Pair of Words
The term pair of words refers to two words that sound alike or are similar in spelling but have different meanings and usage. These pairs often confuse students, especially in exams, because they require a solid understanding of vocabulary and context. Learning them can greatly enhance one’s language skills, particularly in English grammar, writing, and comprehension.
Pairs of words are commonly included in board exams, competitive tests, and language proficiency assessments. They test a student’s ability to distinguish between homophones and words that are similar in appearance but differ in function or meaning.
Here are a few common examples:
- Accept / Except
Accept means to receive, while except means to exclude.
Example: I accept your apology. / Everyone is coming except Ali. - Affect / Effect
Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence, and effect is a noun meaning result.
Example: The weather can affect your mood. / The new rule had a good effect. - Principal / Principle
Principal refers to a head of a school or something of high importance, whereas principle means a rule or belief.
Example: The principal spoke at the assembly. / Honesty is a basic principle of life. - Lose / Loose
Lose means to misplace or fail to win, while loose means not tight.
Example: Don’t lose your keys. / The bolt is loose. - Bear / Bare
Bear (verb): to carry or endure.
Example: She could not bear the pain.
Bare (adjective): uncovered or exposed.
Example: He walked on the bare floor without shoes.
To master these pairs, students should practice them with example sentences and understand their meanings clearly. Creating flashcards, doing worksheets, or practicing online quizzes can also be helpful.
In exams, pairs of words questions typically require students to use both words correctly in separate sentences. By practicing regularly, students can gain confidence and improve their grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills effectively.
To study and download pairs of words in PDF form, follow this link.
https://englishwithnaeemullahbutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Pairs-of-Words-PHOTOCOPY.pdf