Commonly Confused Words

a, an Use a before a word beginning with a consonant sound and an before a word beginning with a vowel sound.

Example I would like to live in a house in the country. We planned an early departure.

Accept, except Accept is a verb that means “to receive with consent.” Except is usually a preposition that means “but” or “other than.”

Example I accept all your suggestions except this one.

Advice, advise Advice is a noun that means “a recommendation.” Advise is a verb that means “to recommend.”

Example I advise you to follow your parents’ advice.

Affect, effect Affect is a verb that means “to influence.” Effect is usually a noun that means “a result” or “an influence.” As a verb, effect means “to accomplish” or “to produce.”

Example Was your decision affected by his comments? What effect will his promotion have on you? (noun) The snowstorm effected a change in their plans. (verb)

All ready, already All ready means “completely ready.” Already means “previously.”

Example The case was all ready for opening night. I have taken my SAT’s already.

All together, altogether All together means “in a group.” Altogether means “Wholly” or “thoroughly.”

Example We should go ato the landlord all together to present our mutual complaints. Are you altogether sure that’s the right thing to do?

Alright is nonstandard and should be avoided. Alright, all right Alright is nonstandard and should be avoided. All right means “everything correct.”

The proposed plan was all right. Example The proposed plan was all right.

A lot, alot Alot is always wrong. A lot means “parcels of land.” As slang, these terms are acceptable in speech, but not in writing.

Wrong: She bought a lot of candy. Example Wrong: She bought a lot of candy. Right: She bought a good deal of candy.

Among, between Use among when discussing three or more persons or things. Use between when discussing two persons or things.

Mom divided the pie among Alex, Matt, and me. Example Mom divided the pie among Alex, Matt, and me. Mom divided the pie between Alex and me.

Amount, Number Use amount for bulk items that cannot be counted: anger, friendship. Use number for individual items that can be counted: eggs, potatoes, walnuts.

Anywhere, everywhere, nowhere, somewhere Do not add “s” to any of these words

Do not use “at” after where.

A while, awhile A while is an expression made up of an article and a noun. It is used mainly after a preposition. Awhile is an adverb

because Do not use because after the reason. Use one or the other.

Example Nonstandard: The reason I fell is because I wasn’t looking where I was going. Standard: I fell because…or…The reason I fell is that…

Being as, being that These expressions should be replaced with because or since.

Example Nonstandard: Being that the motor on the boat wouldn’t start, I began to row. Standard: Since the motor on the boat wouldn’t start, I began to row.

Beside, besides Beside is always a preposition that means “by the side of.” As a preposition, besides means “in addition to.” As an adverb besides means “also” or “moreover.”

Both Never use “the” before both.

Example Nonstandard: The both of them were absent today. Standard: Both of them were absent today.

breath, breathe Breath is a noun meaning a “portion of air.” Breathe is a verb meaning “to inhale some air.”

bring, take Bring indicates motion toward the speaker. Take indicates motion away from the speaker.