20 Most Common Confused/Misused Words on the GED RLA

The GED RLA test doesn’t only measure your reading comprehension; it also evaluates your ability to identify clear, professional, and grammatically correct writing. Many students find themselves stuck between two words that sound identical but have vastly different meanings.

In the RLA section—and even in Social Studies and Science passages—misusing these words can lead to avoidable errors. Let’s check this guide to ensure you are prepared for the most probable word traps on exam day.

Video Study Guide: Timestamps

If you are following along with our latest video lesson, use these timestamps to jump to specific word sets:

• 00:20 : Affect vs. Effect
• 01:23 : Its vs. It’s
• 02:47 : Accept vs. Except
• 03:52 : Than vs. Then
• 05:07 : There vs. Their vs. They’re
• 07:25 : Your vs. You’re
• 08:48 : To vs. Too vs. Two
• 11:14 : Lose vs. Loose
• 12:39 : Ensure vs. Insure
• 13:59 : Past vs. Passed
• 15:46 : Advice vs. Advise
• 17:27 : Principal vs. Principle
• 19:35 : Everyday vs. Every day
• 21:01 : Site vs. Sight vs. Cite
• 23:05 : Compliment vs. Complement
• 24:36 : Farther vs. Further
• 26:18 : Capital vs. Capitol
• 28:26 : Weather vs. Whether
• 29:56 : Aloud vs. Allowed
• 31:16 : Allusion vs. Illusion

Why These Words Matter for Your GED Score

The RLA test often presents these words within the “Editing” portion of the exam. You may be asked to choose the correct word to complete a sentence in a professional letter or an informational report.

• The “Context” Rule: Always read the entire sentence before choosing. For example, if a sentence discusses a location, you are likely looking for Site or There.
• The “Substitution” Trick: For contractions like It’s or They’re, try reading the sentence as “It is” or “They are.” If it doesn’t make sense, you need the version without the apostrophe.

Success Strategy: Focus on Probability

While there are hundreds of confusing words in English, the 20 listed above have the highest probability of appearing in actual GED passages. Mastering these specific sets allows you to focus your study time effectively, ensuring you are ready for the high-impact questions that move the needle on your final score.