Commonly Confused Words:  dessert / desert

dessert

Dessert (pronounced dee-SERT)is always a noun.  It means a sweet dish, like ice cream or fruit, served at the end of a meal. 

 Example

Hint: Remember that dessert is spelled with two s's as in strawberry shortcake.

desert (with only one s)

1.  Desert (pronounced DEH-sert) can be a noun.  As a noun, desert means a barren or desolate area. 

Example

2.  Desert (pronounced deh-SERT) can also be a verb.  As a verb, desert means to abandon. 

Example

Link to exercises on desert / dessert..