14 Words Your Kid Might Be Using Wrong and Why It Matters
Words are powerful, but when used incorrectly, they can send the wrong message. Children pick up language from various sources, but not all of them are accurate.
Misusing common words might seem minor, but it can lead to misunderstandings or even embarrassment. By helping kids learn these words and their proper usage, you’re equipping them with tools for clear and confident communication.
Let’s explore 14 commonly misused words that parents should watch for and correct before they become lifelong habits.
Affect vs. Effect
These words are often confused because they sound similar but have different meanings.
“Affect” is typically a verb meaning to influence, while “effect” is usually a noun referring to the result of that influence.
For example, “The weather will affect our plans” vs. “The rain had a calming effect.” Misusing these words can make sentences confusing, especially in formal writing or conversations.
Teaching your child the difference helps them express themselves more precisely.
Literally
Many people use “literally” to emphasize something that isn’t literal. When someone says, “I literally died of embarrassment,” they didn’t actually die.
Using “literally” this way makes statements sound exaggerated or incorrect. Teach kids to reserve it for situations that are truly literal, like, “I literally tripped over the rug.”
This small tweak can make their language more accurate and credible.
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Their, There, and They’re
These homophones trip up even adults, but mastering them early is key.
“Their” shows possession (e.g., “That’s their dog”).
“There” refers to a place (e.g., “The book is over there”).
“They’re” is a contraction of “they are” (e.g., “They’re coming to dinner”).
Mixing these up can make writing seem careless. Encourage kids to double-check their usage to avoid confusion.
Less vs. Fewer
“Less” and “fewer” are often swapped, but they serve different purposes. Use “fewer” for countable items (e.g., “Fewer apples were sold today”) and “less” for uncountable quantities (e.g., “There’s less water in the tank”).
Teaching this distinction helps kids sound more polished, especially in formal writing or academic settings.
Irregardless
This word is widely misused and technically incorrect. The correct word is “regardless,” which means without consideration.
“Irregardless” combines “ir-” and “regardless,” creating a double negative that isn’t necessary. Although it’s used informally, it’s best to teach kids to stick with “regardless” to avoid sounding uneducated.
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Lay vs. Lie
Even adults struggle with when to use “lay” and “lie.” “Lay” requires an object (e.g., “Lay the book on the table”), while “lie” does not (e.g., “I need to lie down”).
This distinction can seem tricky at first, but understanding it ensures kids use these words correctly, especially in writing.
Then vs. Than
These similar-looking words have very different functions. “Then” relates to time or sequence (e.g., “First we’ll eat, then we’ll go”).
“Than” is used for comparisons (e.g., “She’s taller than him”). Mixing these up can confuse readers and undermine the clarity of a sentence.
Farther vs. Further
Many people use these interchangeably, but they’re not the same. “Farther” refers to physical distance (e.g., “We walked farther than planned”), while “further” is about metaphorical or figurative progress (e.g., “Let’s discuss this further”).
Teaching kids this distinction adds precision to their speech and writing.
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Everyday vs. Every Day
These words look similar but mean different things. “Everyday” is an adjective meaning ordinary or commonplace (e.g., “This is an everyday occurrence”).
“Every day” means each day (e.g., “I go to school every day”). Mixing these up can change the meaning of a sentence entirely.
Compliment vs. Complement
These words sound alike but have distinct meanings. A “compliment” is a nice thing someone says about you (e.g., “That’s a lovely compliment”), while “complement” means to enhance or complete something (e.g., “The scarf complements her outfit”).
Clarifying this for kids helps them avoid embarrassing mix-ups.
Who vs. Whom
This grammatical distinction may seem old-fashioned but still matters. “Who” is used as a subject (e.g., “Who is calling?”), while “whom” is the object of a verb or preposition (e.g., “To whom should I address this letter?”).
Though “whom” is less common in casual speech, understanding its proper use can elevate a child’s formal writing.
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Disinterested vs. Uninterested
These words are not interchangeable, though many people treat them as such. “Disinterested” means impartial or neutral (e.g., “The judge must remain disinterested”).
“Uninterested” means lacking interest (e.g., “She was uninterested in the movie”). Teaching this difference sharpens your child’s vocabulary and understanding.
Bring vs. Take
These words depend on direction and are often misused. “Bring” implies movement toward the speaker (e.g., “Bring the book to me”), while “take” implies movement away from the speaker (e.g., “Take this gift to your friend”).
Encouraging kids to think about direction when choosing between these words ensures accuracy.
Principal vs. Principle
These words sound identical but have unrelated meanings. “Principal” refers to a person of authority (e.g., “The school principal”) or something primary (e.g., “The principal reason”).
“Principle” refers to a fundamental truth or belief (e.g., “Honesty is an important principle”). Mixing them up can confuse both speaker and listener.
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