The difference between any more and anymore Reader’s question: Are both anymore and any more correct depending on the context? For example: I don’t buy books anymore because I don’t need any more books. Answer: I agree with your interpretation, but some writers use theses words interchangeably. Anymore is an adverb referring to time, meaning ‘any longer’, […]
The kittens were all together in the basket. Altogether Altogether is an adverb meaning completely, wholly or entirely. We all altogether too exhausted to go to the movies. Altogether, the debt amounted to $200. All together All together means collectively or in a group. You can separate all and together and often you can delete […]
He looked as though he was deep in thought Although was originally two words and was more emphatic than though. Today they are used interchangeably to mean ‘in spite of the fact that’. The study was conclusive though/although it had some limitations. Though is sometimes teamed with even for more emphasis. He came even though […]
all ready All ready means everything is prepared. I am all ready to go. already Already means previously. I have already packed my bags. Learn more Learn more about other commonly confused words with my online Business Writing course. Subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter to receive writing and grammar tips.
The easiest way to distinguish between affect and effect is to think of affect as a verb (doing word) and effect as a noun (naming word). Unfortunately, there are a couple of exceptions. affect Affect means to influence. The weather affected the outcome of the Grand Prix. Affect is usually a verb. Occasionally affect is a […]
Is he an adviser or advisor? Reader’s question: Which is correct – adviser or advisor? Answer: Both are acceptable. Some people prefer adviser because adding -er is the more common word ending (e.g. helper, trader). But there are plenty of exceptions (editor, author, doctor). I have noticed a trend for advisor being used for job titles, […]
Take my advice advice Advice is a noun and means ‘opinion’. She gave good advice. Memory jog: it is a vice to give advice. advise Advise is a verb and means to give an opinion or recommendation. He advised her to own up. Other pairs that have ‘c’ for the noun and ‘s’ for the […]
Do you get confused about when to use a and an? If the first sound of the following word is a vowel sound (whether or not the letter is a vowel), use an. an elephant, an hour, an honour, an urn If the first sound of the following word is a consonant sound (whether […]
Exclamation marks What are your views on exclamation marks? People seem to either love them or hate them. I was interviewed on 2UE breakfast radio this month – listen and see who you agree with! Reader’s question Question: Would you use a dash or colon with the following? Workplaces are constantly changing. Their dynamics can […]
Grammar myths are not based on the truth Language evolves, yet we often cling to the rules we were taught at primary school in the belief that resisting change keeps the language pure. But, whether we like it or not, change does occur and some ‘rules’ have become myths. None must take a singular verb A common misconception is […]