Keeping Track of Commonly Confused Words
A lot (two words) of people misuse written words without even realizing they’re doing it. And no, I don’t mean typing errors. I’m talking about the right way to use the English language. So, here, let me help you!
The following words were found on REAL LIFE adult Facebook posts over the past few weeks. For the record, I really wanted to include my screenshots as examples – YOU’RE the ones publicly displaying your own mistakes on the internet – but it felt mean, so I didn’t. You’re welcome.
Alot vs. A lot
Starting with my biggest pet peeve – ALOT IS NOT A WORD. This isn’t even a choice; you should ALWAYS include a space. You wouldn’t write “alittle,” so please don’t write “alot.”
Now, “allot” is indeed a word – a verb meaning “to give/share/distribute’ – but I highly doubt you meant that. And, if you did, it needs another L.
Effect vs. Affect
I promise this one isn’t as hard as people make it out to be.
Effect is a noun, a tangible object you can touch, the rEsult of something, so it always follows an article (usually “the” or “an”). It’s its own thing and can be completely on its own/by itself.
Affect is a verb, an Action, something you do, like run or yell, and it HAS to be connected to a noun – an action is always performed by something
So, the effect of the storm and the storm’s affect were BOTH terrible.
The flu had an effect on my whole house since we were all affected by the illness.
Apart vs. A part
Here’s a real space debate! Luckily, these words have completely opposite meanings:
Apart (one word) implies a separating distance, whereas a part (two words) shows a connection. If you have part of something, you have a piece of something bigger.
So, despite being a part of our country, Florida tends to stand apart from the United States because of its own regulations.
Lose vs. Loose
These words don’t even sound the same, so differentiation should be pretty easy. You either have the opposite of win or the opposite of tight.
The Buffalo Bills will never ever loose a game of football. They’ll probably lose due to loose handling of the ball, but they won’t loose.
Aloud vs. Allowed
Last but not least, I bring you these gems. One has to do with speech, and the other means permission.
See the word “loud” in aloud? Bet that’ll help!
In some places, drag queens are no longer allowed to read books aloud to kids in libraries.