Confusing Words in English

Confusing Words in English

 

AFFECT / EFFECT

Affect and effect are two words that are commonly confused.
'affect' is usually a verb (action) - 'effect' is usually a noun (thing)

Hint: If it's something you're going to do, use "affect." If it's something you've already done, use "effect."

To 'affect' something or someone.
Meaning: to influence, act upon, or change something or someone.
For example: The noise outside affected my performance.

The use of 'effect' as a verb is what causes the most confusion between these two words.

To have an effect on something or someone.
*!Note: effect is followed by the preposition on and preceded by an article (an, the)
Meaning: to have an impact on something or someone.
For example: His smile had a strange effect on me.

*'Effect' can also mean "the end result".
For example: The drug has many adverse side effects.

*!Note - Just remember: 'affect' = to influence, and 'effect' = to bring about.

There are five distinct words here. When "affect" is accented on the
final syllable (a-FECT), it is usually a verb meaning "have an influence
on": "The million-dollar donation from the industrialist did not affect
my vote against the Clean Air Act."

Occasionally a pretentious person is said to affect an artificial air of
sophistication. Speaking with a borrowed French accent or ostentatiously wearing a large diamond ear stud might be an affectation. In this sort of context, "affect" means "to make a display of or deliberately cultivate."

Another unusual meaning is indicated when the word is accented on the first syllable (AFF-ect), meaning "emotion." In this case the word is
used mostly by psychiatrists and social scientists--people who normally know how to spell it.

The real problem arises when people confuse the first spelling with the
second: "effect." This too can be two different words. The more common one is a noun: "When I left the stove on, the effect was that the house filled with smoke." When you affect a situation, you have an effect on it.

"Affective" is a technical term having to do with emotions; the vast
majority of the time the spelling you want is "effective."

Less common is a verb meaning "to create": "I'm trying to effect a
change in the way we purchase widgets." No wonder people are confused.
Note especially that the proper expression is not "take affect" but
"take effect"--become effective. Hey, nobody ever said English was
logical: just memorize it and get on with your life.

The stuff in your purse? Your personal effects.

The stuff in movies? Sound effects and special effects.

 

Confusing Words in English

 

Advice  /   Advise

'Advice' is a noun, which means an opinion that someone offers you about what you should do or how you should act in a particular situation. It's an uncountable noun, so it's always singular.
For example: "I need someone to give me some advice."

'Advise' is a verb, which means to give information and suggest types of action.
For example: "I advise everybody to be nice to their teacher."

 

Confusing Words in English

ADMISSION / ADMITTANCE

"Admission" is a much more common word than "admittance" and is a good choice for almost all contexts. You may gain admission or admittance to a college, but you'll probably be dealing with its admissions office.

When "admittance" is used, it's most likely to refer to physical entry
into some place or other, as is indicated by signs saying "No
Admittance."
In electronics, admittance is the opposite of impedance.

 

Confusing Words in English

Accept /   Except

'Accept' is a verb, which means to agree to take something.
For example: "I always accept good advice."

'Except' is usually used as a preposition or conjunction, which means not including.
For example: "I teach every day except Sunday(s)."

*!Note - except is usually a preposition and accept a verb. In rare circumstances except can be used as a verb.
For example: On a road sign: "No entry, buses excepted."