1. Look them up! This seems obvious, but many people don't take the time to look up the exact meaning of a word before using it. Dictionaries and online resources can provide clear definitions and examples of usage.
2. Focus on context. Often, the context of a sentence will give you clues about which word is correct. Think about the overall meaning and the surrounding words.
3. Use a thesaurus strategically. A thesaurus can be helpful for finding synonyms, but be careful. Not all synonyms are interchangeable. Look for words that have the same meaning and fit the context of your sentence.
4. Practice and repetition. The more you use a word correctly, the more likely you are to remember it. Practice using these tricky words in your writing and speaking to solidify your understanding.
Bonus tip: When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and choose a simpler word that you're confident in using correctly.