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Affect / effect

The verb ‘to affect’ means ‘to have an influence on’; ‘to effect’ means ‘to cause, accomplish’.

In most cases affect will be the verb, effect the noun.

Bail / bale

Use bail for the temporary release of someone awaiting trial.

To bail out is to help a company or person with financial problems (noun: bailout).

Use bale out for removing water from a boat, or jumping out of a plane.

Complement / compliment

To complement means to make complete or supply what is lacking.

Whether as a noun or verb, compliment means (to) praise.

Defuse / diffuse

defuse is to make safe an explosive;

diffuse is something that’s widespread.

Discreet / discrete

discreet means ‘careful’ or ‘tactful’;

discrete means ‘distinct and separate’.

Fazed / phased

someone who is disorientated or disconcerted can be described as fazed,

whereas phased means ‘introduced in stages’.

Formerly / formally

formerly means previously;

formally according to convention.

Gate / gait

gate is an entry; gait is a manner of walking.

Hangar / hanger

a hangar is where aircraft are kept.

A hanger is for putting clothes on.

Hyperthermia / Hypothermia

Hyperthermia is where the body temperature is greatly above normal.

Hypothermia is where the body temperature is markedly below normal.

Illicit / elicit

illicit means illegal;

elicit is to extract something, usually information.

Licence / license

The noun is licence with a ‘c’ (eg: driving licence);

the verb has an ‘s’ (eg: licensed to kill).

Practice / practise

the noun has a ‘c’; the verb has an ‘s’.

He’s a practising lawyer running his own practice.

Principal / principle

principal means ‘first in order of importance’ or a school head;

principle means ‘a rule or belief governing one’s personal behaviour’.

Rein / reign

reins are used on horses; reign is what monarchs do.

So you would rein in spending or take over the reins.

These lessons on my Youtube channel provide free educational material about British English, British pronunciation and British accent training. Please see below for links to my British English websites and notes to help you understand this lesson.

My British English websites
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