Commonly confused words
The English language is very complicated and there are many sets of similar words that people have trouble with. Are you one of the many that confuse these words?
accept – to receive: “She would not accept my proposal.”
except – all but: “Everyone went except John.”
access – admittance, a way of approach: “No one had access to the room.”
excess – amount larger than needed: “He had an excess of paper.”
accent – particular way of speaking: “She had a New York accent.”
ascent – upward climb: “The mountain has a long ascent.”
assent – to agree: “The teacher assented to accepting a late assignment.”
advice – recommendation: “His advice was to study.”
advise – to make recommendations: “He advised me to study.”
affect (verb) – to influence: “Her actions will affect the rest of us.”
affect (noun) – an emotional response: “Even when his dog died, he showed little affect.”
effect – result: The effect of his good grades helped him get a scholarship.”
alter – to change: “She had to alter her plans.”
altar – platform in a church: “The priest stands at the altar.”
capital – 1) city/town that holds government seat: “Austin is the capital of Texas.”
2) supply of wealth: “You need capital to start a business.”
capitol – 1) U.S. Congress building in Washington D.C.: “You can tour the capitol.”
2) a building where a legislature meets: “You can go to Austin to see the capitol.”
conscience – sense of right or wrong: “Some people seem to have no conscience.”
conscious – aware of: “He made a conscious decision to help us.”
eminent – well known: “He is eminent in the field of psychology.”
imminent – about to happen: “The storm was imminent.”
stationary – unable to move: “I rode the stationary bike.”
stationery – paper for letter writing: “I bought new stationery.”
I used to have those problems. Alot! It took me a while to figure out the difference, but once I did I felt better. *lol* But it’s good that you have this guide up here, it does make alot of sense for people who always get it confused.
I love to confuse my students with these kinds of examples.
It’s fun and I’m evil.
BTW, if you like Dr Pepper (like me) have a look at these bottles.
http://www.jdonuts.com/2007/09/new-dr-pepper.html
The grammar geek in me loves this post. I correct a number of people often with some of these very confused words you’ve mentioned. I work in an office and am amazed at how many people, grown adults well out of school, still call our office letterhead “stationary.” *shakes head*
Great article. These are really words that confuse a lot of people. I have problems with some of them as well. I should print your post and hang it on my wall so I can always see it. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing how many people have problems with these words. It’s impossible for some people to remember them no matter how often they use them. I also had some difficulties with these while I was at school but luckily I managed to tell each from another. Hope this article helps some people!