Worked example 1
Choose: 'The changes will affect/effect everyone.'
- We need a verb: 'will ___'
- Affect is the verb
Answer: affect
English for adults · Grammar
Commonly confused words: their, there, affect, effect and more
Spellcheckers miss these because every option is a real word. Learn the quick tests that make the right choice obvious.
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How it works
Their = belonging to them. There = a place, or 'there is/are'. They're = they are.
Affect is usually a verb (to influence); effect is usually a noun (a result).
Fewer for things you can count (fewer emails); less for amounts (less time).
Worked example 2
Choose: '___ reports are due Friday.'
- The reports belong to them
Answer: Their
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Practice sheet
Grammar · Standard
Commonly confused words
NameDate
Write the correct word.
- 1.Your/You're application has been received.
- 2.Your/You're welcome to attend.
- 3.We need to buy more stationary/stationery.
- 4.The new rota had a positive affect/effect.
- 5.The policy will affect/effect all staff.
Answers and explanations
- Your/You're application has been received.YourYour shows belonging.
- Your/You're welcome to attend.You'reYou're = you are.
- We need to buy more stationary/stationery.stationeryStationery = paper and pens (e for envelopes); stationary = not moving.
- The new rota had a positive affect/effect.effectEffect is the noun here.
- The policy will affect/effect all staff.affectAffect is usually the verb; effect is usually the noun.
Last reviewed: 25 September 2026