Below is our list of grammar rules for writers. We give a quick explanation after each bullet point. But click on each link for further understanding and examples of correct usage.
- “A” before consonants and “an” before vowels is not the rule. Rather, the rule is that “a” is placed before consonant-sounding words and “an” before vowel-sounding words.
- A lot vs. alot vs. allot. “A lot” is either an adverb or pronoun, “allot” is a verb, and “alot” doesn’t exist.
- A moral vs. amoral vs. immoral. A “moral” person knows the difference between right and wrong and chooses the right way; an “immoral” person knows the difference and chooses the wrong way; an “amoral” person has no concept or recognition of the rules at all.
- Abate vs. bait vs. bate. Abate and bate both basically mean the same thing: to reduce the intensity of and/or deduct something (or even outright end it). Meanwhile, bait is a verb or noun that’s used to lure something or someone as if it’s prey, whether that’s as dinner or a customer.
- Adapt vs. adept vs. adopt. Adapt means to make something fit for a new use or purpose; adept refers to a well-trained person; and adopt refers to taking a child as your own or putting something into effect or practicing something (like adopting a resolution or a new singing style).
- Advice vs. advise. “Advice” is a noun, and “advise” is a verb.
- Affect vs. effect. “Affect” is usually used as a verb, while “effect” is usually a noun.
- Allude vs. elude. “Allude” means to suggest or hint at something, while “elude” means to evade or escape.
- Alright vs. all right. “All right” is a commonly used phrase for okay, while “alright” doesn’t technically exist.
- Analogy vs. metaphor vs. simile. A “metaphor” is something, a “simile” is like something, and an “analogy” explains how one thing being like another helps explain them both.
- Annual vs. perennial. When it comes to plants, annuals have to be planted each year while perennials do not.
- Anybody vs. anyone vs. somebody vs. someone. “Anybody” and “anyone” are interchangeable; also, “somebody” and “someone” are interchangeable. Further, there are times when anyone can be somebody, though other times when not just anybody can be a someone.
- FOR MORE CLICK HERE: