by Laura Montana

Created on: July 06, 2010   Last Updated: February 10, 2012

As a former writing tutor, there are some problems in word choice that stand out for me. One of the most troubling and confusing for students is knowing the difference between words that sound the same. There, they're and their; to, too, and two; hear and here; where and wear; very and vary are the most often misused. Although then and than don't sound exactly alike, they too are often used improperly. Don't depend on spell-check to help you out. Spell-check only tells you if the word is spelled correctly, it's not concerned if it's used properly! Here are some tips and tricks to remembering which word to use and when.

There, They're and Their

• There - a location. You know when to use this spelling because it has HERE (a location) written right in it - tHERE

• They're - has an apostrophe so you know that stands for the two words THEY ARE.

• Their shows possession. This word contains yet another word - HEIR. . . and who gets the possessions? That's right, the heir! - tHEIR.

To, too, and two

• To is for regular usage. Nothing special here. Example: Go to the store.

• Too, as you can see has two o's - one more than the common 'to.' The extra 'o' reminds you that this 'too' means also, in addition, or more of a thing. Example: Can I go, toO? and I have toO much homework.

• The number 2 is set apart from the others because it is a little different, just as numbers are different from letters. This 'to' has a 'w' in it - tWo. Remember the number two has a different letter in it than the others.

Here and hear

• The easiest way to determine which word to use is to remember 'You hear with your EAR' - hEAR

Where and wear

• Where - again, HERE is in this word that stands for a location - wHERE.

• Wear - think of the EAR in this wear as in 'you wear an EAR-ring' - wEAR.

Then and than

• Then is used when putting things in order: First this, thEn that.

• Than is used when comparing things: This is bigger thAn that.

Very and vary

• To help decide if you should use very/vary, remember vAry, which refers to a change or difference, has a plural - varies. VEry, which refers to how much, how often, etc. does not.

If you are having a problem with any of these words, my suggestion is that you keep this list handy to refer to when you are doing any kind of writing; even E-mails are good practice. After a while you will remember these hints and soon you will no longer need a reminder.

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