ENGLISH I USAGE UNIT

DAY 1: a to altogether

Words that are similar are sometimes misused. a, an: Use a in front of words that begin with a consonant or “yew” sound. Use an in front of words that begin with any other vowel sound. a house, a university, an animal, an honor a lot, alot: There is no such word as “alot.” A lot should always be two words or avoided completely. There are a lot of new computer products on the market. a while, awhile: A while is made up of an article and a noun. Awhile is an adverb. Let’s think for a while, then we’ll continue awhile with the lesson. accept, except: Accept is a verb meaning “to receive” or “to agree to.” Except can be a verb, though it is often used as a preposition meaning “but.” I accept your explanation that footballs fly straight, except in high winds. affect, effect: Affect is a verb meaning “to influence.” Effect can be a noun meaning “result” or a verb meaning “to accomplish.” Artificial lighting can affect the nutritional cycle of plants. (verb) Artificial lighting can have an undesirable effect on plants. (noun) Exposure to both daylight and darkness effects good health in plants. (verb) ain’t: Ain’t is unacceptable in speaking and writing unless used as a direct quote.

Exercise 1: Underline the correct term in each sentence. Ex. Their kitchen has (alot, a lot) of modern conveniences.

1. Do not use emergency exits, (accept, except) in case of a fire.

2. Blue-screen matting is a common special (effect, affect) in television and movies.

3. Mr. Chen will be coming back to his office in (a while, awhile), if you’d like to wait.

4. The track coach will not (accept, except) applications submitted after the first of the year.

5. Matthew was studying the cause and (affect, effect) of historical events.

6. We waited at the restaurant (a while, awhile) before going out into the cold.

7. Jules was working on (an, a) history paper when I called.

8. Does committing too many fouls (effect, affect) the score?

9. It (is not, ain’t) incorrect to omit the leading zero on some decimal numbers.

10. It should take less than (an, a) hour to complete this test.

English I Usage Packet p. 1 of 3 ENGLISH I USAGE UNIT all ready, already: All ready means “completely ready.” Already means “by this time.” Matthew was all ready to perform his gymnastics routine. Janice was already capable of reading college-level textbooks. all right, alright: There is no such word as “alright.” This should always be two words. Any flavor of ice cream is all right with me! all the farther, all the faster: There are unacceptable in writing. Use as far as and as fast as instead. Walk as far as you want and as fast as you can to build up stamina. all together, altogether: All together means “in a group.” Altogether means “completely.” We were all together for the last time at our class picnic. Our class picnic was an altogether wonderful experience for everyone.

Exercise 2: Correct the word in italics. If the word is correct, write C in the blank. Ex. Changing the drama club meeting to Thursday was alright with the members. All right

1. I was all together astonished at the outcome of the story.

2. The fire had already raged out of control when the emergency vehicles arrived.

3. The architect was already to present his design to the construction company.

4. Is it alright to wear a striped necktie with a plaid shirt?

5. The ice hockey player skated as fast as he could to get by the left wing.

6. Cole had all ready toasted the bagels by the time his parents woke up.

7. Hasan asked if it was all right to use a calculator during the exam.

8. The band members asked, “May we go altogether on the same bus?”

9. To the lake and back was all the farther we had to go.

10. Will traveling by car be alright with Curtis?

English I Usage Packet p. 2 of 3 ENGLISH I USAGE UNIT

English I Usage Packet p. 3 of 3