For IELTS test takers, mastering vocabulary is a cornerstone of achieving a high band score in the Writing section. According to a 2024 British Council report, vocabulary accuracy accounts for 25% of the IELTS Writing score, making it essential to use words correctly.
However, certain tricky words in English often confuse non-native speakers, leading to costly mistakes in essays. These words may look or sound similar but have distinct meanings, impacting clarity and coherence.
This article explores 12 tricky words for IELTS candidates, offering clear explanations, examples, and tips to use them effectively. Ready to improve your IELTS Writing score? Try our Free IELTS Writing Checker to get instant feedback on your essays!
Affect vs. Effect
Understanding the Difference
One of the most common tricky words pairs in IELTS Writing is affect and effect. Affect is a verb meaning to influence something, while effect is typically a noun referring to the result of an action.
Examples
- Affect: Pollution can affect air quality, harming public health.
- Effect: The effect of pollution on air quality is severe.
Tips
- Use affect when describing an action’s influence.
- Use effect when discussing outcomes or results.
- In rare cases, effect can be a verb meaning to bring about (e.g., The policy effected change).
Complement vs. Compliment
Understanding the Difference
Complement means to complete or enhance something, while compliment refers to praise or flattery. These tricky words are often misused in essays discussing relationships or teamwork.
Examples
- Complement: The new software complements the team’s productivity.
- Compliment: She received a compliment for her excellent essay.
Tips
- Use complement for things that go well together.
- Use compliment for kind words or expressions of admiration.
- Remember the “i” in compliment stands for “I admire you.”
Principal vs. Principle
Understanding the Difference
Principal refers to the most important person or thing, or the head of an organization, while principle is a fundamental belief or rule. These words are often confused in essays about education or ethics.
Examples
- Principal: The school principal introduced new policies.
- Principle: Honesty is a core principle in academic writing.
Tips
- Think of principal as the “main” or “chief” entity.
- Use principle for moral or guiding rules.
Stationary vs. Stationery
Understanding the Difference
Stationary means not moving, while stationery refers to writing materials. These tricky words often appear in Task 1 letters or essays about office environments.
Examples
- Stationary: The car remained stationary during the traffic jam.
- Stationery: The office ordered new stationery for employees.
Tips
- Remember the “e” in stationery relates to “envelopes.”
- Use stationary for objects that are fixed or still.
Its vs. It’s
Understanding the Difference
Its is a possessive pronoun, while it’s is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.” These tricky words are frequent errors in IELTS essays, reducing grammatical accuracy.
Examples
- Its: The company improved its customer service.
- It’s: It’s essential to proofread your essay.
Tips
- Replace it’s with “it is” to check if it fits.
- Use its to show possession for inanimate objects.
There vs. Their vs. They’re
Understanding the Difference
This trio of tricky words confuses many IELTS candidates. There indicates location, their shows possession, and they’re is a contraction of “they are.”
Examples
- There: There is a new study center in town.
- Their: The students submitted their essays on time.
- They’re: They’re preparing for the IELTS exam.
Tips
- Use there for places or existence.
- Use their for ownership by people.
- Replace they’re with “they are” to confirm usage.
Accept vs. Except
Understanding the Difference
Accept means to receive or agree to something, while except means to exclude. These words are often misused in essays discussing agreements or exclusions.
Examples
- Accept: The university will accept new applicants.
- Except: Everyone attended the meeting except John.
Tips
- Use accept for receiving or agreeing.
- Use except to indicate something left out.
Then vs. Than
Understanding the Difference
Then refers to time or sequence, while than is used for comparisons. These tricky words are common in essays comparing trends or describing processes.
Examples
- Then: She studied for two hours and then took a break.
- Than: Her score was higher than expected.
Tips
- Use then for timelines or steps.
- Use than when comparing two things.
Advice vs. Advise
Understanding the Difference
Advice is a noun meaning guidance, while advise is a verb meaning to give guidance. These words often appear in Task 1 letters or essays about mentorship.
Examples
- Advice: The teacher gave valuable advice on essay structure.
- Advise: I advise you to practice daily.
Tips
- Use advice as the thing given.
- Use advise as the action of giving guidance.
Loose vs. Lose
Understanding the Difference
Loose means not tight, while lose means to misplace or fail to win. These tricky words are often confused in essays about challenges or competition.
Examples
- Loose: The shirt was too loose for him.
- Lose: Don’t lose your focus during the exam.
Tips
- Remember loose has a double “o” for something not tight.
- Use lose for loss or failure.
Ensure vs. Insure
Understanding the Difference
Ensure means to make certain, while insure relates to financial protection, like insurance. These words are often misused in essays about safety or planning.
Examples
- Ensure: The manager will ensure the project is completed.
- Insure: They decided to insure their car.
Tips
- Use ensure for guaranteeing outcomes.
- Use insure for financial coverage.
Elicit vs. Illicit
Understanding the Difference
Elicit means to draw out a response, while illicit refers to something illegal or forbidden. These tricky words are common in essays about law or communication.
Examples
- Elicit: The survey aimed to elicit honest feedback.
- Illicit: Illicit activities harm society.
Tips
- Use elicit for evoking responses.
- Use illicit for prohibited actions.
Conclusion
Mastering these 12 tricky words is a game-changer for IELTS Writing success. By understanding their meanings and practicing their usage, you can avoid common mistakes, improve clarity, and boost your band score.
According to a 2025 IELTS candidate survey, 68% of test takers reported improved scores after focusing on vocabulary precision. Start applying these tips today, and don’t forget to use our Free Online IELTS Writing Checker to refine your essays and track your progress!
FAQs
What are tricky words in IELTS Writing?
Tricky words are English words with similar spellings or pronunciations but different meanings, such as affect vs. effect or there vs. their. Misusing them can lower your IELTS Writing score.
How can I avoid mistakes with tricky words?
Practice using these words in context, review examples, and use tools like the Free IELTS Writing Checker to identify errors.
Why is vocabulary important for IELTS Writing?
Vocabulary accounts for 25% of your IELTS Writing score. Using words accurately enhances clarity and coherence, key criteria for a high band score.
How can I improve my IELTS Writing score quickly?
Focus on mastering tricky words, structuring essays clearly, and using our Free IELTS Essay Tool for instant feedback on your writing.
