Page 80 - Basic English Grammar Student Textbook short

Study Section 17: Confusing Words

17.1 Connect

There are certain words in the English language that sound alike or closely alike and often are
confused with one another. To use the incorrect word is a demonstration of your ignorance, so
you want to be careful to know which one to use in a situation.

17.2 Confusing Words

English has many confusing words, especially those words that look alike and sound alike, as
well as those words that have similar meanings.

Accept vs. Except

accept (verb) except (preposition)
To admit or approve; to receive With the exception of
Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation. Everyone except John was at the party.
The woman accepted it graciously.

Practice 17A: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of accept or except.

1. To the gift of God is to live eternally.
2. Everyone Tony is expected to attend.

3. You should correction cheerfully.
4. Please my apology.

5. The students all did well on their exams one student.

Advice vs. Advise
advice (noun) advise (verb)
An opinion given with the intention of helping To give counsel or advice
My mother still gives me advice even though I'm 40 The meteorologist advised listeners to stay indoors
years old. because of the extremely cold temperatures.
His advice to me was to tell my teacher my problem. The older students will advise the younger ones on
the rules.

Practice 17B: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of advice or advise.
1. Will you the parents of the change in the test date?

2. The speaker offered the audience her words of .

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