Common Usage Problems

1. Common Usage Problems Grammar with Mr. Steven Van Zoost

2. The word affect is a verb, meaning “to influence.” Example: Einstein’s work has affected the course of civilization. The word effect can function as a noun and a verb. The verb means “to make, to bring about.” Example: The commission was set up by the government to effect a reconciliation. Buteffect is more commonly a noun, meaning “consequence” or “result.” Example: The effects of radiation are frightening. Affect - Effect

3. Among is generally used to refer to more than two items. Example: The six thieves divided the loot among themselves. Generally, between refers to only two items. Examples: between you and me; between Canada and Cuba Among - Between

4. Standard usage is bad after the copula (linking ) verb (to be, to become, to remain, to feel, to seem, to appear, to look, to taste, and to smell) Examples: He felt bad when he hit the child; The fruit smelled bad. The adverb is badly. Example: He played badly last night. Bad - Badly

5. Farther is reserved for distance. Example: Let’s drive farther today. Further is used for extension. Examples: We shall speak further on this matter. Tempt me no further. Farther - Further

6. Lie (lay, have lain) means to recline Examples: I must lie down. Yesterday I lay in bed until ten. I have lain in bed all day. Lay (laid, have laid) means to put down, to set down. Examples: I will lay it here. The hens laid two eggs. I have laid the table. Lie - Lay

7. Something rises by itself. Examples: The moon rises. I rose at noon. The sun has risen. Something raises something else. Examples: I raise vegetables. They raised the chicken. The store has raised my wages. Rise - Raise