Ten Commonly Misused Words Created by Kathryn Reilly Accept or Except? Than or Then? Lie or Lay? Capitol or Capital?

Ten Commonly Misused Words Salutations! Thank you for viewing this slide show. Each slide will identify the word’s part of speech, provide a definition, use it correctly in a sentence and give a helpful hint. Some words may also have picture associations. Please note: some words may be used as multiple parts of speech, however the most common form will be addressed in this packet.

Accept vs. Except Part of Speech Meaning Examples Verb Meaning To receive Examples Mary accepted the promotion. She accepts your gift. I accept your apology. Part of Speech Preposition or Conjunction Meaning To exclude Examples Everyone is going except me. The castle is fortified, except here along the wall. Helpful Hint “Ex” can refer to a negative, so remember that except means to be left out!

Affect vs. Effect Part of Speech Meaning Examples Helpful Hint Verb Meaning To alter or influence Examples The rainy weather affected her mood. Taking good notes can positively affect quiz scores. Helpful Hint Affect = Alter Part of Speech Noun Meaning A result Examples The effect of too much sun may be a sunburn. The movie’s special effects made it more interesting to watch.

Capitol vs. Capital Part of Speech Meaning Example Helpful Hint Noun Meaning A center of government or leadership Example Washington D.C. is the capitol of the United States of America. Helpful Hint Capitol and government Part of Speech Noun, adjective Meaning N – money A – main, important Example We need to raise $500,000 in capital before starting our new business

Compliment vs. Complement Part of Speech Noun or verb Meaning To praise Examples Joe complimented Jane’s dress. I received many compliments on my research paper. Helpful Hint Everyone likes to receive praise, so remember: I like to be complimented! Part of Speech Noun or verb Meaning To complete, to make perfect Examples Her jewelry complements her outfit. The complement to any good dinner is a great dessert! Helpful Hint Complement = complete

Desert vs. Dessert Part of Speech Meaning Example Part of Speech Noun Meaning An arid, dry place Example Many lizards live in the desert. Part of Speech Noun Meaning A sweet food Example My favorite dessert is chocolate cake! Helpful Hint Everyone wants more dessert, so it has two “s”s.

Farther vs. Further Part of Speech Meaning Examples Helpful Hint Adjective or adverb Meaning Distance Examples Your home is farther from school than mine. Helpful Hint Far = distance Part of Speech Adverb Meaning More, to a greater degree Examples Further investigation is needed to determine a suspect.

Lie vs. Lay Part of Speech Meaning Example Helpful Hint Part of Speech Verb Meaning To recline Example If I feel exhausted, I like to lie down and rest. Helpful Hint Lie recline Part of Speech Verb Meaning To place or put Example The friends lay flowers at the grave. Helpful Hint Lay place

Loose vs. Lose Part of Speech Meaning Examples Part of Speech Meaning Adjective Meaning Not well secured Opposite of tight Examples The dog’s collar was loose, so he ran away. Many people’s pockets have loose change. Part of Speech Verb Meaning To misplace Opposite of win Examples I lost my keys! Do you think our team will win or lose the championship game? Helpful Hint Lose lost an “o”.

Precede vs. Proceed Part of Speech Meaning Examples Helpful Hint Verb Meaning To go before Examples The letter A precedes the letter B in the alphabet. Helpful Hint Pre = is a prefix meaning before Part of Speech Verb Meaning To continue, to go forward Examples At graduation, seniors proceed down the aisle.

Than vs. Then Part of Speech Conjunction Meaning Compares two things Example I’d rather eat fruit than vegetables. Helpful Hint Than compares Part of Speech Adverb Meaning Shows order or time Example I put on my shoes then tie them. Helpful Hint Then shows order or time