We all get confused by word usage some times or is that sometimes . . . ?
Here are some A to Z's of Writing Words or maybe the A to E's - beginning with "A"
Accept, except
Accept is to agree
Except is to leave out
Advice, advise
Advice is a noun and means a recommendation
Advise is a verb that means to give advice
Affect, effect
Affect is a verb that means "to cause a change in" or "influence" (however, it's a noun in psychology which means "emotional impact"
Effect as a noun means "result or conclusion" as a verb effect is to "bring about".
Hope these tips are helpful to some of you writers out there.
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12 comments:
Affect/effect still drives me nuts. One is a verb. One is a noun. People!
Ooh, I'm with Green Girl, the affect/effect thing bugs me.
I also wish that folks would learn the differences among "your" and "you're," as well as "their," "there," and "they're." And definitely "its" vs. "it's."
And I won't even get into using apostrophes to make words plural.
Affect/effect always holds me up. I'm getting there, though!
It really bothers me when people use words incorrectly. However, I'm sure I've done it myself, so I guess I shouldn't be too harsh.
The only one I ever have trouble with is "affect/effect," and even that I've been able to tutor myself to recognize the difference.
The others seem like common sense, though.
Very helpful! I always have trouble with these!
The Writer's Digest Grammar Desk Reference book has a long list of these types of words. I agree with those who have commented before me about affect/effect. I have to think about it every time!
ugh dont remind me :)
I'm with Jen on the misuse of your, you're, their, they're! It bugs me! My sister misused them twice on Facebook, and I had to tease her because she is megasmart with a masters from Northwestern!
These are good reminders. Thanks!
The affect/effect thing is a pain. Recently ledd to a crossfire on my blog.
Ugh! I HATE the affect-effect one! I understand that "effect" is a noun, but it can also (very rarely) be a verb. It's at those times where I totally lose it and try to come up with a synonym. LOL!
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