Similar sounding words we often wrongly use

English is a tricky language with some words so similar in sound or spelling that they're often used interchangeably. Sometimes even though we know they are different words, the autocorrect in our phones or the spellcheck in our computers can confuse us with their corrections and convince us otherwise. However, it's essential to be proficient in the language you choose to use if you want to communicate effectively. Here are some words that are commonly confused. Definitions are taken from Oxford dictionary, 2019.

Advise: to tell somebody what you think they should do in a particular situation

Advice: an opinion or a suggestion about what somebody should do in a particular situation

Were: second person singular past, plural past, and past subjunctive of be

Where: Interrogative adverb

In or to what place or position.

Except: used before you mention the only thing or person about which a statement is not true

Accept: to take willingly something that is offered; to say ‘yes’ to an offer, invitation, etc.

Phase: a stage in a process of change or development

Phrase: a group of words that have a particular meaning when used together

or

a small group of words (usually without a finite verb) that together have a particular meaning and that typically form part of a sentence. ‘the green car’ and ‘on Friday morning’ are phrases.