Commonly Misused Words

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Commonly Misused Words Some commonly misused words are misused because they sound similar to another word, or are spelled similar to another word, or both. Some of the words are misused because the users have never learned to use them according to Standard American English. Some of the words in the list below can also be used as other parts of speech or have other meanings than the ones specified in this list. However, this list provides the most common usages and meanings of the words. all ready “entirely ready” already “previously” “so soon” all together “in a group” altogether “entirely, completely” a/an Use a before a word that begins with a consonant sound; use an before a word that begins with a vowel sound. The important thing to remember is that using a or an depends on the first sound of the word, not the letter. For example, "She received an honor for her hard work." The word honor begins with the consonant letter h, but the h is silent. When the word honor is pronounced, it begins with the o sound. Therefore use an before honor. accept/except Accept is a verb; except is usually used as a preposition. I will accept your recommendations except the one that would be too expensive to implement. advice/advise Advice is a noun; advise is a verb. Your advisors will give you advice about the courses you should take next semester, and when they advise you, you should listen. affect/effect Affect is a verb; effect is a noun. Partying too much will adversely affect your grades, and that effect is one that you should try to avoid. a lot/alot A lot is always spelled as two separate words. Alot is not a recognized word in Standard American English. Allusion, Illusion: An Allusion is an indirect reference. An illusion is a misconception or false impression. Did you catch my allusion to Shakespeare? Mirrors give the room an illusion of
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