2.   Accept is verb meaning: to receive.  Except is a preposition meaning: other than. Accept, Except

3.   Affect is almost always used a verb meaning: to influence.  Effect, usually a noun, means: result  Occasionally, effect is a verb meaning: to bring about or to cause Affect, Effect

4.   The two words all ready are used as an adjective meaning: ready  Already is an adverb meaning: by or before this time or even now All ready, Already

5.   Alright, though it is seen more and more frequently in print, is not considered a correct spelling.  Make sure that in your own writing, you always use the two word form. All right, alright

6.   All together: together as a group  Altogether: completely or in all All together, Altogether

7.   Awhile is an adverb, meaning: for a while.  A while is an article and a noun, usually used after the preposition for Awhile, a while

8.   Do not use because after the reason. Say the reason…is that or re-word the sentence altogether.  BAD: The reason he is sad is because his dog died. because

9.   Due to means: caused by.  Should be used only when the words caused by can logically be substituted.  BAD: Due to a rare virus, he became seriously ill on this recent trip. Due to

10.   Farther refers to distance.  Further refers to additional or to a greater degree or extent. Farther, further

11.   Do not use kind of or sort of in place of rather or somewhat  BAD: I feel sort of sick.  GOOD: I feel somewhat sick Kind of, sort of

12.   Use fewer for things that can be counted.  Use less for quantities that can not be counted. Fewer, less

13.   Lay means “to put or set (something) down.” Its principle parts-lay, laying, laid- are usually followed by a direct object.  Lie means “to recline”. It’s principle parts- lie, lying, lay, and lain- are never followed by a direct object. Lay, lie

14.   Have is possession  Of is a preposition  WRONG: I could of gone if I had wanted. Of, have

15.   Than is used in comparisons. Do not confuse it with the adverb then, which usually refers to time. Than, then

16.   Use a comma before a conjunction to separate two independent clauses in a compound sentence.  Conjunctions: and, but, or, for, nor, so, yet  Example: We saw many beautiful sights on our vacation, but we spend too many hours on the road. Comma, Colon, Semicolon

17.   Avoid using this suffix to create new words for a particular situation.  WRONG: Gradewise, I did well last marking period. -wise

18.   Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase or clause.  Example: Yes, I will be happy to stay over.  Over the thickly wooded hills, I saw a bear.

19.   Use a comma to separate adjectives of equal rank.  Example: The twisting, scenic path leads to the park. Comma

20.   Use a comma to set off parenthetical expressions.*  *a phrase that is loosely related to the rest of the sentence  Example: I’ll start dinner, Dad, in a while.  That’s a nice suit, Mr. Jones.

21.   Use a comma to set off nonessential expressions.*  *appositive phrases  Example: The piano, now located in the Orchard House, is the same one my grandmother used to play.

22.   Use a comma to set off a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence.  Example: The boy suggested, “We should go on a picnic.”  “I want to eat popcorn,” the boy continued, “and swim.”

23.   Use a semicolon to join clauses that aren’t already joined by a conjunction.  Example: Jen celebrated her birthday; we ate several pieces of cake.  I cleared the table; Mark washed the dishes. Semicolons

24.   Use a colon before a list of items.  Example: The snacks for the hike included: apples, nuts, and raisins. Colons

25.   Use a colon to introduce a quotation that is formal or lengthy. (three sentences or more)  Example: The speaker on health food stated: “Putting additives in food would cause…yada, yada, yada.”

26.   Use a colon to introduce a formal appositive.  Example: Tonight, we present a well known chef: Julia Child.