CHAPTER 11 Correct Word Usage^261
Words That Sound Almost Alike but Have
Different Meanings
Many words fall into this category. Errors sometimes occur as a result of incorrect
spelling, but often they result from not saying or hearing the words correctly. The
following is a list of common words that sound almost alike but mean different
things.
accept (acknowledge), except (agree to)
I accept your apology.Everyone except Martha was invited.adapt (adjust to something), adopt (legally raise another’s child)
I can adapt to almost any climate.We’re searching for families to adopt hard-to-place children.advice (recommendation about an action or decision), advise (offer advice)
I appreciate constructive advice.I don’t advise others unless they ask me to.affect (infl uence something or somebody), effect (result)
An antibiotic will not affect that disease.However, it may have an adverse effect.all ready (completely ready), already (happened before now)
Call me when you are all ready to leave.My friend Tim has already left.all right (Alright is not an acceptable word.)
Is it all right to add all the ingredients at once?all together (all in the same place), altogether (totally, entirely)
We’ll be all together for Thanksgiving.This course is altogether too diffi cult.