We’re taking another look into misused and often misspoken words. Some words can be confusing at times, we’re here to clear up the confusion and replace it with confidence.
Confidence, in the way you speak, write and even while you listen. I think a good place to start would be from personal experience. I am constantly hearing mispronounced/misused words everywhere I turn. Truth is, everybody is tempted to use words they’re not too familiar with. English grammar can be tricky and in some instances, the words that sound right are actually wrong. Here are some examples, along with some suggestions on how to correct those errors:
FARTHER vs. FURTHER
Choosing between further and farther can be pretty difficult - sometimes the rule of thumb doesn’t work because it’s hard to decide whether the distance is physical or not. Luckily, in some cases it doesn’t matter particular sentence. That being said, here are some examples of both further and farther in sentence form.
I just can’t go any further.
How much farther do you plan on driving?
They traveled even farther into the forest than they had expected.
We’ll dive further in the next time around.
AFFECT vs. EFFECT
Affect is usually a verb, meaning to influence or act upon.
Here are some examples
The loss of his father affected him profoundly.
The noise outside affected my performance.
Maria was deeply affected by the acne medications.
2. Effect is usually a noun, meaning the result of an action.
What will be the effect of closing main street?
The protesters wanted to effect change in the government.
The drug has many adverse side effects.
LIE vs. LAY
Lie and Lay are often used interchangeably. Lay is a transitive verb meaning it requires one or more objects and of course, a subject. Lie, on the other hand, is an intransitive verb. It doesn’t need an object.
Lay needs an object. Lie doesn’t.
I just want to lie in bed all day.
The moody girl likes to lie in the sun.
Jordan lays her purse on the chair every afternoon.
P.S. Lye is an alkaline solution
Author: Joe Cervantes, Marketing Associate