Page 172 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Language Arts

170 SPELLING

Other confusing words SEE ALSO

104–105 Apostrophes
166–167 Homonyms, homophones,
MISSPELLED WORDS OFTEN ARISE FROM CONFUSED MEANINGS.  and homographs
 168–169 Confusing words
Some words are misunderstood and therefore spelled incorrectly.
Choosing the wrong word can alter the meaning of a sentence,
which may confuse the reader.

Confused meanings
Some words are incorrectly spelled because their meanings With such words, the difference in meaning and spelling
are not properly understood. In some cases, two words has to be learned; there is no trick or rule to remember.
may sound similar, which only adds to the confusion. Consult a dictionary if in doubt about which word to use.

adapt adopt conscience conscious
This refers to making or This can mean to follow This refers to a sense or This means to be
something suitable. an idea or method. of right or wrong. aware or awake.

A fish can adapt They will adopt Her conscience He was conscious
to a new habitat. the new policy. told her to confess. of his faults.

disinterested uninterested distinct distinctive
This refers to an or This means having This refers to something or This means a feature
impartial person. no interest. that is different. of a person or thing.

The disinterested He is uninterested There are two She had a
reporter is talking. in the show. distinct cell types. distinctive voice.

historic historical regretful regrettable
This refers to something or This means something This refers to the or This means to give
famous in history. linked to the past. feeling of regret. rise to regret.

The moon landing The museum held She was regretful The loss of jobs
is a historic event. historical relics. for her actions. was regrettable.