Commonly confused words — Digital SAT Reading & Writing practice
Look-alike words that change meaning (lower frequency, high precision).
Key ideas to know
Affect vs Effect Rule
Choose the correct word: The new policy will ___ student attendance, while the ___ was immediate and measurable.
Use affect as a verb meaning to influence or change. Use effect as a noun meaning a result or outcome.
Watch out: Students often swap them because effect sounds like a verb and affect sounds like a noun.
Then vs than
Choose the correct word: “The new model is faster ___ the old one.” (than / then)
than. Use than to compare two things. Use then for time or sequence.
Watch out: Writing then in a comparison because the two words sound alike.
Accept vs Except Strategy
When editing a sentence that means "to receive" or "to exclude," which spelling should you choose and what quick check can confirm it?
Use accept for receiving or agreeing. Use except for excluding or leaving out. Check by replacing the word with receive or excluding.
Watch out: Test-takers often pick except when they mean receive because both start with ex- and sound similar.
Principal vs Principle Meaning
In the phrase "the ___ reason for the delay," should you use principal or principle? Explain the core difference between these two words.
Use principal because it means main or primary. Principle refers to a fundamental rule, belief, or truth that guides behavior.
Watch out: Students confuse them by focusing on pronunciation rather than meaning, often using principle when they mean leader or main.