Confusing word choices

Stumped on yet another confusing word choice?

Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur or simply write for work, producing your best written communication is vital to getting your message across – and to your professional credibility.

Typos are one thing, but using the wrong word in the wrong context? There’s a chance your reader will think twice about engaging with you.

To avoid further confusion, I’ve compiled a list of the confusing words I most often see written in the wrong context. Download it, and keep it handy when you’re writing.

Lead or led?

Differentiating between lead and led is difficult – which is why they are so commonly misused.

It may be easier to say your sentence aloud each time you use them – just to be sure.

Lead

Verb; present or future tense only. To guide, direct or show the way.

• The troublesome intern will lead the students astray.
• The injured player is leading the team to victory.
• The motivational speaker will lead you through a series of exercises.

Led

Past tense of to lead.

• The troublesome intern led the students astray.
• The injured player led the team to victory.
• The motivational speaker led you through a series of exercises.

Lead

Noun. A toxic metal.

• Lead is a highly toxic metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Source: NIEHS

Download the entire list of ‘confusable’ solutions. Keep it handy and be confident whenever you face a word conundrum.

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