The following words are super easy to confuse with each other, so here's a quick explanation of the difference:

Complement/Compliment, Complementary/Complimentary

To complement (verb)is to complete or make whole

• That necklace really complements your outfit

A complement (noun) is something that completes or makes whole

• That necklace is a great complement to your outfit

To be complementary (adjective)is to go well with something, to serve to complete

• That necklace is complementary to your outfit

To compliment (verb) is to offer flattery

• Thanks so much for complimenting me on my outfit

A compliment (noun) is a flattering comment

• Your compliment about my outfit made me feel good

To be complimentary (adjective)isto be free of charge orto be expressing praise

• An open bar means the drinks are complimentary
•  He loved your book and wrote a complimentary review

Elicit/Illicit

To elicit (verb) is to bring out

• I hope my new book elicits both tears and laughter from my readers

To be illicit (adjective) is to be unlawful or not morally acceptable

• She could no longer trust her fiancé after she found out he had repeatedly engaged in illicit activity, so she called off their wedding

Forward/Foreword

Forward (adjective) is to be near or at the front of something, or to be somewhat brash

• First class baggage always goes in the forward overhead bins
•  Some may say she's a bit forward for their taste, but I love how she always speaks her mind

A foreword (noun) is a message at the beginning of a book that is written by someone other than the author

• I was thrilled when my good friend Gloria offered to write the foreword to my new book about grammar

Which words do you find easy to get mixed up? Please let me know in the comments!

-Maria

Maria Murnane is the best-selling author of the Waverly Bryson series, Cassidy Lane, Katwalk, and Wait for the Rain. She also provides consulting services to aspiring and published authors. Have questions? You can find her at www.mariamurnane.com.

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