of “they are”
They’re excited about the food.
Their: possessive form of they
It wasn’t their favorite movie.
There: many meanings depending on its use
There weren’t enough seats.
Did you see it there?
He arrived there.
Affect vs. Effect
Affect: to change or impact
That movie affected him.
Effect: a consequence or result
The effect of the weather was great.
It’s vs. Its
Easy to mistake because of their similarities, here are the differences between the two words.
It’s: contraction of “it is”
It’s beginning to rain.
Its: possessive form of it
It hurt its leg.
Aspire vs. Inspire
Aspire: to want to
I aspire to be perfect.
Inspire: to influence or affect
She inspires me to do better.
Pray vs. Prey
Pray: to offer or wish (usually used in a religious context)
I prayed for a sunny day.
He prayed she would say yes.
Prey: a target or hunted animal
The rabbit was prey for the fox.
The stalker preyed on his victim.
Capital vs. Capitol
Capital: many definitions including towns or cities that hold significance and capital letters
Washington D.C. is the capital of the US.
Capitol: Dictionary.com defines ‘capitol’ as a building that is occupied by state legislature.
Principle vs. Principal
Principle: a doctrine or truth
The students have good principles.
Principal: the leader of a school or high-ranking official
I like the new school principal.
Words That Are Often Misspelled
Correct vs. Incorrect
✅ definitely ❌ definately
✅ necessary ❌ neccessary
✅ a lot ❌ alot
✅ business ❌ buisness
✅ calendar ❌ calender
✅ embarrass ❌ embarass
✅ maintenance ❌ maintainance
✅ recommend ❌ reccommend
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