The first set involves words with or without an apostrophe.<\/p>\n
its<\/strong> = possessive form of “it” there<\/strong> = in that physical location your<\/strong> = possessive form of “you” who’s<\/strong> = contraction, equivalent to “who are” <\/p>\n These are pairs or groups of words that sound identical or similar, and thus are often confused.<\/p>\n accept<\/strong> = (verb) to receive; to come into possession of affect<\/strong> = (verb) to have an influence on The most common uses of these two words are those above, affect<\/strong> as a verb and effect<\/strong> as a noun. Nevertheless, each word can be used in the opposite way, although these uses are rare.<\/p>\n effect<\/strong> = (verb) to cause, to bring about These are related to the adjectives: a lot<\/strong> = many; a large number; [considered colloquial & informal] allude<\/strong> = to suggest or hint; (in literature) to recall or suggest an earlier word among<\/strong> = use for 3+ people (or things) all ready<\/strong> = all [the people or elements] are ready all together<\/strong> = all [the people or elements] are together ascent<\/strong> = (noun) a climb assure<\/strong> = to make something sure verbally; to tell or confirm something a way to dispel doubts bale<\/strong> = a bundle (of hay, cotton, paper) bare<\/strong> = (verb) to strip; to render uncovered or unclothed brake<\/strong> = (verb) to stop conscience<\/strong> = the human capacity for moral awareness and reflection could have\/ should have\/ would have<\/strong> = correct forms disinterested<\/strong> = unbiased; impartial; fair elicit<\/strong> = draw out (words, emotions) from someone emigrate<\/strong> = to leave one’s home country farther<\/strong> = beyond; about a physical distance incredible<\/strong> = wonderful, often beyond expectations or belief learn<\/strong> = to receive & integrate information loose<\/strong> = (adjective) not tight; not fixed firmly in place may be<\/strong> = (verb) will possibly happen or be the case. over all<\/strong> = above others passed<\/strong> = (verb & participle) went beyond; moved beyond pedal<\/strong> = a foot-operated level or control (for a car, bike, instrument) persecute<\/strong> = subject to hostility or ill-treatment personal<\/strong> = (adjective) relating to a person, especially to something private pore<\/strong> = (noun) a natural opening on the skin precede<\/strong> = (verb) to go or happen before something or something prescribe<\/strong> = to authorize the use of a medicine principal<\/strong> = (adjective) main; central raise<\/strong> = to lift something up respectfully<\/strong> = full of respect; in a manner demonstrating respect stationery<\/strong> = (noun) office supplies; high quality paper for writing to<\/strong> = (preposition) [multiple meanings] weather<\/strong> = atmospheric conditions (e.g., rain, snow, sunshine, etc.) Apostrophes The first set involves words with or without an apostrophe. its = possessive form of “it” it’s = contraction, equivalent to “it is” The walrus climbed onto the ice and looked for its friends. It’s well known that smoking is a health hazard. there = in that physical location their = possessive form of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2436],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[4911],"class_list":["post-186","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-praxis-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nit’s<\/strong> = contraction, equivalent to “it is”
\nThe walrus climbed onto the ice and looked for its friends.
\nIt’s well known that smoking is a health hazard.<\/em><\/p>\n
\ntheir<\/strong> = possessive form of “they”
\nthey’re<\/strong> = contraction, equivalent to “they are”
\nI put the book there.
\nMy grandparents have pictures of all their grandchildren framed on the wall.
\nThe scientists issued a statement indicating that they’re skeptical of this finding. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nyou’re<\/strong> = contraction, equivalent to “you are”
\nIs this your bowling ball or mine?
\nI don’t know whether you’re planning to go to the concert. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nwhose<\/strong> = possessive form of “who”
\nNOTE: who is used only for people, but whose is used also for object.
\nThat is the actor who’s playing Hamlet next month.
\nWagner is the composer whose wedding march is used at most weddings. <\/em><\/p>\nPairs of words<\/h2>\n
\nexcept<\/strong> = (preposition) not including; other than
\nThe country store cannot accept any credit cards as payment.
\nI like all forms of music except country music.
\n<\/em>
\nadverse<\/strong> = harmful; unfavorable; preventing success or growth
\naverse<\/strong> = having a strong dislike of something; idiomatically takes “to”
\nDrinking nothing but soda will have adverse health effects.
\nMy aunt is averse to flying cross-country. <\/em><\/p>\n
\neffect<\/strong> = (noun) results; impacts (of an action)
\nDoes the movie version affect your opinion of the book?
\nSinging has positive health effects. <\/em><\/p>\n
\naffect<\/strong> = (noun) emotion [used in scientific literature]
\nThe new CEO was able to effect an overall reorganization of the company.
\nAfter the accident, the victim demonstrated flat affect and disorientation. <\/em><\/p>\nRelated to adjectives<\/h2>\n
\naffective<\/strong> = related to the emotions
\neffective<\/strong> = powerful; able to accomplish things
\nDepression and bipolar disorder are affective disorders.
\nShe argues that yoga is an effective way to maintain a healthy back into old age.
\n<\/em>
\nafflict<\/strong> = (or an illness or problem) to cause suffering; to trouble
\ninflict<\/strong> = to cause (something bad) to happen to someone
\nMalaria afflicts more than 100 million people each year.
\nThe law forbids teachers to inflict physical discipline on their students. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nallot<\/strong> = to divide (something) into portions; to split (something) up and distribute it; [often connotes some fair or systematic distribution]
\nA lot of students don’t like to read on their own.
\nThe CEO set aside $1 million in total for holiday bonuses, but it was the job of the CFO to allot this money among the various employees. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nelude<\/strong> = to escape detection
\nallusion<\/strong> = an indirect reference, as in literature
\nillusion<\/strong> = something likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted
\nThe governor, in her acceptance speech, alluded to the shortcomings of her predecessor.
\nFor seven years, the bank robbers were able to elude FBI detection.
\nEliot’s Four Quartets contains multiple allusions to the writing of mystics, West and East.
\nA mirage is an illusion created by thermal effects. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nbetween<\/strong> = use for just 2 people (or things)
\nAmong the five teams in the NL East, who will go to the World Series?
\n“The difference between death and taxes is death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets.” \u2014 Will Rogers<\/em><\/p>\n
\nalready<\/strong> = by this point in time; at or before this time;
\nThe children are all ready for school.
\nThe parole board reasoned that, after 20 years in jail, the man already had suffered enough.<\/em><\/p>\n
\naltogether<\/strong> = completely; totally; in total
\nChristmas is the only time that my family is all together.
\nTchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony altogether failed to make a positive impression at its premiere. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nassent<\/strong> = (verb) to agree; (noun) agreement
\nA French team made the first successful ascent of Annapurna I in 1950.
\nThe Soviet Union refused to assent to the treaty.
\nShe initially gave her assent to the project, but later criticized it vigorously. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nensure<\/strong> = to take steps to guarantee that something will happen
\ninsure<\/strong> = to arrange financial compensation in the case of damage or loss
\nThe candidate assured the voter that he knew nothing about the kickback scheme.
\nBy installing this new stove, we have ensured that the house will be warm this winter.
\nA talented runner may well insure her own legs. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nbail<\/strong> = cash an arrested person puts up to ensure that he will appear in court at his trial
\nMonet has a famous series of painting of fields with hay bales at various times of day.
\nIf it is likely that a suspect will flee, the court may refuse to post bail. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nbear<\/strong> = (verb) to carry; to support
\nbear<\/strong> = (noun) a large carnivorous mammal
\nShe choose to bare her deepest secrets on only the second date.
\nWe have to strip the surface down to the bare wood before we repaint.
\nThe cables of a suspension bridge bear much of the load.
\nShe has more problems that a person should have to bear.
\nA bear came into the backyard and ripped open a metal freezer. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nbreak<\/strong> = (verb) to separate into pieces, often forcibly
\nbreak<\/strong> = (noun) a time when an activity ceases temporarily
\nA car has a brake pedal.
\nA batted baseball can break a window.
\nWill you go skiing over winter break?
\n<\/em>
\ncapital<\/strong> = the seat of government of a state or country
\ncapital<\/strong> = the wealth, as of a business
\nCapitol<\/strong> = the building, completed in 1800, where Congress meets
\nTashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan.
\nBefore Genron can open 80 new offices in Europe, it will have to raise more capital.
\nWashington praised Thorton’s design for the Capitol.
\n<\/em>
\ncomplement<\/strong> = anything that completes a pair or set
\ncompliment<\/strong> = a statement of praise or appreciation
\nThe pepper shaker is often considered the complement of the salt shaker.
\nA criticism is easier to receive when it is “sandwiched” between two compliments.
\nThe kind teacher liked to give complimentary feedback to his students.
\nThe yin and the yang are complementary metaphysical principles. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nconscious<\/strong> = awake; aware
\nLying to his boss didn’t seem to trouble his conscience.
\nWe are seldom conscious of the exact moment of failing asleep. <\/em><\/p>\n
\ncould of<\/del>\/ should of<\/del>\/ would of<\/del><\/strong> = wrong 100% of the time!
\nI could have driven there last night, but I was too tired.
\nI should have told the truth, but I was afraid.
\nI would have come to the party if I had been invited. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nuninterested<\/strong> = apathetic; lacking all interest
\nBecause we couldn’t agree, we sought the perspective of a disinterested person.
\nThe tired students were completely uninterested in learning statistics that morning. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nillicit<\/strong> = forbidden; illegal
\nThe article I published was meant to elicit support for the refugees, not praise for my writing.
\nThe police have noted a rise in illicit drug use since the beginning of the year. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nimmigrate<\/strong> = to arrive in a new country seeking residence
\nMany great American writers have chosen to emigrate, preferring the intellectual culture of Europe.
\nMany refugees from the Syrian Civil War want to immigrate to the US. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nfurther<\/strong> = additionally; about a metaphorical extent
\nFrom San Francisco, New York City is farther than Juneau.
\nWe hoped Tuesday would be the last day of rain, but it rained three days further. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nincredulous<\/strong> = skeptical; unwilling or unable to believe
\nBecause of incredible luck, the family was rescued and found fine after a week adrift at sea.
\nMost members of the press were incredulous when the senator insisted that he was innocent. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nteach<\/strong> = to impart information to someone else
\nI wish I had learned a modern language in grade school.
\nMy freshman physics professor taught me E & M and waves.
\nMISTAKE: My freshman physics professor learned<\/del> me E & M and waves. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nlose<\/strong> = (verb) to misplace; to be deprived of or cease to retain
\nThe table wobbles because some of the bolts at the tops of the legs are loose.
\nIf you attach this lanyard to your keys, it will be harder to lose them.
\nIf the Cubs get to the World Series, it would be tragic for them to lose. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nmaybe<\/strong> = (adverb) perhaps; possibly
\nShoeless Joe Jackson may be the most talented baseball player not in the Hall of Fame.
\nIf it stops raining before midnight, maybe we can still have the picnic tomorrow. <\/em><\/p>\n
\noverall<\/strong> = taking everything into account
\nAs General of the Armies, Gen. Pershing had a rank over all other US generals in WWI.
\nThe Republic of Ireland contains 26 counties, and Northern Ireland, 6; thus, the island itself has 32 counties overall. <\/em>
\n
\noverdo<\/strong> = (verb) to do too much; to do something to excess
\noverdue<\/strong> = (adjective) late; later than expected; needed for some time
\nWhen the holidays come, she tends to overdo the decorations.
\nWhen the Catholic Church pardoned Galileo after 350 years, it was seen as long overdue. <\/em><\/p>\n
\npast<\/strong> = (preposition) on the further side of
\npast<\/strong> = (adjective) go by in time and no longer existing
\npast<\/strong> = (noun) time period before the present
\nHe passed the introductory math class easily.
\nThe time for submitting applications for early admission has passed.
\nGo past the post office and turn left.
\nDuring the past month, I have been busy.
\nWhat is the difference between the past tense and the past perfect tense?
\nThe ancient Israelites created the seven-day week in the distant past, and it has become a worldwide standard.
\nThe storm has passed our town. The danger is past. <\/em><\/p>\n
\npetal<\/strong> = the colorful leaves that form the outer part of a flower
\nIf your car is skidding, pump the brake pedal.
\nThe lowest notes of a pipe organ are the pedal tones.
\nFull rose flowers may have as many as 40 petals. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nprosecute<\/strong> = institute legal proceedings against
\nThe Roman Empire persecuted Christians until the conversion of Constantine.
\nPeople who trespass on the construction site will be prosecuted.
\nA hateful tyrant will persecute people.
\nA dutiful district attorney will prosecute people. <\/em><\/p>\n
\npersonnel<\/strong> = (noun) the employees or staff of a company or organization
\nBe careful about expressing too many personal feelings on a job interview.
\nWhat I write in my diary is personal.
\nAfter the quarterly losses were announce, some of the personnel were laid off.<\/em><\/p>\n
\npour <\/strong>= (verb) to cause to flow, as from a container
\nWhen lymph exits the body through the pores, we call it sweat.
\nWhat is the proper way to pour champagne? <\/em><\/p>\n
\nproceed<\/strong> = (verb) to move forward; to take place; to continue
\nproceeds<\/strong> = (noun) profits, as from an event
\nSeveral acolytes precede the cardinal as he ceremonially enters the cathedral to celebrate Mass.
\nHow long is the engagement period that typically precedes marriage?
\nAfter a long delay, the construction of the bridge will proceed.
\nProceeds from the benefit concert will be donated directly to the orphanage. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nproscribe<\/strong> = to forbid, especially by law
\nA doctor should not prescribe antidepressants for someone with bipolar disorder.
\nUtah had to proscribe polygamy to be admitted as a state. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nprincipal<\/strong> = (noun) the lead administrator in a public elementary or secondary school
\nprinciple<\/strong> = (noun) a fundamental truth that is the basis of something; moral belief
\nHumphrey Bogart was the principal actor in Casablanca.
\nThe misbehaving child was sent to the principal’s office.
\nScience accepts the principle of uniformity of physical laws over space and time.
\nLincoln was always careful to act in accord with his principles. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nrise<\/strong> = to move upward; to wake
\nThe father raised the toddler above the crowd so she could see the parade.
\nHis lighthearted humor always raises our spirits.
\nWe watched the hot-air balloon slowly rise in the air.
\nAt what time do you rise on weekends? <\/em><\/p>\n
\nrespectively <\/strong>= in the same order
\nThe gentleman respectfully asked the woman her husband’s profession.
\nSenators Clay, Calhoun, and Webster were from Kentucky, South Carolina, and Massachusetts respectively. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nstationary<\/strong> = (adjective) not moving; fixed in place
\nOne can purchase a stapler at a stationery store.
\nThe patient in the coma has been stationary for three days.
\n<\/em>
\nthan<\/strong> = [a comparative word that introduces the second term in a comparison]
\nthen<\/strong> = at that time; [also used in if-then statements]
\nThe Fifth French Republic is less than 100 years old.
\nWashington is universally respected now, but was he then?
\nFirst we drove to Philadelphia; then, after a few days, we drove to Boston.
\nIf a quadrilateral has four equal sides, then it is a rhombus. <\/em><\/p>\n
\ntoo<\/strong> = (adverb) also
\nGive to the poor.
\nHow do I go to Scarborough Fair?
\nTo err is human; to forgive, divine.
\nBill Clinton was the only US President who was a Rhodes scholar, but his press secretary George Stephanopoulos was one too. <\/em><\/p>\n
\nwhether<\/strong> = (sub. conjunction) expresses uncertainty about a choice or scenario; used in indirect questions
\nSan Diego has the same mild weather all year.
\nWe don’t know whether Alexander Hamilton would have been a good President or a great one.
\nThe professor asked whether we thought Catcher in the Rye was literature. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"