Commonly confused words

bath vs. bathe bath noun (the act of washing yourself with soap and water) After a long day of work, I really need a bath. I’ll have a bath before going to bed.   bathe  verb (to wash yourself with soap and water) They bathed and dressed. I usually bathe …

bare vs. bear bare (unclothed, naked) Michael was bare from the waist up. They were walking on the sand with bare feet.   bear (to carry) She was bearing a basket of vegetables. [more meanings]   bare vs. bear – English Vocabulary

ban vs. bane ban (to forbid something officially or legally) We decided to ban smoking in the office. Mike was banned from driving for a year.   bane (a cause of distress or annoyance) Those noisy kids are the bane of my life. Rain was the bane of vacationers.   …

ball vs. bawl ball (a round object that is used in sports) Samuel kicked the ball. He was bouncing the ball against the wall.   bawl (to shout in a very loud voice) She likes to bawl against everyone. She bawled at me across the street.   ball vs. bawl …

balk vs. bulk balk (unwilling to accept or do something) Many people balk at sending their children to expensive private schools. Everyone would balk at this danger.   bulk (a large quantity or amount, mass) You will get it cheaper if you buy it in bulk. Cities are home to …