Many English words have similar spelling and/or pronunciation, but very different meanings. It’s useful to look at these often-confusing word pairs, to make sure that you’ve learned which ones to use where, and the correct way to pronounce each word. Whether you’re communicating in person or in writing, it’s important to use the right word, so that your audience understands your meaning.

For each of these word pairs, do the following:

• say the words out loud, using the correct pronunciation
• write the words down several times, noting the different spellings
• create three or four example sentences for each word in context

allusion (ah-LOO-zhun) v. illusion (ih-LOO-zhun)

An allusion is a reference to or indirect mention of something. An illusion is a misperception.

foreword (FOR-wurd) v. forward (FOR-ward)

A foreword is an introduction or preface to a longer written work, such as an essay or treatise. To move forward means to go ahead.

perpetrate (PER-peh-trate) v. perpetuate (per-PEH-tyoo-ate)

Perpetrate means to commit a crime; perpetuate means to continue or prolong.

perquisite (PER-kwih-zit) v. prerequisite (pre-REH-kwih-zit)

A perquisite is a fringe benefit or prerogative. A prerequisite is something that must exist or occur before something else can happen.

These next five word pairs are even more confusing, because they’re spelled exactly the same, but have different pronunciation and meanings:

excuse noun (ex-KYOOS) v. excuse verb (ex-KYOOZ)

As a noun, excuse means “reason” but as a verb it means “to pardon.”

produce noun (PRO-doos) v. produce verb (pro-DOOS)

The noun produce refers to fruits and vegetables. The verb produce means to raise, create, or generate.

record noun (REH-kord) v. record verb (ree-KORD)

The noun record can refer to a vinyl recording of music, documentation of facts or figures, or the best performance (usually in an athletic event), among other things. As a verb, record means to create such a recording or documentation.

perfect adjective (PER-fekt) v. perfect verb (per-FEKT)

Something that is perfect is without flaw; used as a verb, perfect means to make without flaw.

content adjective (con-TENT) v. content noun (CON-tent)

To be content means to be happy or pleased. The noun content means “what is included or contained inside.”

What word pairs cause you the most trouble?