These are confused pairs of words. choose the correct alternative for each sentence 1. common / mutual a) the firm agreed that increasing client satisfaction was our ………. b) it was in the parties' interest to reach an agreement quickly. 2. less / fewer a) there were hours logged than the company expected. b) the amount of gasoline was ……… than we had budgeted for. 3. principle / principal a) the reason we didn't pursue it was the cost. b) we didn't want to continue the case, mostly because of …… . 4. affect / effect a) the cost will the final contract. b) we know that the of the merger will create problems.

1. COMMON / MUTUAL
a) The firm agreed that increasing client satisfaction was our COMMON goal.
b) It was in the parties' MUTUAL interest to reach an agreement quickly.
2. LESS / FEWER
a) There were  FEWER hours logged than the company expected.
b) The amount of gasoline was LESS than we had budgeted for.
3. PRINCIPLE / PRINCIPAL
a) The PRINCIPAL reason we didn't pursue it was the cost.
b) We didn't want to continue the case, mostly because of PRINCIPLE .
4. AFFECT / EFFECT
a) The cost will AFFECT the final contract.
b) We know that the EFFECT of the merger will create problems.