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Commonly Confused Words accep t- excep t accept and except accept v. (approve) except v. (reject) They accepted my 40% off coupon when I bought my TV. (I got it.) They excepted televisions on the back of the 40% off coupon. (TVs weren't included.) affect - effect affect and effect affect v. (influence, cause change) effect n. (reject) Seeing thin models affects young girls' self images. An emotional effect may be self- hate or anorexia (not eating). (result) during - in during and in during (through out) in (at this time) We are on vacation during July. We are on vacation in July. We had a great time in our stay there. We stayed there during July, not during August. even even and even though even adv. (emphasis; unexpected or exceptional occurrence) even though coord. conj. (unexpected outcome) also: even- even if He cooks, even bakes, for all his friends. He cooks and bakes even though he doesn't have much time. His creations are beautiful and taste even better. His creations are beautiful and delicious even though he uses no butter. even if- wheth er even if and whether or not even if adv. ( without condition; used before a negative condition or verb) whether or not idiom (without condition; used with a positive I'll help you even if I don't have much time. I'll help you whether or not I have much time. 1 27 April 2022/LPE

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Page 1: Commonly Confused Words

Commonly Confused Words

accept- except

accept and except 

accept v. (approve) except  v. (reject)

 

They accepted my 40% off coupon when I bought my TV.  (I got it.) They excepted televisions on the back of the 40% off coupon. (TVs weren't included.)

 

affect- effect

affect and effect 

affect v. (influence, cause change)

effect n. (reject) 

Seeing thin models affects young girls' self images.  An emotional effect may be self-hate or anorexia (not eating).  (result)

 

during- in

during and in during   (through out) in  (at this time)

 

We are on vacation during July.We are on vacation in July. We had a great time in our stay there.We stayed there during July, not during August.

 

even

even and even though 

even adv. (emphasis; unexpected or exceptional occurrence)

even though coord. conj. (unexpected outcome)

also:  even- even if

He cooks, even bakes, for all his friends.He cooks and bakes even though he doesn't have much time. His creations are beautiful and taste even better.His creations are beautiful and delicious even though he uses no butter.

 

even if- whether

even if and whether or not even if  adv. ( without

condition; used before a negative condition or verb)

whether or not  idiom (without condition; used with a positive verb)

I'll help you even if I don't have much time. I'll help you whether or not I have much time. 

 

ifonly  

if only and only if if only idiom (a regretful wish; I

wish that) only if adv. (under one

condition) 

If only  I had more time, I could relax. Only if  you dry your dishes with a towel, will they be spotless! (word order change)   

 

lie-lay

lie and lay 

lie v. (intransitive) lay v. (transitive)

The baby is lying on the couch. I am laying the baby down for a nap.

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like-as

like vs as 

like prep. (same form, appearance, kind, character)

as conj. (in a similar manner)

My brother is like me.  (prep.)My brother thinks as I do. (conj.) He's smart like a fox.  (prep.)He is as smart as a fox .  (idiom)

 

make-do

make vs. do 

make v. (create or arrange) do v. (perform, act, execte)

additional meanings and idioms

She is making a new dish (recipe).  (is creating, preparing)He is doing the dishes.  (is washing) He is making travel plans.  (is arranging)He is doing the accounts.  (performing the accounting job) Do me a favor?

 

say-tell

say and tell say   (for quoted speech) tell  (for reported speech)

and other expressions

She said, "Hello, I am the your guide".  (quoted speech)She told us that she was our guide.  (indirect speech) She said "Follow me."  (request / command)She told us to follow her.  (request / command)

 

sit -set

sit and set sit   (intransitive verb; to be

seated) set  (transitive verb; to place

something down)

My dog is sitting by the door.   (no object) The woman is setting the pup next to its mother.  (requires an object)

 

8-8

so... that and such... that so .. that   (emphasizes

quality of adj or manner of adv)

such... that (emphasizes quality of adj + noun)

The meteor-storm was so beautiful that we watched it all night. (adjective) It was such a beautiful meteor-storm that we watched it all night.

 

8-9

so that, so... that, so so that   (purpose, intent) so ... that  (emphasizes quality

of adj or manner of adv) so that   (purpose, intent) , so    (result) so used with could so so (expressions with so)

 

The baby pulled the lever so (that) he could get some candy. (purpose or intent)      The baby cried, so his mother gave him candy. (result)

 

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used to

used to and (be) used to 

used to v. (idiom –  former custom or habit; would)

(be) used to v. (idiom – to be accustomed to)

We used to go camping every spring.  (We would go camping every spring). We are used to going camping every spring.  (We do it often.)   

 

when vs. while

when and while when   (at this/that moment) while  (through out / during that

time)

When you called, he was watching his baby. While he was talking on the phone, he was describing his newborn.

 

phrasl 

Phrasal verbs: using verbal expressions made up of verbs and prepositions

adverbs of place vs. phrasal verbs – take out the cat – take out a girl, let out the dog – let out a howl

non- vs. separable phrasal verbs – took piano up – took up the room, put stuff up – put up with him 

phrasal verb grid (verb + prepositions) ,do in, do over, do under, do away with, get in, get out and more ...  

phrasal verbs (synonyms) 

A wolf lets out a howl.

Look up. (direction) Look up the word in the dictionary. (search)He took his coat off. (removed)The airplane took off. (departed) We went on a ship. (location)He went on about his terrible life.  (spoke at length)

 Accept – Except

Approving or rejecting

Accept (verb) vs. Except (verb)

ACCEPT - TAKE IN / APPROVE EXCEPT —  EXCLUDE / REJECTThey accepted my 40% off coupon when I bought my TV.  (I got it.)

They excepted televisions on the back of the 40% off coupon. (TVs weren't included.)

They accepted me into their club.  (I got in.) They admitted several people, but excepted those under age twenty-one.  (They couldn't get in.)

ACCEPT  Additional Meanings

Accept is used as a verb.VARIANT MEANING EXAMPLES

WILLINGLY RECEIVE (v.) They accepted the gift with smiles and thank-yous. 

The web site won't accept my password.

ADMIT (v.) The University accepted her into their Business School. 

REGARD AS PROPER OR NORMAL (v.)

We find it hard to accept the violence we see on TV. 

SETTLE EMOTIONALLY It took a long time for the boy to accept the fact that his mother abandoned him. 

AGREE TO (v.) The businessmen accepted the offer to buy the company.

TAKE IN PAYMENT (v.) The store accepts credit cards. 

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EXCEPT  Additional Meanings

Except is more commonly used as a preposition, conjunction or participle, and is rarely used as a verb.VARIANT MEANING EXAMPLES

BUT NOT (prep.) The supermarket is open daily except on holidays.  (prep. - but not)

ANY OTHER CONDITION; UNLESS (conj.)

I'll go with you except if he comes too.  (conj. - any other condition; unless)

BUT NOT (conj.) It's easy to get there except on foot. (conj. - but not)

ONLY + that   (conj.) I would go with you except that I already have plans. (conj. - only that +exception)

EXCLUDED (participle) The sale coupon listed the excepted merchandise. (participle. - excluded)

EXCLUDED (verb) They admitted several people, but excepted those under age twenty-one.

Common Mistakes

ERROR FIXThe nightclub wouldn't except me to go in because I was under twenty-one.

The nightclub wouldn't accept me because I was under twenty-one.(delete – to go in)

Will Congress except the automakers' proposal?pop-q 12/30/08 

Unclear meaning:Will the Congress except (reject) the automakers' proposal?Will they accept (agree to) the savings and loan proposal but except (exclude) the automakers' from the deal?)

Will the government accept (approve) the automakers' proposal?

Affect vs. Effect

   Affect – Effect:  Is it the cause or the result?

Affect (v.)  vs. Effect (n.)

The verb "affect" means to have an influence, to cause change;  the noun "effect" is the result of the cause.   Paying attention to whether you are using a noun or verb will help you keep affect and effect distinct.

AFFECT — CAUSE CHANGE  EFFECT —  RESULT / IMPRESSION

Seeing thin models affects young girls' self images. An emotional effect may be self-hate or anorexia (not eating).  (result)

Being severely underweight badly affects one's health.

The effects are tooth decay and loss of hair and bone density. (result)

Losing weight causes skin to wrinkle and gives the effect of old age. (impression)

A young girl said, "Yes, it affects me too.  I am The  young girl added,"Fashion magazines give me

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affected (by it) every time I turn the pages of a fashion magazine."

'the ugly effect' ".  (result)

 

Affect (v.)  vs. Effect (v.)

"Affect" is commonly used as a verb; "effect" is less commonly used as a verb except in 1) the expression "to have an effect on";   2) "to effect change, a settlement or a decision" in legal language.

AFFECT — CAUSE CHANGE  EFFECT — TO INFLUENCE /  TO BRING ABOUT OR PRODUCE CHANGE

Dove Soap included average-size models in their ads to positively affect the self-image of young women.

Seeing normal-size models has a positive effect on the self-image of young women.  (is able to influence) 

Dove Soap effected a change to include normal-size models in their ads. (planned and put in action) 

You can affect the policy makers by boycotting (not buying) their magazines.

Boycotts have an effect on company profits.  (are able to influence) 

You can effect a change in policy by boycotting (not buying) their magazines. (bring about  / actively work to change) 

A woman announced, "Yes, our boycott will affect magazine profits and force them to make changes."

Loss of profits will have an effect on company managers.  (will influence) 

A protestor said to a news reporter, "Managers can effect change if they choose to do the right thing." (produce change) 

The judge's settlement affected the hiring of fashion show models.

The settlement had effect on models who are too thin. (was able to influence) 

The judge effected a settlement between the too-thin runway model and the show directors who hired and fired her.  (ruled on / arbitrated) 

Common Mistakes

ERROR FIX

I didn't like how the medicine effected me. I didn't like how the medicine affected me. 

The medicine had some strange affects on me. The medicine had some strange effects on me.

I was effected by what he said to me. I was affected by what he said to me.What he said had an effect on me. (made an impression of me)

If General Motors fails, it will have a domino affect on the rest of the country. pop-q 11/23/08

If General Motors fails, it will have a domino effect on the rest of the country.   (The result of the failure will be that one aspect of the economy will bring down the next.)

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AFFECT  Additional Meanings

VARIANT MEANING EXAMPLES

TO CHANGE SOMETHING (v.)

Not having enough food affected her bone growth.

TO INFLUENCE FEELINGS (v.)

The movie affected me so much that I can't stop thinking about it.

TO ATTACK WITH DISEASE (v.)

Influenza affects millions of people each year.

TO BEHAVE IN A FAKE WAYPRETEND (v., adj, n.)

Madonna affected a British accent in her interview even though she was American.

Her mannerisms were affected.  Her affectation of speech was easily noticed.

FONDNESS  (n., adj.) Her affection for her family was great. She was very affectionate with them. Formerly, "affect" was used and meant "to love or regard with fondness". We still use this older meaning in the words: "affection" and "affectionate".

fake = unnatural; false; imitationn. = noun; v. = verb;  v.p .= verb phrase

EFFECT  Additional Meanings

VARIANT MEANING EXAMPLES

A RESULT (n.) Satisfaction and dissatisfaction with body image is often a cultural effect.

AN INFLUENCE (n.) She was under the effect of diet pills that made her irritable.

AN INTENT/ESSENCE (n.)

The effect of their plan was to remove harmful images from their daughters' magazines.

AN VISUAL IMPRESSION (n.)

Air brushing and other special effects change the appearance of models on magazine covers.

POWER TO INFLUENCE (v.p.)

Glamorous images have an effect on young girls.

BECOME OPERATIVE (v.p. )

The law will go into effect at the first of the year.

The new law would take effect immediately.  (begin to produce results)

PRODUCE AN INTENDED RESULT (adj)

They hope the law will be effective.

personal effects (n.) When she left, she took her personal effects with her. (belongings)

to the effect (with the meaning)

She became thin to the effect she was too weak to walk and fainted often.

in effect (in essence, actually)

They stopped hiring too-thin models which in effect meant the models would need to gain some weight to be hired.

A SCIENTIFIC EFFECT The domino effect is a chain reaction that occurs when a small change causes a similar change nearby and so on.

n. = noun; v. = verb;  v.p .= verb phraseWikipedia, "List of Effects", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_effectsDuring vs. In

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Both during and in can be used when talking about periods of time.However, there are some differences and some unique instances of use.  Contrast the examples below.  * marks examples that sound bad.

Emphasis on a Period of Time

DURING - EMPHASIS ON ACTIVITY DURATION IN - EMPHASIS ON EXACTLY WHEN

"throughout" "at this time"

We are on vacation during July. We are on vacation in July.

We'll sleep during the day and party at night. We'll sleep in the day and party at night.

The sea was warm during the summer. The sea was warm in the summer.

I woke up several times during the night. I woke up several times in the night.

Emphasis on Activity

DURING - EMPHASIS ON ACTIVITY DURATION * IN - EMPHASIS ON EXACTLY WHEN

We had a great time during our stay there. * We had a great time in our stay there.

We went to the beach several times during our stay. * We went to the beach several times in our stay.

I met lots of exciting people during that month. * I met lots of exciting people in that month.

We had some phenomenal experiences during our trip.

* We had some phenomenal experiences in our trip.

The shop is closed during the whole month of July. * The shop is closed in the whole month of July.

  * awkward sounding

Emphasis on Exactly When

IN - EMPHASIS ON EXACTLY WHEN * DURING - EMPHASIS ON ACTIVITY DURATION

We stayed there in July, not in August. * We stayed there during July, not during August.

We went to the beach in the mornings, not in the afternoons.

* We went to the beach during the mornings, not during the afternoons.

I told him not to go there in the spring. (season) * I told him not to go there during the spring.

 * a little awkward sounding, but technically not incorrect

With Present Perfect

"During" is compatible with present perfect tense indicating ongoing activity (ies), but not compatible with completed activities.

ONGOING ACTIVITY OR EXPERIENCE RECENTLY COMPLETED ACTIVITY

Where have you been?We have been here during the evening.    (ongoing; still here) 

* We have been at the movies during the evening. (completed; no longer there)* We have recently gone to Buenos Aires during the spring break.    (completed; no longer there)

What have you been doing?We have been writing a book during our summer * We have just finished writing a book during our

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break. (ongoing; still writing) summer break. (completed; no longer working)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has been closed during these past few years.   (ongoing; still closed)

*The Leaning Tower of Pisa has been closed during the last decade. (completed; no longer working)

Have you been to Paris during the spring? (experience)Yes, we have been to Paris during the spring. (experience; "the spring" is not specific to "this spring")

* Yes, we have been to Paris during this spring. ("this spring" already passed)

  * awkward sounding

Work-Arounds

COMMON ERRORS FIXES

* The Stanford theater has been closed during the month of July.

The Stanford theater is / was closed during the month of July.

* We have been at the movies during the evening.   (Recent experience; no longer there)

  We've been at the movies this / all evening.

Emphasis

The following connectors introduce dependent clauses expressing emphasis. in deed  —  more so, interjection in fact     — detail as proof even — unexpected  or exceptional occurence

INDEED /  IN FACT EVEN

EMPHASIS -  MORE SO / INTERJECTION EMPHASIS - UNEXPECTED / SURPRISING

He made a gingerbread house.  Indeed, he made a fancy one!

This gingerbread house is even fancier than the one before.

Everyone said "ah" when they saw it.  Indeed! They were amazed. 

Everyone was delighted, even amazed, when they saw it.

EMPHASIS - ON DETAILS / IN TRUTH / ACTUALLY

EMPHASIS - EXCEPTIONAL OCCURRENCE

He's a master at building gingerbread houses. In fact, he's a teacher at the Culinary Academy.

He's a master at building gingerbread houses. He even teaches his art at the Culinary Academy.

He made it fairly quickly.  In fact, he did most of it in just one day.

He makes them in one day.  He even works late to get them done.

He loves to work by himself. In fact, he wouldn't have it any other way.

He loves to work by himself.  He even prefers it that way.

Common Mistake

ERROR FIX

*He even works though he is retired.  He works even though he is retired. (unexpected

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   (Unclear meaning for "even".) outcome)He works, even into his retirement years. (emphasis-exceptional occurrence)

Contrast "Even"

Even vs. Even Though

EVEN - emphasis EVEN THOUGH - unexpected outcome

See even above. See because-though

He cooks, even bakes, for all his friends.He cooks and bakes even though he doesn't have much time.

He has his own bakery, even does private catering.He does a lot of catering even though he doesn't advertise at all.

His creations are beautiful and taste even better.His chocolate cake is amazing even though it has no butter in it.

Even If  vs. Even Though

EVEN If - without condition EVEN THOUGH - unexpected outcome

See even if. See because-though

I'll help you even if I don't have much time.(I may or may not have time. In either condition, I'll help.)

I'll help you even though I don't have much time.  (I don't have much time, still I will help.)

I like to walk to work even if it is raining.(It may or may not be raining. In either condition, I walk.)

I like to walk to work even though it is raining.(It's raining, still I like to walk to work.)

Even if he doesn't say so, he loves you.(He may or may not say so. In either condition, he loves you.)

Even though he doesn't say so, he loves you.(He doesn't say so, still he loves you.)

Punctuation

Commas

A comma is used to mark a change from standard word order.

No comma is used for standard word order.

INITIAL-POSITION ADVERB MID-POSITION ADVERB

We paid $5 per gallon.  Indeed, we paid too much! We paid $5 per gallon.  In fact, we paid too much.*We paid $5 per gallon.  Even, we paid too much.

We did indeed pay too much. We did in fact pay too much.*We did even pay too much.

*ungrammatical examples Gas is indeed more expensive than before.Gas is in fact more expensive than before.Gas is even more expensive than before.

"Even" at the beginning of a sentence is not used as a transition word.

"Even" in mid-sentence phrases, requires commas.

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We paid five dollars per gallon!  Even four is unreasonable.Even I wouldn't stop at a station that sells gas for $5.

Five dollars, even four, is too much to pay for a gallon of gas.We paid a lot, even more than usual.

 

Conditional Adverbs

Indicating means for desireable outcomes

If, only if, unless, otherwise, or else

IF UNLESS  (if not)

If and only if are used to introduce dependent clauses stating conditions for desired outcomes.

Unless and otherwise are used to introduce dependent clauses stating the conditions for a desired outcome in a negative context.

If you cook your turkey like this, you will have a tender turkey.(if this condition is met)  

Unless you cook your turkey like this, you will have a tough turkey.(if this condition is not met)

 ONLY IF  (one specific condition) OTHERWISE  (if not)

Only if you cook your turkey like this, will you have a delicious dinner.(under this condition - emphasizes this specific condition)

Cook your turkey like this. Otherwise, you will have a tough turkey.(if using other methods)

 if this condition is met = under this condition

Condition & Result Phrasing

CONDITION RESULTING ACTION CONNOTATION

If you use a thermometer,you will know when your turkey is done.

This is one way to tell when it's ready. There may be other ways as well.

Only if you use a thermometer,will you know when your turkey is done.

There is only one way to tell when it's done. (Specifically, use this way.)

Unless you use a thermometer,you won't know when your turkey is done.

Not using a thermometer will give bad results. (Listen to me!)

Use a thermometer. Otherwise, you won't know when your turkey is done.

Not using a thermometer will give bad results. (Using other ways is unsatisfactory!)

Use a thermometer, or else you won't know when your turkey is done.

Not using a thermometer will give bad results. (Using other ways is unsatisfactory!)

Note:  Sometimes, using the negative form is a way for the speaker to impose his/her will. Compare: "Are you tired?" and "Aren't you tired?".  The speaker, when using the negative, wants the listener to agree.

Only IF - Requires Word Order Change

CONDITION RESULTING ACTION  If you dry your dishes with a towel, they will be spotless!Only if you dry your dishes with a towel, will they be spotless!

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If you use Zing dish soap, you  get really clean dishes.  (get = do get)

Only if you use Zing dish soap, do you get really clean dishes.

If you used Zing dish soap, you  got really clean dishes.  (got = did get)

Only if you used Zing dish soap, did you get really clean dishes.Note: If there is no auxiliary verb , you will need to add one.

Only if vs. If only

ONLY IF IF ONLYunder one condition a regretful wishOnly if  you dry your dishes with a towel, will they be spotless!

If only  I had more time, I could relax.

Only if  you clean up your room, will you find your lost jeans.

If only  you would clean up your room, you would find your lost jeans.

Even if  & Whether or not

EVEN IF WHETHER OR NOT without condition; used before a negative condition or verb

without condition; used with a positive verb

I'll help you even if I don't have much time.  I'll help you whether or not I have much time.  I like to walk to work even if it is raining. I like to walk to work whether or not it is raining.Even if your father doesn't say it, he loves you. Whether or not your father says it, he loves you.

Also see  even if  Adverbs of Emphasis

Lie vs. Lay

Lie - Lay:   Who is on the couch – the agent (subject) or the receiver (object)?

LIE LAY

Lie or lie down is something a person does. (intransitive verb)

Lay is something a person does to something or someone. (transitive verb)

The baby is lying on the couch. I am laying the baby down for a nap.

She lies down for a nap on the couch everyday. I lay the baby down for her nap at noon everyday.

I lay down on the couch to get rid of my headache last night.  (past tense)

I laid the book on the table a minute ago.   (past tense)

I have lain here for an hour waiting for my headache to go away.

I have just laid her down for a nap.

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You should lie down a little while longer. I will lay the plans out for you.

An intransitive verb does not take an object.  A transitive verb requires an object.

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LIE  Additional Uses

EXPRESSIONS EXAMPLES

*BE LOCATED   (v.) The new church lies north of town.  (present tense) The old church lay to the south.  (past tense)

*TO HAVE DIRECTION   (v.)

The mountains lie to the east.  (present tense)

*REMAIN   (v.) The ship lay in anchor in the harbor. (past tense)

*EXIST  (v.) The choice lay between hiking east or sailing west.   (past tense)

BE LAZY  (v.) After only a couple hours, he lay down on the job.   (past tense)

HIDE  (v.) The pirates lay low until they could escape without anyone seeing them.   (past tense)

TAKE WITHOUT PROTEST  (v )

He won't take that lying down.  He will surely fight back.

 

Lie — Fib Homonyms

MEANING EXAMPLES

NOT TELL THE TRUTH   (v.)

He lies to his friends.  He is lying now. He lied to you then and has lied to you many times. He's a liar.

A MERCY LIE She told a white lie to save her friend from feeling hurt.  She said, "Nice dress."

LIE OPENLY / BOLDLY He was lying through his teeth when he said he was a doctor. He hadn't even finished high school.

 

LAY  Additional Expressions

PHRASAL VERB EXPRESSIONS EXAMPLES

BE ILL AT HOME   (v.) He was laid up for two months before he could get back to work.  (passive voice)

PUT AWAY   (v.) If they lay aside their differences, they can talk peace. 

PLACE ASIDE FOR SAVING   (v.)

She lays away part of her pay check each month.

A PURCHASING PLAN  (n.)

We put the new washing machine on lay-away until we have enough money.

STOP FIGHTING   (v.) The generals laid down their weapons.  (past tense)

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STORE   (v.) Farmers lay in grain for the winter.

DISMISS FROM EMPLOYMENT   (v.)

I was laid off during the recession. (passive voice)

ARRANGE   (v.) We laid out the table with our finest dishware. (informal speech- past tense)

SPEND    (v.) He laid out $250 for a new suit.  (informal speech- past tense)

EXPRESSIONS

BURY  (v.) They laid him to rest on Sunday.  (past tense)

PUT AWAY  (v.) Lay to rest any thoughts of danger.  We have fixed the problem.

MAKE IT EASIER FOR   (v.)

The legislation laid the foundation for more law suits. (made it easier for)

PLACE RESPONSIBILITY   (v.)

They laid the blame on us.  (past tense)

NATURE OR CONDITION  (n.)

The lay of the land here is hilly.

PUT RULES  IN PLACE   (v.)

He walked into the room and laid down the law.   (informal speech- past tense)

SEE    (v.) I haven't laid eyes on him for over a month.  (informal speech- past tense)

FAIL BADLY    (v.) The movie was terrible.  The producers laid an egg.  (informal speech- past tense)

FLATTER, COMPLIMENT TOO MUCH   (v.)

He was laying it on thick telling me he couldn't live without me.

STATE CLEARLY    (v.) The officer laid it on the line and told me not to drive over 65 m.p.h. (informal speech- past tense)

STOPPED    (v.) We laid over for one hour in Los Angeles before continuing to San Francisco.

GET, ACQUIRE     (v.) I'll buy an autographed baseball if I can lay my hands on one. (informal speech- past tense)

SPEAK OPENLY AND HONESTLY    (v.)

He needs to lay his cards on the table and tell us why he is really here.

DECLARE RIGHTS TO PROPERTY   (v.)

The pioneers laid claim to the lands they found. (past tense)

Common Mistakes

ERROR FIX

I laid down for a rest. I lay down for a rest.   (lie – past tense)I laid the baby down for a rest.    (lay – past tense)

Lay down! You lie down.     (lie – past tense)  Lay down your gun! (missing object) (lie – past tense)

He won't take that lying down.  He will surely fight back.  pop-q- 12/7/08

He won't take that lying down.  He will surely fight back. (expression)

She has laid in her bed all day. She has lain in her bed all day.   (lie – past perfect)She has laid her clothes out on the bed.   (lay – past perfect)

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Like- As

Making comparisons ... and much more

There is much disagreement in describing or labeling as or like.   These words are best learned in context.

Like vs. AS

LIKE AS  same form, appearance, kind, character – followed by a noun or noun phrase

  in the manner – followed by a clause (subj + verb)

My brother is like me.  (prep.) My brother thinks as I do. (conj.)He's smart like a fox.  (prep.) He is as smart as a fox .  (idiom)He's more like forty than twenty.  (adv) He writes as a man in his forties writes.  (conj.)

LIKE — Additional Meanings

VARIANT MEANING EXAMPLESOF THE SAME FORM (adj.) A haven't seen a like model.   We collect trains, cars, buses and like models.OF THE SAME FORM (noun) A haven't seen its like.    We collect model t trains, cars, buses and their like.CHARACTERISTIC (prep.) It would be like him to forget my birthday.SIMILAR OR COMPARABLE (prep.)

There is nothing like a tall cold drink.

EXAMPLE (adv.) You could take up a hobby, like fishing, hiking or cycling.SIMILAR OR COMPARABLE  (adv.)

He was a hippie-like guy with a tie-dye T-shirt.

INCLINED  (idiom–prep.) Do you feel like going to a movie?PROMISE / INDICATIVE (idiom- prep.)

It (the sky) looks like rain today.

REQUEST-PREFER (idiom–verb)

I'd like you to come with us.

SUIT YOUR PREFERENCE (idiom–verb)

You can come or you can go as you like.

 

Informal - Like

ATTENTION GETTER (interjection)

Like, has anyone seen my cell phone lying around?

HESITATOR (uh.. or well...) We were more... like... borrowing his car.INTRODUCE REPORTED SPEECH

He's like, "You're totally wrong, " and I'm like, "No, way!"

AN EQUAL   (idiom) We haven't seen the likes of him before.AS IF (conj.) I felt like I could stay there forever. (informal for "as if"l)

AS — Additional Meanings

VARIANT MEANING EXAMPLESEXAMPLE (adv.) Some flowers, as the rose, require a lot of care.CONSIDERED TO BE (adv.) We view the church and state as two separate entities.IN THE MANNER (adv.) He paid for the room and dinner as agreed. (as we had agreed.)AT THE TIME (conj) Please pay as you leave.WITH THE PURPOSE (conj.) The speaker spoke so convincingly as to rally everyone to unite.SINCE / BECAUSE (conj.) As you are up, will you please get me a glass of water.THOUGH (conj.) Smart as he may be, he forgot to consider his own weaknesses.

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THAT (pronoun) I have had the same problem as you have.TO THE EXTENT (idiom.) As far as I know, we still aren't done yet.WHILE   (idiom.) As long as he is here, we'll never have peace!IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION (idiom.)

I bought the car as is. (in a non-negotiable, no-guarantee condition)

ALSO (idiom.) They are resourceful, intelligent as well as compassionate. IN RESPECT TO (idiom.) As for traveling to the war-zone, I wouldn't advise it.BEGINNING (idiom.) As of  April 1st, we are no longer accepting credit cards.

Common Mistakes

ERROR FIXHe was like "I'm so out here."(Perhaps not an error, but certainly restricted to informal use.)

pop-q 4/3/09 

He said, "I'm leaving."   or He said, "I've had enough!" 

He looks like he needs a place to rest.He look likes he needs a place to rest.

He looks as if he needs a place to rest.  (as though)He looks like a tired dog.  (noun)

Make and Do

Creating versus performing

MAKE  DO create or arrange  perform or execute a job or planMake something.  (create) Do something!  (move, act, perform) She is making a new dish (recipe).  (is creating, preparing)

He is doing the dishes.  (is washing) 

He is making travel plans.  (is arranging)He is doing the accounts.  (performing the accounting job)

MAKE — Additional Meanings

VARIANT MEANING EXAMPLESERROR (idiom) I made a mistake.GIVE   V. He made a good speech. PREPARE   v. She made dinner.ARRANGE, PUT TOGETHER v. Please, make your bed.EARN v. I'm trying to make a living.BE LOGICAL (idiom) That doesn't make sense.DO GOOD DEEDS (idiom) He wants to make a difference.MOVE FORWARD, IMPROVE (idiom) I'm making progress.TELL, GIVE, THINK UP (idiom) He made an excuse for being late.DECIDE, FINALIZE (idiom) Make up your mind!IMPRESS FAVORABLLY (idiom) He made an impression on us.RECONCILED, GET BACK TOGETHER (idiom) Bill and his brother made up.MANAGE, GET BY (idiom) We'll have to make do until Friday.APPLY COSMETICS (idiom) She is making up her face.SELECT WELL (idiom) Did you make a good choice.SUCCEED (idiom) We made out well in the stock market.COMPLETE LATE (idiom) I made up missing assignments.STEAL (idiom) The burglar made off with my television.

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DO — Additional Meanings

VARIANT MEANING EXAMPLESGREETING (idiom) How do you do?OCCUPATION  v. What do you do?GREETING (idiom) How are you doing?TRIES (idiom) He always does his best.  (tries) STYLE v. Are you going to do your hair?MANAGE, SURVIVE, GET BY (idiom) Can you do without cigarettes.PERFORM CHARITABLE WORK  (idiom) Do a good turn each day.REPEAT(idiom) I had to do it all over.DINE, EAT Let's do lunch sometime?

Make and Do - Causative

MAKE DO   CAUSATIVE – To force someone or something to do something

 CAUSATIVE – To cause something to happen

He made the children clean their rooms.  He did me a favor.She made me laugh with her joke.  She did  me wrong!We made them try.  It will do you no wrong. (cause)They made him die.  They did him in. (injure, cheat or swindle)

Sit vs. Set

Sit - set:   Who is sitting  – the agent (subject) or the receiver (object)?

SIT SET

Sit or sit down is something a person or animal does. (intransitive verb)

Set is something a person does to something or someone. (transitive verb)

My dog is sitting by the door.   (present progressive)The woman is setting the pup next to its mother. (present progressive)

My dog sits next to my desk while I am working. (present)

She sets the pup down next its mother so it can nurse.  (present)

She sat down next to me and stayed there.  (past)She set the pup down next its mother a minute ago.  (past)

She has sat with me several times before.  (present perfect)

She has set her down several times, but it wanders away.  (present perfect)

Sit down!  Good dog.  (command) Set the pup down and leave it alone.  (command)

An intransitive verb does not take an object.  A transitive verb requires an object.

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SIT  Additional Meanings

MEANING EXAMPLES

POSE  (v.) He sat for an artist who painted his picture.  It took several sittings.   (past tense)

TO BE LOCATED   (v.) Our house sits on a hill over the town.  (present tense)

REST OR LIE   (v.) He has an aura of greatness that sits upon him.  (present tense)

REMAIN INACTIVE  (v.) Congress let the bill sit for several months.  

HOLD A POSITION  (v.) Thurgood Marshall sat on the Supreme Court for twenty-four years.   (past tense)

BABYSIT  (v.) She baby sits for us every Saturday night.

PHRASAL VERBS 

SIT DOWN  (v.) Please sit down and stay for a while.  (be seated)

SIT UP  (v.) Sit up straight and put your hands in your lap. (maintain good posture)We sat up late talking last night.  (delayed going to sleep)

SIT ON/UPON  (v.) They sat on the news for several weeks before revealing the truth. (hid)

SIT IN  (v.) The violinist had to sit in for another musician who was ill.  (take the place of)

SIT OUT  (v.) Because he had a cold, he had to sit out the next game.  (be absent from)

EXPRESSIONS

SIT PRETTY  (v.) He was sitting pretty until the police figured out his scam and sent him to jail. (be in a comfortable situation)

SIT TIGHT  (v.) Just sit tight.  We'll be there in a few minutes.  (remain patient and calm)

SIT ON ONE'S HANDS (v.)

The officials sat on their hands instead of taking action. (failed to take appropriate action)

 

SET  Additional Meanings

MEANING EXAMPLES

SET THE TABLE  (v.) She set the table with her best silverware. (past tense)

SET  (v.) (place in position) She set the painting on end because it looked better that way.  (past)

SET FIRE  (v.) They set fire to his house.  (past tense)

SET HAIR   (v.) The hairdresser washed and set my grandmother's hair. (put in rollers to curl)

SET THE VALUE   (v.) The agent set the value of our house at one million dollars. (past tense)

SET TO WORK   (v.) Snow White set to work cleaning up the seven dwarves house.  (past tense)

SET A DATE   (v.) We set our wedding date for August 25. (past tense)

SET FREE  (V.) She opened the bird cage and set the pigeon free. (past tense)

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SET LIMITATIONS   (v.) The government set a limit on how much they would loan the automakers. (past tense)

SET ONE'S MIND  (v.) You can achieve anything you want if you set your mind to it. (past tense)

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE   (v.)

By helping others, he set a good example for his kids. (past tense)

SET A FAST PACE   (v.) Michael Phelps set a fast pace for all the other swimmers. (past tense)

SET A DEVICE  (v.) He set the clocks to the correct time, then he set the thermostat to 68 degrees.  (past tense)

SET A DIAMOND  (v.) The jeweler set four diamonds and two pearls on her wedding ring.

SET A FOUNDATION  (v.) They set the bridge supports in concrete.   (to place or plant firmly - past tense)

SET A LIMB    (v.) The doctor set his leg after he had broken it.  (reposition or straighten a broken bone - past tense)

SET TO MUSIC    (v.) The musician set the words to music.  (wrote music for lyrics - past tense)

SET SAIL   (v.) The ship set sail at dawn. (went to sea - past tense)

SET    (v.) The carpenter glued the leg on the chair and let it set for 24 hours. (harden- past tense)The Jello set after being in the refrigerator for three hours. (gelled)

SUNSET   (N.) / SET    (v.) Sunset is at 8:30 p.m.  The sun sets later in summertime.

SET A RECORD    (v.) Michael Phelps set a record for winning the most swimming competitions. (past tense)

SET ABOUT    (v.) (begin) He set about putting is finances in order. (past tense)

SET AGAINST    (v.) (oppose)

He was set against borrowing any money.

SET APART    (v.) (distinguish)

Her bright red hair set her apart from all the other performers.

SET UP    (v.) (initiate, install, arrange)

He set up my computer with speakers, a printer and a scanner.

SET OFF As soon as it was dark, we set off the fireworks. (exploded)We set off on our trip as soon as we could. (departed)Her purple silk dress was set off by tiny beading across the front. (accented)

Common Mistakes

ERROR FIX

I think I'll set down for a rest. I think I'll sit down for a rest.   (intransitive)I I think I'll set the dog down for a rest.    (transitive)

Set down! Sit down.   (intransitive)Set it down (transitive)

She has setted the table already. She has set the table already.   (past participle is same as present)

 

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Say versus Tell

 

SAY –  QUOTED AND INDIRECT SPEECH TELL –  INDIRECT SPEECH

She said, "Hello, I am the your guide".  (quoted speech)

She told us that she was our guide.  (indirect speech)

She said, "Hello" to us. She greeted us. (indirect speech)

She said to us, "Hello, I am your guide." She greeted us and told us  that she was our guide. (indirect speech)

She said "Follow me."  (request / command) She told us to follow her.  (request / command)

She said that she was our guide.  (indirect speech) She told us that she was our guide.  (indirect speech)

SAY  Expressions

EXPRESSION SENTENCE

INDICATE OR SHOW What time does the clock say ?

ATTENTION GETTER Say, can you help me?

TO SAY PRAYERS Say your prayers and go to bed.

TO ASSUME A HYPOTHESES

Let's say , for the sake of argument, that the "earth is flat".

TO BE CERTAIN It's hard to say exactly what is wrong.

A SOCIAL MESSAGE Finally, we have a leader with something to say.

FINAL AUTHORITY Who has the say-so here? (person with decision-making authority)

TELL Expressions

EXPRESSION SENTENCE

THE TRUTH, A LIE He always tells the truth / a lie.

RECOUNT  He tells me jokes / stories / anecdotes.

PLANS, FACTS, DETAILS

He told me his plans.

TIME, DATE, YEAR, HOUR

Could you tell me the time.

THE DIFFERENCE Can you tell the difference between black and navy blue?

TELL / SPILL SECRETS Do tell!

SCOLD She told him off after he missed their date.

INFORM, TATTLE She told on me after I took an extra cookie. I was in trouble with Mom.

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Common Mistakes

ERROR FIX

He said me that he would come at noon. He said to me that he would come at noon. He told me that he would come at noon.

He told that he was lost. He said that he was lost. He told everyone that he was lost.

A quick-thinking pizza man told he threw a large, hot pepperoni pizza at a gunman to stop

him.   Pop-q 12/14/08

A quick-thinking pizza man said (that) that he threw a large, hot, pepperoni pizza at a gunman to stop him.A quick-thinking pizza man told reporters (that) he threw a large, hot, pepperoni pizza at a gunman to stop him.A quick-thinking pizza man told reporters how he threw a large, hot, pepperoni pizza at a gunman to stop him.A quick-thinking pizza man told reporters about throwing a large, hot, pepperoni pizza at a gunman to stop him.

Used to vs. be used to

Remembering a former habit or being accustomed to something

Used to vs. be used to

USED TO + VERB BE USED TO + NOUN PHRASE A former habit  To be accustomed to something or an activityWe used to go camping every spring.  We would go camping every spring.

We are used to going camping every spring.  (We do it often.)

We used to get up early to go fishing.  We would get up early to sleep.

We were used to getting up early to go fishing.  (We get up early habitually.) 

We used to tell stories before bedtime.  We would tell stories ....

We were used to telling stories before bedtime.  (We told them often.)

Used to

Used to is used as an auxiliary verb and is followed by a verb. 

TIME FRAME EXAMPLES

  PASTWe used to play football after school.  (We don't anymore.)I used to spend a lot of time in cafe with my friends. (I don't anymore.)My dog used to be aggressive, but he's a mellower now.

Be used to

Be used to is a verbal phrase or expression that is followed by a noun or noun phrase.TIME FRAME EXAMPLES

 PRESENT We are used to hard work. FUTURE We will get used to working hard.  ("get" is mostly  used in the future and means

"become") PAST We were used to long hours at work.

We got used to long hours at work. ("get" emphasizes our taking action to do something)

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Common Mistakes

ERROR FIX

We are used to go camping every spring           pop-q 3/29/2009 

We used to go camping every spring. (We would go camping ...)We are used to going camping every spring. (It is a family custom.)

Adverb phrases : so ... that and so that

Showing Cause-Effect  vs. Purpose 

So... that vs. so that

SO (THAT) SO (adj / adv) THAT

EFFORT PURPOSE CAUSE EFFECT

We stayed out all night.

We watched the meteor storm. We stayed out all night.

We were cold and tired in the morning.  

We stayed out all night so (that) we could watch a meteor storm. (often with can or could)

We stayed out so long that we were cold and tired in the morning.  (long = adverb)

We stayed out all night in order to watch a meteor storm.

The meteor storm was so beautiful that we stayed out all night.  (beautiful = adjective)

 An effort is made with a specific purpose or future goal in mind.

 An action - past, present or future -has unplanned effects.

Similar Meaning

"So . . . that"  places emphasis on the adjective or adverb.  "So" simply states a result of an action.

SO (adj / adv) THAT , SO

CAUSE EFFECT CAUSE EFFECT

We stayed out all night.

We were cold and tired in the morning.  

We stayed out all night.

We were cold and tired in the morning.  

We stayed out so long that we were cold and tired in the morning. 

We stayed out all night, so we were cold and tired in the morning.

Punctuation of "so that" and "so"

Context and the use of a comma distinguish the meaning: 

PURPOSE - SO   RESULT -  SO  

The baby pulled the lever so (that) he could get some candy.

The baby cried, so his mother gave him candy.

  

No comma: The baby pulled the lever so (that) he could get some candy.The baby pulled the lever in order to get some candy.The baby pulled the lever to get some candy.

Comma: (or semi-colon between clauses)The baby cried, so his mother gave him some candy.The baby cried, therefore, his mother gave him . . .The baby cried; consequently, his mother gave him . .

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The baby pulled the lever for some candy. The baby cried; as a result, his mother gave him . . .

 More info: Punctuation - Combining Independent Clauses

Commonly Confused

So used with could

PURPOSE  - NO COMMA  - FUTURE INTENT RESULT - COMMA  - PRESENT REALITY

I took an Astronomy class so I could identify stars.I took an Astronomy class, so I could / can identify stars.

MEANING: I took the class with the intention of being able to identify stars.

MEANING:I took the class in college. As a result of taking it, I could (then) and can (now) identify serveral stars, understand the paths of the planets and name the constellations.

The action was undertaken with the intent to reach a goal (future-past) which may or may not have been reached.

The action was taken. Some expected and unexpected results occurred.

So and So!

soIt's so cold today.  I'm so glad to meet you.  (very)

, so He left, so I left too. (result)

so I want it so.  (in this way) so thatI left so that I could catch a bus. (purpose)

so He wants it and so do I.  (in the same way) so . . . thatIt was so hot that the candles melted. (result)

so-so I'm feeling so-so today. (mediocre) so to speakHe was pulling my leg, so to speak. (figuratively speaking)

so I was so right there! (truly, indeed) so much/many We bought so much. (quantity)

so Ten or so are here. (approximately) so asWe laughed so as to make light of the situation. (for the purpose of)

So!So! You took the last piece. (exclamation of shock or discovery)

so what?So what?  (Who cares? or What's the point?)

Cause & Effect: so-that vs. such-that

Emphasizing the quality or characteristic of something

So-that vs. Such-that

SO (adj / adv)  THAT SUCH  (adj + noun)  THATCAUSE EFFECT CAUSE EFFECTThe meteor-storm was beautiful.

We watched it all night.It was a beautiful meteor-storm.

We watched it all night.

The meteor-storm was so beautiful that we watched it all night. (adjective)

It was such a beautiful meteor-storm that we watched it all night.

The meteor-storm passed so quickly that it went by in one night. (adverb)

(Cannot make an equivalent sentence because "such" uses a "be" verb.)

Contrast

SO MUCH -  EMPHASIS ON QUANITITY SUCH  - EMPHASIS ON QUALITYWe will learn so much interesting information that it will take years to process it. (information is a non-count noun)

We will learn such interesting information that we will want to read more.

We will see so many beautiful stars that it will be hard *We'll see so beautiful stars that we'll be amazed.

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to count them. (stars is a count noun) We'll see such beautiful stars that we'll be amazed.

*awkward sounding

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