Commonly confused words

ensure vs. insure ensure (make certain that something happens or is definite) Please ensure that you close all the windows before you leave. Check over the list to ensure its accuracy.   insure (to provide compensation for loss or injury) They refused to insure him because of his heart condition. …

carton vs. cartoon carton (a cardboard or plastic box or container)  The carton of yogurt was stamped with a sell-by date. There is a cardboard carton on the stairs.   cartoon (an animated TV show or movie) They watched a Mickey Mouse cartoon. I was a big fan of cartoons.   …

career vs. carrier   career (a job or profession that a person does to earn a living) He pursued a career in business. In 1990, she started her legal career.   carrier (a person or company that carries something) I want to call a baggage carrier to help me. The …

canon vs. cannon canon (a generally accepted rule, principle, or law) People who violate the canon of decency should be dismissed. They had their own canon of fair play.   cannon (an old type of large, heavy gun usually on wheels) There was an old cannon in the museum. They …

canvas vs. canvass canvas (a strong, rough cloth) They make tents from heavy canvas. A big canvas bag was with him when he arrived.   canvass (try to obtain opinions or information) We decided to canvass for support of our new policy. Police canvassed the local residents but didn’t find …