commonly confused words
Post on 16-May-2015
676 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
AmerEnglishLive Free / Speak Free
PRESENTS
Commonly Confused Words
Accept / Except
Affect / Effect
Already / all ready
Aisle / Isle
Everyday / Every day
complement / compliment
Dessert / Desert
Beside / Besides
Everyone / Every one
Farther / Further
Past / Passed
Lose / Loose
Then / Than
Prescribe / Proscribe
Principal / Principle
Weather / Whether
accept / except
Accept is a verb. It has four meanings:
to receive something offered, especially with approval
Example:
to admit to a group or organization
Example:
to answer affirmatively, especially to an invitation
Example:
Example:
to regard as true
Except is a preposition. It means "but" and indicates an "exception."
Example:
Note the correct use of both accept and except in the example below.
5. If you (accept except ) the ring, you'll have to marry the bum.
4. Please put everything (accept except ) pickles on my hamburger.
3. The soup will cure anything (accept except ) flat feet.
2. Please ( accept except ) this pot of Mom's chicken soup.
1. All of the soldiers (accept except ) my brother are out of step.except
accept
except
accept
except
Accept / Except - Exercise
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Just click on each sentence to see the correct answer.
affect / effect
First, notice how each word looks different from the other.
affect starts with a
effect starts with e
Even though a should sound different from e, we pronounce these two words alike. Therefore, we often have difficulty deciding which one to use in our writing.
Affect
Affect is usually a verb.
Affect means "to influence" or "to produce a change in."
Example of affect in a sentence
Since affect means "to influence" or "produce a change in" in this sentence, it is the correct word to use here.
Since the verb affect is related to the noun affection, sentences using affect often deal with changes in or influences on emotional states.
Example
Since affected (past tense) means "influenced" or "produced a change in" in this sentence, it is the correct word to use here.
Affect is used as a noun in psychology to indicate one's emotional state or behavior.NOTE
:
Effect
While affect is always a verb, effect is usually a noun.
As a noun, effect means "the result," "the change," or "the influence."
As affect, a verb "produces a change," effect, a noun, is the "change" or "result."
Example of effect used as a noun
Since effect means an "influence" in this sentence, it is the correct word to use here.
Another example of effect used as a noun
Since effect means the "result" or "change" in this sentence, it is the correct word to use here.
Effect is sometimes, though not often, used as a verb, meaning "to cause."Example of effect used as a verb
Since effect, a verb here, means "to cause," it is the correct word to use in this sentence.
2. Bridge washouts are often an (affect effect) of floods.
3. He tried in vain to (affect effect) a different opinion in the crowd.
5. Weather conditions (affect effect) many people's moods.
Affect / Effect - Exercise
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer.
1. I will try not to let his words (affect effect) me.affect
effect
effect
affect
4. Jim was seriously (affected effected) by his cousin's death.affected
aisle / isle
An aisle ( noun) is a space between two rows of seats.
Example
An isle (noun) is a small island or peninsula.
Example
already / all ready
Already refers to time.
It may mean "by this time.
Example of already in a sentence
Already may also mean "by the time mentioned."
Example of already in a sentence
The words all and ready, when used together, mean "completely prepared."
Example of all ready in a sentence.
1. After attending one class, I am (already all ready) tired.
2. My family was finally (already all ready).
3. (Already All ready) Jane is bored with her new boyfriend.
4. The dogs have (already all ready) been taken to the vet.
5. The clothes are (already all ready) to be washed.
6. Is everyone (already all ready) for the big test?
all ready
already
all ready
all ready
Already
already
Already / All Ready - Exercise
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer.
beside / besides
BesideBeside is a preposition, meaning
next to
Beside has two additional meanings when used in idiomatic expressions.
Note:
1. not relevant to
Example
Example2. in a state of extreme excitement
Besides
Besides is a preposition. It has two meanings:
1. other than, exceptExample
2. in addition toExample
Beside / Besides - Exercise
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
1. Don't trip over the cord (beside ) my desk.
2. The fact that my hair is orange today is (beside besides) the point; I am still your mother.
3. (Beside Besides) my occupation as a janitor, I work nights in a factory and weekends at McDonalds.
4. A nervous Joe attempted to stand (beside besides) the beautiful Missy in their class picture.
5. None of Barney's friends, (beside besides) Andy, would listen to his horrendous vocal performances.
beside
Besides
besides
beside
beside
complement / compliment
The words complement and compliment are sometimes confused because they look so similar. These words, however, have two distinctly different meanings.
Complement may be a verb or a noun.
As a verb, complement means to complete, to bring to perfection, to go well with.
Examples
As a noun, complement refers to the thing which gives completion or perfection.
Examples
Compliment may be a verb or a noun.
As a verb, compliment means to offer praise or flattery.
Examples
As a noun, compliment refers to the praise or flattery offered.
Examples
dessert / desertdessert
Dessert (pronounced dee-SERT)is always a noun. It means a sweet dish, like ice cream or fruit, served at the end of a meal.
Example
Hint: Remember that dessert is spelled with two s's as in strawberry shortcake.
Note
desert (with only one s)
1. Desert (pronounced DEH-sert) can be a noun. As a noun, desert means a barren or desolate area.
Example
2. Desert (pronounced deh-SERT) can also be a verb. As a verb, desert means to abandon.
Example
Desert / Dessert - Exercise Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
1. Karen said that her chocolate (desert dessert ) was delicious.
5. The doctor recommended that I cut alcohol and ( desert dessert ) from my diet to help me lose weight.
4. Ryan ( deserted desserted ) his friends at the party to give Candy a ride home.
3. A ( desert's dessert's ) low humidity causes its extreme temperatures.
2. The world's largest hot ( desert dessert ) is the Sahara.
dessert
dessert
desert
desert’s
deserted
everyday / every day
Everyday is an adjective used show something as commonplace or usual. Everyday is always followed by the noun it modifies.
Example
Every day is an adverbial phrase of time used to show something happening each day.
Example
Note: Be careful not to use everyday when you should use every day.
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
Everyday / Every Day - Exercise
1. It is important to drink eight cups of water (everyday every day).
2. Norman's struggle to open the window was an (everyday every day) event.
3. Personally, I find going to the store an (everyday every day) adventure.
4. (Everyday Every day) I find myself pondering the meaning of life.
5. Carla never gets annoyed by such an (everyday every day) frustration.
everyday
every day
everyday
every day
Every day
everyone / every oneEveryone is an indefinite pronoun specifying every person.
Example
Every one is an adjectival phrase used to specify each person or thing, or every person or thing of those named.
Example
Everyone / Every One - ExerciseChoose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
1. (Everyone Every one) of those DVDs is mine.
2. I knew that (everyone every one) would be having fun.
3. Jane couldn't believe that (everyone every one) thought she was married.
4. It is curious that (everyone every one) of the cats is female.
5 Perhaps later, (everyone every one) could come by.
everyone
every one
Every one
everyone
everyone
farther / further
Both farther and further are adverbs.
Farther, the comparative form of far, refers to
physical distance
physical space in actual measurements
Example
Example
Example
Further refers to thought or discussion and indicates additional or greater detail.
Further may refer to figurative space, but not to physical space.
Farther / Further - Exercise
1. David told me that we'd talk (farther further) tomorrow.
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
2. Billy found that he could throw the ball (farther further) than anyone else.
3. A little bit of water in the mixture makes the paint go (farther further).
4. I wish the professor had discussed this (farther further).
5. The (farther further) you talk it over with Harold, the more confused he becomes.
farther
further
further
further
farther
lose / loose
Lose, pronounced /luz/ is a verb. Lose has three possible meanings:
to "misplace" something,
to "fail to win," or
to "be deprived of" something.
The past tense of lose is lost.
Example of lose meaning to "misplace" something
Example of lose meaning to "fail to win"
Example of lose meaning to "be deprived of"
Loose, pronounced like goose and moose, is an adjective. Loose has two possible meanings:
"not fastened," or
"not tight fitting."
Example of loose meaning "not fastened"
Example of loose meaning "not tight fitting"
Lose / Loose - Exercise Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
1. Clothes that are (lose loose) are comfortable but often not flattering.
2. Sometimes people (lose loose) their composure when they are surprised.
3. Do not (lose loose) your glasses when you put on your sunglasses.
4. The screw on the swing is (lose loose,) so tighten it.
5. I don't want to (lose loose) your keys.lose
loose
loose
lose
lose
past / passed
Past has three different meanings.1. Past can be a noun, meaning "what has already happened."
Example
2. Past can be an adjective, meaning "gone by" or "ended."
Examples
3. Past can be a preposition, meaning "beyond" or "by."
Example
Review: Past can be an noun, adjective, or preposition.
Past is never a verb.
Passed is always a verb.
Passed is formed by adding -ed to the present tense verb, pass.It indicates the past tense of pass.
Example of passed as the verb in a sentence
Example of passed preceded by an auxiliary verb
Remember: Past is never a verb.
BUTPassed is always a verb.
Past / Passed - ExerciseChoose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
1. Write this essay in the (past passed) tense.
2. The two ships (past passed) each other without a sound.
3. The two ships went (past passed) each other without a sound.
4. By the time I saw him, he had already (past passed) me.
5. Have we(past passed) the monument yet?
past
past
passed
passed
passed
prescribe / proscribe
Prescribe is a verb used in favor of an idea or action. It means
to set rules
to advise or recommend
to allow by law
Example
Proscribe is a verb used against an idea or action. It means
to forbid or prohibit
to condemn
to not allow by law
Example
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
Prescribe / Proscribe - Exercise
1. The doctor (prescribed proscribed) against the old folk remedy of treating colds with live frogs.
2. My mother (prescribed proscribed) a treatment of hot soup and bed rest.
3. The chief justice (prescribed proscribed) a strict program for the delinquent teens.
4. I will strongly (prescribe proscribe) you from taking that action.
5. State traffic laws (prescribe proscribe) driving over the speed limit.
prescribed
proscribe
prescribed
proscribe
proscribed
principal / principle
Principal can function as an adjective or a noun.
As an adjective, principal means:
first, highest, or leading in value or importance
Example
As a noun, principal means:
the head, chief, or director (especially of a school)
Example
Hint: Remember that principal ends with -pal. The principal is your pal.
Principle is always a noun that can mean:
a rule of conduct or action
Example
a fundamental or general law, truth, doctrine, or tenet
Example
Hint: Remember that principle and rule both end with -le.
Principal / Principle - Exercise
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
1. A cheesecake's ( principal principle) ingredients are cream cheese and sugar.
2. The district attorney assigned her office's ( principal principle) prosecutor to the highly publicized trial.
3. Lisa is vegetarian because her (principals principles) tell her that all life has value.
4. Lisa's (principal principle) dietary concern is getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals from non-meat sources.
5. Boyle's Law describes the (principal principle) that an enclosed gas's pressure and volume are inversely related.
principal
principle
principal
principal
principles
then, than
Then has two meanings.
1. Then usually refers to time, meaning "at that time."
Example of then meaning "at that time"
2. Then can also be used as a transition to mean "in that case" or "therefore."
Example of then meaning "in that case" or "therefore"
Than is used only when comparing items. (Then is never used in comparisons.)
Examples of than used to compare items
Hint: Both than and comparing are spelled with an a.
Therefore, use than when you are comparing things
Then / Than - Exercise
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
1. My jack-o-lantern is far better (then, than) any other jack-o-lantern.
2. First, we study the homework; (then, than) we take the test.
3. If you come with me, (then, than) you want to live.
4. This class scores higher (then, than) any other class.
5. He leapt on the thief, tied him up, and (then, than) called the police.
then
than
then
then
than
weather / whether
Weather, a noun, refers to atmospheric conditions, such as rain, sunshine, cloudiness, and temperature.
Example of weather in a sentence
Whether introduces a possibility, a choice.
Example of whether in a sentence
Often, whether is followed by or, either immediately or later in a sentence.
Example of whether followed immediately by or
Example of whether followed by or later in a sentence
Whether / Weather - Exercise
Choose the correct word in each sentence below. Click on the sentence to see the correct answer. besides
1. I do not care (whether weather) you agree or not.
2. I do not care about the (whether weather).
3. Marcus doesn't know (whether weather) he should come or go.
4. (Whether Weather) you agree or not, I am going with you.
5. (Whether Weather) often causes distressing changes of mood in some people.
Whether
Weather
whether
whether
weather
top related