Grammar Tip of the Day (Confusing words) A.Affect vs. Effect Many people are confused by the difference in the words affect and effect and often use them improperly. We will try to clear things up for everyone. Effect is usually but not always used as a noun. Here are some proper usages of the word effect: The word effect means a result. Example: What was the effect of your experiment? You should use effect when immediately following the words: into, on, take, the, any, an, or and. Example: The law came into effect in the spring. Effect can also mean to cause or accomplish. Example: I hope to effect many changes in the town. Affect is usually but not always used as a verb. Here are some proper usages of the word affect: The word affect means influence. Example: Your letter affected my opinion on the case. Affect can also mean to move emotionally. I was deeply affected by the woman’s story. Affect can also mean facial expressions. Example: As the verdict was announced the defendant showed little affect. B.Less vs. Fewer Less and Fewer are so similar it could get confusing. Let’s try to figure it out, shall we? But first, let’s be reminded of the difference between MUCH and MANY. Much is used with mass nouns – things you can’t count individually. Many on the other hand, is used for count nouns, i.e. things you can count individually Just like much, less is used with uncountable quantities – things you can’t count individually. - She has less interest in classic music than her husband And just like many, fewer is used with countable quantities – things you can count individually. - He has fewer books than his wife TIP: Less means ‘not as much’, while fewer means ‘not as many’ Confusing exceptions: Even though less is used with uncountable quantities, it is applied to time, money and distance - The meeting lasted less than 1 hour C.Lose vs. Loose Oh wow, mixing Lose and Loose is one of the most common yet embarrassing spelling mistakes. Lose is used when you lose (as in misplace) something. - You always lose your car keys Loose is used as opposite of tight, and also to describe something that is free - I am wearing a loose shirt - The prisoner is running loose They are even pronounced differently. Lose has the sound of Z, while Loose has the sound of S. TIP: whenever in doubt, see if you can use the word Lost instead. Of course it won’t match the tense, but it will give you an idea if you are using the right word.Lost->Lose. I hope you found this helpful. (Source-ArticlesBase)