latent,patent
Latent means "present but not visible or active": Just because I'm not in bed doesn't mean that I don't have a latent virus.
Patent means "visible, active, or obvious": The claim that I pinched Marilyn's tush is a patent lie!
later,latter
Later means "afterward": Come later than seven o'clock.
Latter means "the last of two things mentioned": If I have to choose between brains or beauty, I'll take the latter.
lay,lie
Lay is a transitive verb, which means it takes an object. It means "to set or put down flat": Gwendolyn laid child in the crib, or Lay a book on the table, please. Its forms are lay, lays, laid, has laid, and is laying.
Lie is an intransitive verb, so it does not take an object. It means "to rest supine or remain in a certain place": I have to lie down because I'm not feeling well, or I like to lie in the grass for hours. Its forms are lie, lies, lay, has lain, and is lying.
lead,led
Lead can be a verb meaning "to guide, be in charge of": Greg will lead a group this afternoon. It can also be a noun meaning "a type of metallic element": Use a lead pencil to fill in your answer sheet.
Led is the past tense of lead: Greg led the group this afternoon.
lend,loan,borrow
Lend is a verb that mean "to temporarily give something to someone": Lucy will lend or loan Chuck her books any day.
A loan is a noun meaning something borrowed: Most people get a bank loan to buy a house. Loan is also used in American English as a verb meaning "to lend".
Borrow is to receive something from someone temporarily: Can I borrow the book if I promise to return it tomorrow?
Latent means "present but not visible or active": Just because I'm not in bed doesn't mean that I don't have a latent virus.
Patent means "visible, active, or obvious": The claim that I pinched Marilyn's tush is a patent lie!
later,latter
Later means "afterward": Come later than seven o'clock.
Latter means "the last of two things mentioned": If I have to choose between brains or beauty, I'll take the latter.
lay,lie
Lay is a transitive verb, which means it takes an object. It means "to set or put down flat": Gwendolyn laid child in the crib, or Lay a book on the table, please. Its forms are lay, lays, laid, has laid, and is laying.
Lie is an intransitive verb, so it does not take an object. It means "to rest supine or remain in a certain place": I have to lie down because I'm not feeling well, or I like to lie in the grass for hours. Its forms are lie, lies, lay, has lain, and is lying.
lead,led
Lead can be a verb meaning "to guide, be in charge of": Greg will lead a group this afternoon. It can also be a noun meaning "a type of metallic element": Use a lead pencil to fill in your answer sheet.
Led is the past tense of lead: Greg led the group this afternoon.
lend,loan,borrow
Lend is a verb that mean "to temporarily give something to someone": Lucy will lend or loan Chuck her books any day.
A loan is a noun meaning something borrowed: Most people get a bank loan to buy a house. Loan is also used in American English as a verb meaning "to lend".
Borrow is to receive something from someone temporarily: Can I borrow the book if I promise to return it tomorrow?
Lessen,lesson
Lessen means "to decrease or make less": She lessened the headache pain with aspirin.
A lesson is something you learn: A teacher might say, "Today's lesson is about ancient Egypt."
liable,libel
Liable means "legally responsible for or subject to": Tom is liable to pay for the damage if he doesn't prove his innocence.
Libel is a noun that means "a slanderous statement that damages another person's reputation": Bertrand was sued for libel for what he printed about Phil Anders.
lightening,lightning
Lightening is a verb that means "to reduce the weight of": My course load needs lightening if I am to complete this course successfully.
Lightning refers to the electrical discharge in the sky: Fred captured the image of a bolt of lightning on film.
Lessen means "to decrease or make less": She lessened the headache pain with aspirin.
A lesson is something you learn: A teacher might say, "Today's lesson is about ancient Egypt."
liable,libel
Liable means "legally responsible for or subject to": Tom is liable to pay for the damage if he doesn't prove his innocence.
Libel is a noun that means "a slanderous statement that damages another person's reputation": Bertrand was sued for libel for what he printed about Phil Anders.
lightening,lightning
Lightening is a verb that means "to reduce the weight of": My course load needs lightening if I am to complete this course successfully.
Lightning refers to the electrical discharge in the sky: Fred captured the image of a bolt of lightning on film.
loathe,loath
Loathe is a verb meaning "to detest or dislike greatly": Janice loathes animal cruelty.
Loath is an adjective meaning "reluctant, unwilling": Lance was loath to ask for an extension on his term paper that semester.
loose,lose
Loose is not tight: A loose-fitting jacket was more suitable than a shawl.
Lose is to misplace and not be able to find: I often lose my bearings when entering a new city. Thank goodness I don't lose my keys though!
Loathe is a verb meaning "to detest or dislike greatly": Janice loathes animal cruelty.
Loath is an adjective meaning "reluctant, unwilling": Lance was loath to ask for an extension on his term paper that semester.
loose,lose
Loose is not tight: A loose-fitting jacket was more suitable than a shawl.
Lose is to misplace and not be able to find: I often lose my bearings when entering a new city. Thank goodness I don't lose my keys though!