A Practical Guide To Business Writing: Writing In English For Non-Native Speakers

Chapter 6

Avoid Confusing Words

This chapter highlights words that are most commonly misused in everyday writing tasks, and gives contextual examples to help the writer appreciate the difference.

Here is a list of these easily confused words, along with their actual meaning and examples of their correct usage.

Accept	Except
Accept means “to receive.”	Except means “not including.”
Please accept my gift.	We found everything except the right document.
Access	Excess
Access means “admittance, a way of approach.”	Excess means “larger amount than needed.”
No one had access to the office.	The contract was in excess of $1 million.
Advice	Advise
Advice (noun): is an “opinion about what should be done.”	Advise (verb): means “to recommend.”
The instructor gave good advice.	The officer advised the driver to slow down.
Affect	Effect
Affect is usually a verb meaning “to influence.”	Effect is usually a noun meaning “result.”
The cost will affect the final contract.	His opinion had no effect on my decision.
Believe	Belief
Believe (verb)	Belief (noun)
I believe a bonus for our employees should be based on employees′ performance.	I have been informed that two employees at the ABC branch do not eat certain meats due to their religious beliefs.
Complement	Compliment
Complement means “to complete something.”	Compliment means “praise” or “congratulate.”
That blue tie complements the grey shirt.	Mr. Ali complimented us on our efficient office.
Co-operation	Corporation
Co-operation means working together.	Corporation ...