A Guide to a Few Words That Are Commonly Misused

Diction

A guide to a few words that are commonly misused Accept Except “Accept” means to agree or to take something that is offered. I will accept his offer. “Except” means everything but. Everyone was here except Fred. As a verb “except” means to leave out. All minors were excepted from jury duty Affect Effect “Affect” is usually used as a verb. How will the rising dollar affect our business? “Effect” is usually a noun. Her lottery win had a huge effect on her credit rating. Note: “Effect” also has another, less common meaning. Effect can be used as a verb to mean “bring about.” We will effect numerous changes to the organization Aggravate Irritate Annoy “Aggravate” means to make worse. Do not use it in place of “irritate” or “annoy.” Falling down the stairs aggravated his knee injury. All right Alright “Alright” is an informal spelling of “all right.” Many guides consider it incorrect. Among Between “Between” is used only for two items. Homer and his wife kept the juicy gossip between them “Among” is used for lists of three or more. Lenny shared the pictures among the entire staff. Amount Number “Amount” is used for quantities that cannot be counted: liquids, sand, etc. He put a large amount of sugar in his coffee. “Number” is used for quantities that can be counted A number of people are missing. Anxious Eager Use “anxious” to express nervousness or fear. I was anxious about my final grade after failing the mid-term exam. Use “eager” for a more positive tone. She was eager to begin her summer job. Can May “Can” relates to the ability to do something. I can drive a car. “May” indicates permission. May I borrow yours? Complement Compliment “Complement” means to complete something That blue tie complements the grey shirt. “Compliment” means to say something nice Mr. Burns complimented us on our efficient office. “Complimentary” means to do something nice We received a complimentary appetizer with our meal. Could of Should of Would of These are all variations of the same mistake. It comes from using pronunciation, rather than meaning, as a guide. You should use “could have” or “could’ve.” I could have been a contender. Council / Councillor Counsel / Counsellor A “council” is a group of bureaucrats. A “councillor” is a member of that group. All members of the city council agreed to listen to the councillor’s presentation. “Counsel” is advice or the act of giving advice. A “counsellor” is one who gives that advice. Bart’s counsellor suggested that his best strategy would be to obtain counsel from others like him Eligible Illegible These words have completely different meanings. “Eligible” means qualified to be chosen. To be an eligible to vote, you must be a Canadian citizen 18 years old or over. “Illegible” means unreadable. After the ballots got wet they were illegible.

Disinterested Uninterested “Disinterested” means neutral or objective. “Uninterested” means bored.

2 The union and management brought in a disinterested arbitrator to settle the dispute. Emigrate Immigrate “Emigrate” means to leave a country. “Immigrate” means to come to a country. Farther Further Use “farther” only to discuss distance. Regina is farther from Winnipeg than Brandon. “Further” is used for meanings other than physical distance. Let me explain this further. Fewer Less “Fewer” is used for quantities that can be counted There are fewer people here today than there were yesterday. “Less” is used for quantities that cannot be counted: liquids, sand, etc. I should probably drink less coffee. Note: For reasons understood only by a few mystical economists, money is considered an uncountable commodity. The amount of money I earn today is less than the amount I earned last year. Flaunt Flout “Flaunt” means to show off. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. “Flout” means to disregard a law with contempt. The mayor flouted the law every time he ran the red light in front of the police station. Forward Foreword A “foreword” is a preface to a book “Forward” is the opposite direction to backward Hanged Hung “Hanged” should only be used when referring to executions. The prisoner was hanged at dawn. “Hung” is the past participle of “hang” in all other situations. He hung his coat on a nail.

3 Imply Infer “Imply” means to make a hint. Pat implied that I might get lucky tonight. “Infer” means to interpret someone else’s words. I inferred from those words that Pat had just bought me a lottery ticket. Irregardless “Irregardless” ain’t a word. Use “regardless.” (Don’t use “ain’t” either.) We will hold classes regardless of the weather. Like As if “Like” is a preposition. Use it to join words or phrases to the rest of a sentence He is drinking like a fish. “As if” is a conjunction. Use it to join clauses He is acting as if he is going to be sick Lightning Lightening “Lightning” comes in electrical storms. “Lightening” means either to reduce something’s weight or to make its colour paler Literally “Literally” means actually. Don’t use it to emphasize something. The bookcase literally collapsed when I tried to use it as a ladder. Moral Morale Use “moral” when discussing right and wrong. Use “morale” when discussing team spirit. Personal Personnel Use “personal” when discussing something relating to a particular person— someone’s personal property. Use “personnel” to discuss the staff of an organization Principle Principal “Principle” means a general rule “Principal” means central or most important. It can refer to the most important person in a school, or the part of a loan that has interest added to it. Stationary Stationery “Stationary” means motionless. “Stationery” means office supplies.