COMMONLY MISUSED WORDS & TERMS
Introduction
He predicted adverse weather.
n
Averse means reluctant, opposed.
This section contains information pertaining to com- monly misused words and terms from various resources, including the AP Stylebook . If the information you are looking for is not in this guide, please refer to the AP Stylebook . For questions regarding spelling that are not covered in either guide, please consult Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary .
She is averse to change.
n
affect, effect Affect , as a verb, means to influence.
The cold weather affected his health.
n
A
n She was visibly affected by the tragedy.
a, an Use the article a before consonant sounds.
Effect , as a verb, means to bring about change, accomplish.
It was a historic event.
n Her efforts were meant to effect systematic change.
n
She was elected to a one-year term. (sounds as if it begins with w)
n
Effect , as a noun, means result.
Use the article an before vowel sounds
The antibiotic took effect immediately.
n
It was an energy crisis.
n
after-school, after school Hypenated as a compound modifier.
He is an honorable man.
n
Correct Usage: She participated in an after-school program
accept, except Accept means to receive or to answer in the affirmative.
No hypen in other construction.
He accepted the job.
n
Correct Usage: My son’s friend is visiting after school.
Credit cards are accepted here.
n
afterward There is no s at the end of afterward .
Except means to exclude.
n They worked every day except Sunday.
Correct Usage: afterward Incorrect Usage: afterwards
She liked all fruit except mangos.
n
all right Always two words.
Exception
n The administrator made an exception in his case.
Correct Usage: all right Incorrect Usage: alright
The exception proves the rule.
n
adverse, averse Adverse means unfavorable.
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