Ask WordMum
The English language is complex and it’s so easy to get words mixed up! Some words sound close to each other. Some are spelled the same but used differently. And it’s easy to mix up US and British/Australian English as well!
The Ask WordMum series tries to untangle these complex rules and usages. It tries to provide clarity, tips, and tricks to make sure you’re using the right words in the best ways.
The series started at the beginning of 2025, and it’s set to continue through 2026. The posts available so far are listed below.
The list of words to tackle is ever growing but there’s always room for more. Got one you want to Ask WordMum about? Let her know!
-
Ask WordMum: Affect vs Effect
Unsure if it’s affect or effect? Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: Bear vs Bare
How do I know whether to use bare or bear in a sentence? Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: Born vs Borne
Is it born or borne? – Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: Bought vs Brought
Not sure if you bought it or brought it? Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: It’s vs Its
Which “It’s a lovely today” or “Its a lovely today” is correct? Ask WordMum
-
Ask WordMum: Lightening vs Lightning
Do Lightening and Lightning have you reaching for a dictionary? – Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: Peel vs Peal
Do you peel or peal the potato? – Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: Rein vs Reign
When do I use rein instead of reign? Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: Then vs Than
And then? Or is it and than? Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: Weather vs Whether
Is it whether or weather? – Ask WordMum!
-
Ask WordMum: Your vs You’re
You’re confused about your word choices? – Ask WordMum!