1. Correct Word Usage
Rules 1-6

2. Commonly Confused Words
In your notebooks, please write what you think is the correct definition. Then, use each in an original sentence.
Accept
Adopt
Affect
Amount
Between
Bring
Except
Adapt
Effect
Number
Among
Take

3. Rule #1: Accept/Except Accept: (v.) to receive or to consent
The secretary may accept the package from the post office.
Dr. McBride accepts the school board’s proposal to increase the number of student activities.
Except: (prep.) excluding
Everyone, except for Mary, enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby.

4. Rule #2: Adopt/Adapt
Adopt: (v.) to take something as it is and make it one’s own
Metea Valley adopted Neuqua’s policy on plagiarism because of its universality.
Adapt: (v.) to change something to make it more suitable for personal use
However, Metea adapted Neuqua’s rule on cell phones because their administration believed it was too harsh.

5. Rule #3: Affect/Effect
Affect: (v.) to have some sort of influence upon
The weather affects the way people feel each day.
Effect: (n.) the result of an action or (v.) to bring about
Failing my chemistry exam is the direct effect of not studying.
The politician solicited people’s votes, stating that she could effect change in our economy.

6. Rule #4: Amount/Number
Amount: (n.) a word that refers to an object that cannot be itemized or counted
There seems to be a small amount of food left over from the party last night.
Number: (n.) a word that refers to objects that can be itemized or counted.
There seemed to be a large number of guests at the party last night.

7. Rule #5: Between/Among
Between: (prep.) in the space separating; compares two items
I do not think we can afford the gallon of ice cream between the two of us.
Among: (prep.) in the midst of; compares three or more items
If we get one more person to help with the cost, we may be able to afford the ice cream among the three of us.

8. Rule #6: Bring/Take
Bring: (v.) to carry; used when the object arrives at the present location
I sure wish someone would bring me some dinner because I am feeling particularly lazy.
Take: (v.) to hold; used when the object changes location and ends up elsewhere
I might stop at the local Chinese restaurant and take some dinner home because I do not feel like cooking.