Word usage

Commonly confused words and how to use each one correctly.

19 terms

Accept vs. Except

Accept means to receive or agree to something. Except means to exclude or leave out.

Advice is a noun that means a recommendation or suggestion. Advise is a verb that means to give advice.

Affect is usually a verb that means to influence or produce a change. Effect is usually a noun that means the result of something.

All ready means completely prepared. Already means something that has happened before a certain time.

Allusion means an indirect reference to something. Illusion means a false perception or belief.

Altar is a noun that means a raised platform used for religious ceremonies. Alter is a verb that means to change or modify.

Among is used when there are more than two things. Between is used when there are only two things.

Amount is used for uncountable nouns. Number is used for countable nouns.

Any more means something that is additional. Anymore means something that is no longer the case.

Apart means separated or distant. A part means a piece or component of something.

Ascent means upward movement. Assent means agreement or approval.

Averse means having a strong dislike. Adverse means harmful or unfavorable.

Bare means naked or uncovered. Bear means to carry or endure.

Beside means next to. Besides means in addition to.

Bring means to come carrying something. Take means to go carrying something.

Cite means to quote or reference something. Site means a location or place. Sight means the ability to see or something that is seen.

Compliment means to praise or admire. Complement means to complete or make something perfect.

Comprise means to consist of or be made up of. Compose means to create or make up.

Defuse means to make less tense or dangerous. Diffuse means to spread out or scatter.