Via the BBC (click).
Please watch the video below with captions and read the text below it.
Affect / effect
The verb ‘to affect’ means ‘to have an influence on’; ‘to effect’ means ‘to cause, accomplish’.
In most cases affect will be the verb, effect the noun.
Bail / bale
Use bail for the temporary release of someone awaiting trial.
To bail out is to help a company or person with financial problems (noun: bailout).
Use bale out for removing water from a boat, or jumping out of a plane.
Complement / compliment
To complement means to make complete or supply what is lacking.
Whether as a noun or verb, compliment means (to) praise.
Defuse / diffuse
defuse is to make safe an explosive;
diffuse is something that’s widespread.
Discreet / discrete
discreet means ‘careful’ or ‘tactful’;
discrete means ‘distinct and separate’.
Fazed / phased
someone who is disorientated or disconcerted can be described as fazed,
whereas phased means ‘introduced in stages’.
Formerly / formally
formerly means previously;
formally according to convention.
Gate / gait
gate is an entry; gait is a manner of walking.
Hangar / hanger
a hangar is where aircraft are kept.
A hanger is for putting clothes on.
Hyperthermia / Hypothermia
Hyperthermia is where the body temperature is greatly above normal.
Hypothermia is where the body temperature is markedly below normal.
Illicit / elicit
illicit means illegal;
elicit is to extract something, usually information.
Licence / license
The noun is licence with a ‘c’ (eg: driving licence);
the verb has an ‘s’ (eg: licensed to kill).
Practice / practise
the noun has a ‘c’; the verb has an ‘s’.
He’s a practising lawyer running his own practice.
Principal / principle
principal means ‘first in order of importance’ or a school head;
principle means ‘a rule or belief governing one’s personal behaviour’.
Rein / reign
reins are used on horses; reign is what monarchs do.
So you would rein in spending or take over the reins.
