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Confusing Words Quiz 1

By , About.com Guide

Confusing words are words that are very similar and commonly confused. Choose the correct word to complete the question. Each question has only one correct answer.

This quiz is for in-class use and does not have the answers provided. Take the interactive version of the Confusing Words quiz for correct answers and results.

Visit http://esl.about.com for more practice quizzes, as well as study sheets and information on grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading and writing.

The _____ applauded enthusiastically after the performance was finished.

  • audience
  • spectators

I haven't seen him ____ over five years.

  • since
  • for

_____ the fact that it was difficult, the exam also included questions that we had never studied before.

  • Besides
  • Beside

I told my boss that I wanted a big _____.

  • rise
  • raise

The article's _____ read "Politician Wants Answers".

  • title
  • headline

His opinion had no _____ on my decision.

  • effect
  • affect

He _____ down for a short nap.

  • lay
  • lie

Could you give me the _____ for that wonderful dessert?

  • receipt
  • recipe

They _____ his passport on entering the country.

  • controlled
  • inspected

Please finish your work _____ five o'clock.

  • by
  • until

He was cooking dinner ______ the football match.

  • while
  • during

Could you go the store and get me some _____?

  • stationary
  • stationery

I need to ______ a new button onto my shirt.

  • sow
  • sew

You will find the book _____ the lamp on the table.

  • beside
  • besides

You can choose from _____ four prizes!

  • between
  • among

It's so hot! I need to find some _____.

  • shadow
  • shade

_____ his having studied French, he found the course very difficult.

  • Although
  • Despite

The movie was _____ boring he fell asleep!

  • such
  • so

Try to use your ______ when answering this question.

  • phantasy
  • imagination

I _____ about how my friend was doing in Rotterdam.

  • wandered
  • wondered

He should be arriving _____.

  • briefly
  • shortly

They went to a basketball ____ on Saturday night.

  • play
  • game

Unfortunately, unemployment is on the ____ again.

  • rise
  • raise

I wasn't able to do any work because of the _____ interruptions.

  • continual
  • continuous

You can't wear those trousers! They are _____.

  • creased
  • crinkled

Did Henry Ford _____ the car?

  • invent
  • discover

The car needs to have its _____ repaired.

  • breaks
  • brakes

_____ I'm concerned, you can come along.

  • As long as
  • As far as

_____ he was reluctant to help, he finally lent a helping hand.

  • Despite
  • Although

The _____ of the school welcomed the new students to classes.

  • principle
  • principal

Olympia is the _____ of Washington State.

  • capital
  • capitol

That painting by Picasso is _____.

  • worthless
  • priceless

Have you decided _____ you would like to come?

  • weather
  • whether

You shouldn't leave litter _____ on the ground.

  • laying
  • lying

I spent my evening _____ television.

  • looking at
  • watching

The political situation is _____ very unstable.

  • actually
  • currently

Art _____ is a very subjective matter.

  • objection
  • criticism

The car tried to _____ the bus on the freeway.

  • overcome
  • overtake

You will just have to _____ his decision.

  • except
  • accept

Could you wait a moment? I would like to stop ____ my mother.

  • to telephone
  • telephoning

Could you give me some _____ on this problem?

  • advice
  • advise

Please ______ me to pick up some bread at the market.

  • remember
  • remind

John _____ me $50 until next Monday.

  • borrowed
  • lent

He _____ us about his trip to Chicago.

  • said
  • told

His help with the contract was _____.

  • invaluable
  • valueless

He is a very _____ person. He always has time to listen to people's problems.

  • sensible
  • sensitive

Jack went to the library to _____ the latest Stephen King novel.

  • lend
  • borrow

Mary _____ us we had made a good decision.

  • assured
  • ensured

He _____ the book on the table.

  • laid
  • lay

Unfortunately, he made quite a serious _____ while working on the plumbing.

  • fault
  • mistake

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