Usage Glossary

A, an: Use a before words beginning with consonants or consonant sounds, as in a bicycle, a morning drink, a historical work, a unity of mind and soul--the long u creates a consonant sound. Use an before words beginning with vowels or vowel sounds, as in an elephant, an underdog,  an honorable woman--the h is silent, so the o sound demands an.

Accept, except: Accept is the verb that means "to receive"; except is the preposition that means "other than." For example,

• The winners will accept their trophy next week.

• Everyone has completed the work except Hugo.

Affect, effect: Affect is the verb meaning "to influence" or "to have an effect on"; effect is the noun meaning "result" or "impact." Effect can also be a verb that means "to bring about." For example,

• By increasing taxes, the government can affect the economy positively.

• There will be a serious effect on your grades if you fail to turn in the assignment by tomorrow.

• Nothing effects positive change in the economy like increased spending by the government.

A lot: A lot is always two words.

Amount, number: Amount is used to indicate quantities that are measured; number is used to indicate quantities that are counted. For example,

• The amount of grain sold by farmers does not always mean an increase in their income.

• The number of cows sold by farmers does not always mean an increase in their income.

Grain cannot be counted, but cows can.

Being as or being that: Both expressions are informal and wordy and should not be used to replace because or since in formal writing or speech.

Lead, led: Do not confuse lead the element with led. Use led as the past tense and the past participle forms of to lead. For example,

• The team led the game throughout.

• We were led into the problem when we followed the wrong car.

• I used a lead pencil to write the paper.