Exercise 1: typical word confusions

(Practise using similar-sounding words and phrases)

Typical word confusions – multiple-choice test

Difficulty: medium (3 of 5)

Decide what the missing part in each sentence is. Choose from the similar-sounding words ‘they’re, their, there – you’re, your – two, too, to – were, we’re, where – then, than’.

Example: “I’ve brought ________ sandwiches. Would you like to have one?”
- A. to
- B. too
- C. two → Correct!

If you still need help with the topic, look at the corresponding explanation with examples of typical word confusions again.

I visited Jack and Hanna yesterday. Have you seen ________ new house?
1. their
2. there
3. they’re
Can I borrow ________ phone for a moment?
1. your
2. you’re
Sometimes the summer is ________ hot for comfort.
1. too
2. two
3. to
Next weekend we’re going to a lake ________ we can take a boat ride.
1. where
2. we’re
3. were
My sister Jacky is a bit taller ________ I am.
1. than
2. then
Lilly and Rachel have been living next to each other for a long time, and so ________ best friends.
1. they’re
2. their
3. there
Mountain hiking is not the best sport for you if ________ afraid of heights.
1. you’re
2. your
Michael is a traveller. He’s been to Africa, Canada, as well as ________ all the countries in Southamerica except Brazil.
1. to
2. too
3. two
You can get a very cheap price for your holiday trip if you check all the offers. That’s what ________ trying to do.
1. we’re
2. were
3. where
Sometimes my job is frustrating, but ________ again I don’t know what else I could do.
1. then
2. than

Further exercises and explanations related to ‘Typical confusing words’

The following exercises and articles relate to the topic ‘Typical word confusions (similar-sounding phrases) in the English language’:

Speaking and writing well
Tricky grammar topics in English
List of exercises on speaking and writing well