1. Troublesome Words and Spellings

2. Off Don’t use “Off of!” Two prepositions next to each other (off of) seldom make for good English. The “of” is superfluous and should be omitted. (Todd jumped off the roof.) Passed v. Past Try using “passed” as a verb only, the past tense and past participle of the verb “pass.” (Lane passed his driver’s test.) Use “pass” in all other nonverbal functions. (I knew him in the past.)

3. Affect vs. Effect Affect means to influence, and in general usage is only a verb. Effect is almost always used as a noun meaning result or impression. Effect can be a verb, meaning to complete, to accomplish, or to bring about. But, effect is usually used as a noun. Example: Her new hairstyle had an electric effect on him. The engineer’s illness affected the train’s schedule. Effect as a verb: He effected a change in the scheduling.

4. Affect To have an influence on or effect a change in: To act on the emotions of; touch or move. To attack or infect, as a disease: Inflation affects the buying power of the dollar. Rheumatic fever can affect the heart. The bright light affects the eyes. His death affected us deeply.

5. Effect - a change or changed state occurring as a direct result of action by somebody or something else Effect - success in bringing about a change in somebody or something, or the ability to achieve this She was showing the effects of prolonged malnutrition. I pleaded with them, but to no effect. The overall effect of the new decor was light and spacious. The new law doesn't come into effect until next month. Much-needed changes were now being put into effect. You have to wait for the medication to take effect.

6. Capital vs. Capitol Capital = sum of money or city which is the seat of the government. Capitol = building

7. Capital a city that is the center of a particular activity material wealth in the form of money or property describes the form of letters used at the beginning of sentences and names. 1. Nashville is the capital of Tennessee. 2. Most of his capital came from his inheritance. 3. Always use a capital letter when writing the word I.

8. Capitol The white marble domed building in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Congress meets A building or group of buildings in which a state legislature meets and where other state government offices may be housed Obama visits the capitol building often. The capitol building is in Washington, D.C. The legislature meets in the capitol building.