mayor, may or

Mayor or mayor ( one word ) means the chief executive of a city or municipality--
He is running for mayor in the next election.
The mayor will make a speech; then we will begin the ceremony.

May or or may or ( two words ) means might, or possibly, offered as an alternative--
The weather report said that it may or may not rain.
Will I show up? I may or I may not.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We may or may not endorse him as a candidate for mayor in the upcoming election."

butter, but her

Butter or butter ( one word ) means the spread or cooking ingredient made from the fatty part of milk--
Please pass the butter.
Is this butter, or margarine?

But her or but her ( two words ) means except, or except for, [ something ] belonging to or concerning a female--
She wanted to come with us, but her mom said no.
She hoped for a scholarship, but her grades weren't good enough.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"She prefers butter, but her doctor said it isn't good for her."

crescent, cresset

Crescent or crescent describes the shape of a circle, with a circle cut away, like the new moon--
We will have crescent rolls with dinner; everyone likes them.
The crescent is a symbol of Islam.
Look! A crescent moon!

Cresset or cresset means a metal basket hung from a pole, or attached to a wall, with a fire in it, for a light or beacon--
We could see the grim look on his face as he passed under the cresset.
The room was lit by a single cresset, hung high over the hall.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"By the dim light of the cresset, he could see the glimmering crescent suspended over the throne."

beheld, be held

Beheld or beheld ( one word ) is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "behold", meaning to see or observe; to look at--
When he looked up he beheld a column of smoke, so he ran to the phone to call the fire department.
He never forgot the first time that he beheld the ocean, or the sense of awe it inspired in him.

Be held or be held ( two words ) means to carry on, to conduct, or to host, as an arranged group activity--
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the main hall.
Be held may mean to be kept withing limits or bounds--
With treatment, the disease may be held in check, but there's no cure.
Be held may mean to be embraced--
Her bosom heaved, and she longed to be held in his arms.
Be held may mean to be considered--
You may be held responsible for any damages.
Be held may mean paused or stopped--
How long will we be held up?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He feared he'd been dreaming, until he beheld the notice, telling when the ceremony would be held."

Note--"beholding" ( one word ) is the present participle of "behold", meaning to see or obeserve--
He stood rapt, as if beholding an inner vision.
Not to be confused with "be holding" ( two words ), a conditional or future form of  "hold"--
He might be holding a winning hand, or he might be bluffing.
Thye will be holding a  seance this afternoon.
Note # 2--"beholden" is an old-fashioned word meaning indebted or obligated--
We're beholden to you for your help; maybe some day we'll be able to return the favor.

quarts, quartz

Quarts or quarts is the plural ( more than one ) of "quart", a unit of measure for liquids or some solids; a unit of capacity--
Four quarts make a gallon.
I bought two quarts of milk, and it's all gone. 

Quartz or quartz ( rhymes with quarts ) means a kind of rock or mineral--
She found a large piece of pink quartz; it's quite pretty.
Quartz is used in the production of radio transmitters.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He put some pieces of quartz in the bowl, and then added a few quarts of water, before he put the goldfish in."

born, borne, bourn, bourne

Born or born is a participle ( used with a helper verb ) of "bear", meaning to give birth, often used to describe the birth of someone, or the conditions or place of birth--
He was born in New York, but he lives in California now.
Some people believe that we are born with talents, other people believe that we learn everything.

Borne or borne ( rhymes with born ) is a participle ( used with a helper verb ) of "bear" meaning endure or put up with; to carry, usually as a load or burden--
The old man has borne too much suffering; he may never get well.
This outrage is not to be borne!

Bourne or bourne, ( sometimes spelled bourn, rhymes with born ) is an old-fashioned word for a bound or limit, sometimes used to mean an end or goal--
We can rest when we reach the bourne; there's a cottage nearby.
He was fired by ambition, with fame the bourne.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He was born at the beginning of the century, and he had borne much hardship before he reached the bourne of retirement age."

Note--"borne" may also mean a type of circular sofa with a cushioned cone or cylinder in the center--
They sat on opposite sides of a red velevet borne, ignoring one another.

picks, pyx

Picks or picks is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "pick", meaning to choose or select--
He always picks the worst players last; ask him to be more tactful.
We're going to go with her when she picks out her gown.

Picks may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "pick", meaning to use a pointed tool or instrument to dislodge something, or to break something up--
This is how a burglar picks a lock.
He picks at the ice on the step when he goes in and out, but it's still slippery.

Picks may also be the plural ( more than one ) of "pick", meaning the pointed tool used to break up cement or ice, or to start a hole--
We don't have any power equipment; we'll have to use picks and shovels.
We had two ice picks, and now I can't find either one of them.

Picks may also be the plural of the noun ( thing or idea ) "pick", meaning, informally, a choice or option--
If you weren't happy with your picks, maybe you can trade them.
He'll probably be one of the first draft picks.

Pyx or pyx ( sometimes spelled pix,  rhymes with picks ) means a covered goblet or cup used to hold the bread used in religious ceremonies, or a small chest used to hold minted coins to be weighed and tested or assayed--
The priest is holding a pyx; you can see it in the picture.
This famous gold and silver pyx is now in a museum.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The priest picks one helper every Sunday, who can do everything but carry the pyx."

Note--"picks" may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "pick", used in some familiar combinations--
"Pick on" means to bully--
He picks on the smaller children; we'll have to put a stop to it.
"Pick up" means to gather or collect--
She picks up the children from school before she goes home.
"Pick up" also means to take something from the floor or ground--
He picks up a penny when he sees one; he says it's lucky.
"Pick at" means to take off tiny pieces at a time--
He picks at his food; he never seems hungry.
Note # 2--"pics" ( rhymes with picks ) is a slang term for "pictures"--
Did you see the pics he posted to Facebook?

reveille, revile

Reveille or reveille means the signal, usually a bugle call, directing military troops to assemble in the morning--
When you hear them sound first call, get ready for reveille.
Reveille will be at 0600 hours.

Revile or revile means to speak [ to or of ] contemptuously or with loathing--
He didn't have to revile the play; he might have merely said that he didn't like it.
Don't let him revile the staff; two of them have given notice.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The sergeant will publicly revile anyone who is late for reveille, so be on time."

Note--"revelry" means merrymaking or partying--
The dean put a stop to their noisy revelry.

Note # 2--"reverie" means a daydream--
He doesn't hear you; he's lost in a reverie.

ingratitude, in gratitude

Ingratitude or ingratitude ( one word ) means a lack of thankfulness; a refusal to acknowledge a gift or benefit--
He claims that no one has ever helped him--such ingratitude!
If you show ingratitude, he may refuse to help next time.

In gratitude or in gratitude ( two words ) means with thanks or an acknowledgement of appreciation for a gift or benefit--
He wrote a note, in gratitude for the job offer.
He sent a gift in gratitude for their hospitality.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Ingratitude now will only cost us later; let's offer them a bonus, in gratitude for an excellent job."

exalt, exult

Exalt or exalt means to elevate or raise up, especially in rank or prestige; to honor or esteem--
The king planned to exalt him to the rank of count.
He wrote a poem that would exalt her to the status of a goddess, but she didn't believe a word.

Exult or exult means to feel joy; to rejoice, especially in triumph--
It may be too soon to exult over our victory--we should wait until all of the returns are in.
They deserve to exult, even if they do it by pouring champagne on one another.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He wants to exult with a special party, to celebrate the promotion that will exalt him to vice-president."

pencil, pencel, pensile

Pencil or pencil means a writing implement, usually made of wood or plastic, and filled with lead or graphite--
Make sure to use a pencil, so you'll be able to correct your mistakes.
My pencil point broke, and I don't have a sharpener.
Pencil may mean to write with a pencil, especially in the sense of something unfixed or temporary--
I'll pencil that in until we get the official schedule.
Pencil may also mean a set of line or rays emanating from, or converging in, a point--
The flashlight seemed to emit a pencil of distinct rays of light.

Pencel or pencel ( sometimes spelled pensil, rhymes with pencil ) means a pennant or small flag on the end of a lance--
On the end of his lance was a red pencel with a golden lion.
He carries the flag like a medieval knight, with a pencel on his lance.

Pensile or pensile ( rhymes or nearly rhymes with pencil ) means hanging, as the nests of some birds--
The oriole builds a pensile nest; it's easy to recognize.
I have been watching a bird in the yard, building a pensile nest.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He used a red pencil to draw a lance and pencel, with a device of an oriole and its pensile nest."

Note--"penoncel" or "pennoncel" means "pencel", the small flag or pennant on the end of a lance--
He wants a knight's costume, with a pennoncel decorated with a wild boar.

important, impotent

Important or important describes something or someone of great consequence; something significant--
There will be an important meeting after work; I expect everyone to attend.
The game is important to him; we're all going to be there.

Impotent or impotent describes someone who is powerless, or who lacks force or effectivenes, physically or mentally--
His arm was still trapped in the rubble, leaving him impotent, and unable to free himself.
The argument with his boss left him in an impotent rage.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Football is very important to him; he feels impotent being unable to play."

Note--"importance" is the noun ( thing or idea ) form of "important", meaning of great consequence or significance--
I can't exaggerate the importance of good work habits.
Note # 2--"impotence" is the moun ( thing or idea ) form of "impotent", meaning powerless--
HIs unemployment left him with nothing but gloom and a feeling of impotence.

physically, psychically

Physically or physically means in a corporeal or bodily way; in a material way, as opposed to a mental or emotional way--
He has trouble in school because he sometimes acts out his emotions physically.
He goes to the gym to stay physically fit.

Psychically or psychically means in a spiritual or mental way, as opposed to a physical or corporeal way--
Psychically, they're a perfect match; they get along very well together.
Psychically may also mean through the use of supernatural or paranormal perception of some kind--
She claims to be able to solve crimes psychically.
He thinks the dog can communicate psychically, but I think it uses body language and sounds.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He is physically healthy, but psychically, he's a wreck."

suffering, suffrage, sufferance

Suffering or suffering means misery, pain or distress--
Doctor, can you give him something to ease his suffering?
The accident caused a lot of suffering, both physical and emotional.

Suffering is also a participle of the verb ( action word ) "suffer", meaning to feel pain or misery; to undergo or to be subjected to [ something ], physically or psychically--
He is suffering from a broken leg, and won't be able to play.
He is still suffering the effects of a stroke; he forgets things.
He won't come out with us; he claims he's suffering from a broken heart.

Suffering is a participle of the verb "suffer", which may also mean to put up with or permit--
He never was known for suffering fools gladly.
He has been suffering too much bad behavior; the children need some discipline.

Suffrage or suffrage means the vote, or the right to vote--
My grandmother could remember the movement for women's suffrage, in the 1900's.
Suffrage was once reserved for property owners.

Sufferance or sufferance means forbearance or toleration--
The campers were here on our sufferance, but now they want our permission to come back next year.
This was done on our sufferance, if not with our permission, and we'll have to do something about it.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"On our sufferance the women agitated for suffrage, and now we are suffering at the polls."

millstone, milestone

Millstone or millstone means a large stone that was used for grinding grain in a mill, used figuratively to mean a heavy burden--
When the water turns the wheel, the millstone turns and grinds the grain.
 He sometimes felt that his responsibilities were a millstone around his neck.

Milestone or milestone means a marker or sign used to mark a highway or route, often used figuratively to mean a significant life event--
Turn left when you see the milestone marked "7".
His first solo was a milestone in his career.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Buying a house should have been a milestone in his life, but instead the old place was a financial millstone, sinking him deeper in debt every day."

typo, type O

Typo or typo ( one word ) is short for "typographical error", meaning a mistake made in typing ( now keyboarding ),  not a mistake in spelling or grammar--
Just correct the typo on the first page; the rest looks good.
If you make a typo, move the cursor to it, or push "backspace" to correct it.

Type O or type O ( two words, rhymes with typo ) means the blood type, designated by the letter "O"--
Someone with type O  blood couldn't be the parent or offspring of someone with type AB blood.
Type O blood is sometimes called "universal donor" blood.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"This must be a typo, or a clerical error; his blood is type O, not type A."

oft, offed

Oft or oft is an old-fashioned word for "often", meaning frequently; in many cases--
"Oft, in the stilly night..."
His family never tired of the old man's oft-told tales.

Offed or offed ( rhyes with oft ) is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "off", a criminal slang term for murder or murder for hire, particularly of a fellow gangster--
One of his most reliable henchmen had been offed, and the kingpin wanted revenge.
He'd never squeal; the boss would have him offed.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The gang grew suspicious of his oft-repeated story of the night his partner was offed."

conjuries, congeries

Conjuries or conjuries is the plural ( more then one ) of "conjury", meaning an act of magic, such as a spell or incantation, particularly one used to invoke a spirit, or the devil himself--
The magician promised to make them all wealthy with his conjuries.
He claimed that his conjuries could produce spirits that would do his bidding.

Congeries or congeries ( singular, but always with an "s" ) means an eels' nest, or, figuratively, a truly tangled mess, a heap or pile--
There in the harbor, they stumbled upon an actual congeries, a tangled family of eels.
They had to make their way through a congeries of forms and red tape before they could collect their package.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"To prove to them that conjuries are meaningless, he had to unravel a congeries of beliefs and superstitions."

Note--"conger" is a large salt-water eel--
We have a nice conger for dinner; maybe I'll fry it.
Note # 2--"conjure" means to invoke with a spell or incantation, or to produce through magic, literally or figuratively--
He's a culinary genius--he can conjure up dinner out of nearly anything.

vice, vise

Vice or vice means an immoral habit; an evil or depraved practice--
He has worked on the vice squad for a year now, and he wants a transfer.
The vice crimes unit investigates gambling, prostitution, drugs and alcohol.

Vise or vise is a contraption used to hold two things together, usually by screwing together the two jaws of the vise--
Put a thin coat of glue on each side, and secure in a vise for several hours or overnight.
If you use a vise to hold the board, it will be easier to cut.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He let out a stream of profanity when he pinched his finger in the vise, but swearing is his only vice."

Note--"vice--" is also a prefix ( added to the beginning of a word, with or without the dash or space ), meaning a deputy or second-in-command--
He is running for vice president.
He hopes to be appointed vice-consul.
Note # 2--"visé" is an old-fshioned word for "visa", meaning a stamp or endoersement on a passport, meant to show that the passport has been inspected, and the person has permission to enter the country--
Make sure that they stamp your passport; it should say "visé".

apt, apt.

Apt or apt means likely; inclined or disposed--
He is apt to lose his temper when things don't go as planned.
Things are apt to get hectic when we have a rush order.
He is an apt pupil, and learns quickly.

Apt or apt also means fitting; suitable to the purpose or occasion--
A few apt remarks will get the audience's attention.
It was an apt observation, if somewhat crude.

Apt. or apt. is an abbreviation of "apartment", meaning  a room or rooms for rent, for use as a dwelling--
The sign says "apt. for rent"; let's call and ask about it.
Look in the real estate ads under "apt.".

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He is apt to make spelling mistakes; tell him to simply write "apt." on the sign."

Note--not to be confused with "appt.", an abbreviation of "appointment", meaning a meeting agreed upon in advance--
His notebook sats "appt. 10 am", but it doesn't say where, or with whom.