Irvan Reynaldi

There are a lot of words in English that look or sound alike but have very different meanings. Words that sound alike but are different in spelling, meaning or origin is called homophone. Writers often confuse and misuse these words. It’s helpful to use a dictionary to look up the meaning of the word in question. 

Here is the example of commonly misused words with definition.

Mail, Male

Mail(n) – correspondence.
I’ve just received your mail.

Male(n) – masculine.
Many said that a male and female brain are different in structures and chemicals.

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To, Too, Two

To(prep) – is a preposition meaning in the direction of, toward
It is the bad way to ask for help.

Too(adv) – is an adverb meaning also, excessively
He loves you too.

Two – is a number
I have two cars in my house.

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Hear, Here

Hear(v) – to perceive by the ear
Do you want to hear my song?

Here(adv) – in this place, in this spot or locality (opposed to there)
Sit down here, please.

CONFUSINGLY RELATED WORDS

There are words that cause problems when the speaker is not able to distinguish between them. They are similiar in meaning or pronounciation but can not be used interchangeably.
Here is the example of confusingly related words with definition.

Many, Much

Many – is used when referring to a large but definite number. Many refers to things that can be counted.
I have too many shoes.

Much – is used when referring to something great in quantity, amount, extent or degree. Much refers to things that can not be counted.
You have too much time.

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Borrow, Lend

Borrow(v) – to obtain or receive (something) on loan with the promise or understanding of returning it or its equivalent.
He borrowed my dictionary just now.

Lend(v) – to give or allow the use temporarily on the condition that the same or its equivalent will be returned.
She lends me her book today.

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Good, Well

Good(adj) – is an adjective and is used to modify nouns and linking verbs
I have a good idea.

Well(adv) – is an adverb and is used to modify action verbs.
He sings well.