Commonly confused words

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 bounced 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. (to cry loudly, especially in …

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 …

bale vs. bail bale (bundle, bunch, package) The fire burned 50 bales of hay. a bale of paper/straw/cotton bail (money pledged to release an accused person until trial) Can your father put up bail for you? I’ll be out on bail in no time.   bale vs. bail – English …

bait vs. bate bait (food used in a trap) We used a piece of meat as bait. The fish took the bait from the hook.   bate (decrease, reduce) The salesman won’t bate his price. The landlord will bate the rent.     bait vs. bate – English Vocabulary