The difference between around and round The round ball spun around around Around means: On all sides The trees around the field are deciduous. In a circle (spin around, belt around her waist) The email went around the world. He spun around. She tied the belt around her waist. Approximately She spent around $500 He […]
The difference between appraise and apprise appraise To evaluate or estimate. He appraised the situation. apprise To inform or tell. I apprised him of the situation. appraise and apprise If you ask someone to appraise your roof, you might have to apprise your family that you need a new roof. If in doubt about these words, […]
What’s the difference between an appendix, addendum, annexure and attachment? Appendix and addendum Reader’s question: What’s the difference between an appendix and an addendum? Can they be used interchangeably or should we be using one over the other in specific circumstances? Answer: My first reaction was that these terms are not interchangeable, but when I […]
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 […]