This is one of the most difficult parts of learning English because there are many words that sound or look the same, but have different meanings. Pay close attention to each answer choice and check whether it fits in the context of the sentence.
Common Examples
Words with similar spelling, words that rhyme, words that sound alike, or words that are opposite that do not have similar meanings:
1) Make sure to only use the _____ paper.
(A) vain
(B) vein
(C) pain
(D) plain
The correct answer is (D). An adjective is needed to complete the sentence. Plain is the only adjective that makes sense. (A) is an adjective used to describe people, not things (paper). (B) is a noun that sounds like (A). (C) is a noun that rhymes with vein and plain.
2) Charles forgot to order more _____ for the office.
(A) stationary
(B) stationery
(C) statue
(D) moving
The correct answer is (B). A noun is needed to complete the sentence. (B) is a noun meaning writing materials. (C) is a singular noun which does not make sense in this sentence. (A) is an adjective meaning unmoving. (D) is an adjective with the opposite meaning of (A).
Words with similar meanings, but different usage:
1) The boss thinks we are doing a _____ job.
(A) goods
(B) well
(C) good
(D) badly
The correct answer is (C). An adjective needed to complete the sentence. Good is the only adjective. (A) is a noun. (D) is an adverb. (B) is also an adverb. To use well, the sentence would be, The boss thinks we are doing the job well. How is the job being done? It is being done well. You cannot say, The boss thinks we are doing the job good.
2) I need to choose _____ the report and the presentation.
(A) among
(B) between
(C) along
(D) beside
The correct answer is (B). Between compares exactly two things. Among always compares more than two. The prepositions along and beside are not used for comparisons.