WRITING & LANGUAGE Easily Confused or Misused Words: Some words sound so similar, its easy to confuse or misuse them when writing. Find below my friends a list you may use as a reference whenever youre unsure about which word fits in the context. 1. Affect / effect “Effect” is usually a noun that means a result or the power to produce a result: Example: The sound of the falling rain had a calming effect, nearly putting me to sleep. “Affect” is usually a verb that means to have an influence on. Example: His loud humming was affecting my ability to concentrate. Note please, that “effect” can also be a verb meaning to bring about or execute. Example: The speakers somber tone effected a dampening in the general mood of the audience.” 2. All right / alright Although alright is widely used, it is considered nonstandard English. As the American Heritage Dictionary notes, its not “all right to use alright.” 3. All together / altogether All together is applied to people or things that are being treated as a group. Example: We put the pots and pans all together on the shelf.” All together is the form that must be used if the sentence can be rewritten so that “all” and “together” are separated by other words. Such as: We put all the pots and pans together on the shelf. Altogether is used to mean entirely: “I am altogether pleased to be receiving this award.” 4. Allusion / illusion “Allusion” is a noun that means an indirect reference: Example: The speech made allusions to the final report. Illusion is a noun that means a misconception. Example: The policy is designed to give an illusion of reform.”
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 21:22:03 +0000
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