Confusing Words

Tons and tonnes are both correct, but they are not always used the same way. Use tons for the plural of ton, especially in American English or casual phrases like “tons of work.” Use tonnes when you mean metric tonnes, especially in British, Australian, Canadian, or international writing. In U.S. technical writing, you may also…

Tail and tale are both real words, but they mean different things. Use tail for an animal’s back part, the end of something, or the act of following someone. Use tale when you mean a story. These words sound the same, so the mistake is easy to make. The spelling depends on what you mean….