Definition

Correct usage

Accept vs. Except

Accept- to receive or take as payment

Except-with the exclusion of

We accept credit cards for purchases except those under five dollars

Affect vs. effect

Affect (verb)-to influence or change

Affect (noun)-emotion or feeling

Effect (verb)- to cause a change; the object is the change

The rain did not affect our crop yield. This was not the expected effect.

Bill sought to effect changes in environmental policy.

Laura claimed indifference, but displayed an excited affect.

Allude vs. elude

Allude-reference something indirectly

Elude-to escape

In The Aeneid, Vergil alludes to events in Roman history. In it, Aeneas eludes the Cyclopes.

Complement vs. compliment

Complement-to complete, make perfect

Compliment-to give praise

The red sash complements the rest of my outfit. I got many compliments on it today.

Counsel vs. council

Counsel (verb)-to complete, make perfect

Counsel (noun)-advice

Council-an assembly or meeting

The council meets everyday. Their job is to counsel the king on matters of the State.

Elicit vs. illicit

           Elicit-to bring out

Illicit-not allowed by law

We elicited a confession quickly. He was very open about his illicit behavior.

Emigrate vs. immigrate

Emigrate-to leave and mover to another place

Immigrate-to come to a country to live there

Programs are available for skilled workers to emigrate from Asia. Many have thus immigrated to the U.S.

Eminent vs. imminent

Eminent-standing out, prominent

Imminent-about to take place

Dark, eminent clouds filled the sky. A storm was imminent.

Gracious vs. gratuitous

Gracious-pleasantly kind, prominent

Gratuitous-without reason or payment

Molly was a gracious host at the party, even when a guest began yelling gratuitous insults.

Infirmary vs. infirmity

Infirmary-a place for care of the sick

Infirmity-disability or weakness

The infirmities she was suffering from only increased as she aged in the infirmary.

Lose vs. loose

Lose-become unable to find, misplace

Loose-free, not bound together

I will lose my keys if they are tied on with a loose knot.

Precede vs. proceed

Precede-to come before

Proceed-to move forward

A loud noise preceded the fireworks. The officers told us to proceed with caution.

Principle vs. principal

Principle-a rule or fact

Principal (noun)-chief official

Principal (adjective)-most important

Always use the principle: “Ask before taking.” This is the principal way we keep track of items.

Reluctant vs. reticent

Reluctant- feeling hesitation

Reticent-reserved, silent

A reticent person, Jonah was reluctant to speak in public.

Respectful vs. respective

Respectful-showing respect or admiration for

Respective-relating separately

The guests were respectful of the rules she had set. They stayed at their respective tables.

Than vs. then

Than-a conjunction used to compare

Then-next or soon after

I told her I liked peas more than candy. Then she really thought I was lying!

Too vs. to

Too- in addition, also, or excessively

To-a preposition used to show direction towards a point

Please drive to the market this afternoon. Make sure you bring the coupons, too: you don’t want to spend too much.

Weather vs. whether

Weather-temperature and conditions

Whether-which of the two

I cannot decide whether to go to the park or the gym. I suppose it depends on the weather.

Its vs. It’s

Its is the possessive form of “it.”

It’s means “it is.”

It’s hard to tell when the baby will start crying. Its arched brows make it always appear upset.

Their vs. They’re

Their is the possessive form of “they.” They’re means “they are.”

The team practiced all year, and their hard work paid off. They’re going to the championship.

Whose vs. who’s

Whose is the possessive form of “they.” They’re means “they are.”

Who’s going to the store with me? Judy is. Now whose car should we take?

Your vs. You’re

Your is the possessive form of “you.” You’re means “you are”

You’re too talented to give up acting. Plus, your voice is incredible.