set-off (noun) — That which is set off against another thing; an offset.
setoff sounds exactly like set-off but has a different meaning and spelling. Mixing these up is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English.
set-off
noun
That which is set off against another thing; an offset.
setoff
noun
The situation where a bank or similar organisation repays itself money owed by an accountholder out of his or her account.
Full definition →How to Remember the Difference
- → Focus on meaning first — once you know what each word means, the correct spelling follows naturally.
- → Write a test sentence for each word and save it as a reference.
- → When in doubt, look up the definition — if it doesn't match your sentence, switch to the homophone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a homophone of set-off?
setoff is a homophone of "set-off". They sound identical when spoken but have different meanings and spellings.
What is the difference between set-off and setoff?
"set-off" means: That which is set off against another thing; an offset.. "setoff" means: The situation where a bank or similar organisation repays itself money owed by an accountholder out of his or her account.. They sound the same but are used in completely different contexts.
What is a homophone?
A homophone is a word that sounds exactly like another word but has a different meaning and often a different spelling. Examples include "their / there / they're", "to / too / two", and "set-off / setoff". Homophones are a common source of spelling and grammar mistakes.
How do I remember the difference between set-off and setoff?
A good strategy is to memorize a short sentence that uses each word correctly, then recall that sentence when you are unsure. For example, focus on the meaning first — then let the spelling follow from context. Reading and writing regularly also helps these distinctions become automatic.