1) ASPECT/RESPECT
When used to refer to different elements of or perspectives on a thing or idea, these words are closely related, but not interchangeable. it’s “in all respects,” not “in all aspects.” Similarly, one can say “in some respects” but not “in some aspects.” One says “in this respect,” not “in this aspect.” One looks at all “aspects” of an issue, not at all “respects.”
2) APPRAISE/APPRISE
When you estimate the value of something, you appraise it. When you inform people of a situation, you apprise them of it.
3) APROPOS/APPROPRIATE
“Apropos,” (anglicized from the French phrase “à propos” ) means relevant, connected with what has gone before; it should not be used as an all-purpose substitute for “appropriate.” It would be inappropriate, for example, to say “Your tuxedo was perfectly apropos for the opera gala.” Even though it’s not pronounced, be careful not to omit the final “S” in spelling “apropos.”
4) ARTIC / ARCTIC
Although some brand names have incorporated this popular error, remember that the Arctic Circle is an arc. By the way, Ralph Vaughan Williams called his suite drawn from the score of the film Scott of the Antarctic, the Sinfonia Antartica, but that’s Italian, not English.
5) AS TIME PROGRESSED / AS TIME PASSED
Events may progress in time, but time itself does not progress—it just passes.