Commonly Misused and Misspelled Words

Summary

In this Acom 2302 lesson, the focus is on the grammar, spelling, and punctuation (GSP) module, emphasizing the importance of a strong GSP foundation for good writing. The instructor discusses common mistakes with misused and misspelled words, such as 'effect' vs. 'affect,' 'accept' vs. 'except,' and the correct use of contractions and possessives. The lesson aims to improve writing skills by highlighting these often-confused words and providing mnemonic devices to help students remember their proper usage.

Takeaways

• 📚 This week's focus is on the grammar spelling and punctuation (GSP) module, emphasizing its importance as the foundation for good writing.
• 🔍 A GSP refresher is beneficial, as proper usage forms the basis of all good writing and helps in becoming a good writer.
• 📝 Misused or misspelled words can significantly impact the quality of writing, making it crucial to address common mistakes.
• 👀 The session begins with a discussion on commonly misspelled and misused words, aiming to improve writing by recognizing these errors.
• ⚖️ The difference between 'effect' and 'affect' is clarified, with 'affect' used as a verb to denote influence and 'effect' as a noun to indicate the result of an influence.
• 📑 'Accept' is a verb meaning to agree or receive favorably, while 'except' is a preposition used to indicate exclusion.
• 🤔 The use of contractions like 'it's' (it is/it has) is distinguished from possessive 'its', highlighting the importance of context in word choice.
• 🏡 The words 'there', 'their', and 'they're' are differentiated based on their meanings and uses, with mnemonic devices suggested for correct usage.
• 📈 The difference between 'your' (possessive) and 'you're' (you are) is highlighted, urging careful selection to avoid common mistakes.
• 🔢 The distinction between 'two' (preposition/toward) and 'too' (excessively) is made, with a mnemonic to remember their correct application.
• ⏰ 'Then' is used for time sequences, while 'than' is used for comparisons, a key differentiation for clear communication.
• 🌤️ The script differentiates between 'weather' (atmospheric conditions) and 'whether' (expressing doubt or choice), important for precise language use.
• 🪢 'Lose' is associated with the opposite of winning, while 'loose' refers to something not tight, with a mnemonic to remember the spelling.
• 📝 The phrase 'a lot' is always two words and should not be abbreviated, a common spelling rule to remember.
• 📝 The correct spelling of 'definitely' is emphasized, cautioning against autocorrect errors that may change it to 'defiantly'.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Acom 2302 module discussed in the script?

The main focus of the Acom 2302 module is the grammar spelling and punctuation (GSP) module, which aims to cover a variety of GSP topics to provide a refresher on the foundational skills for good writing.

Why is it important to have a strong foundation in GSP according to the script?

Having a strong foundation in GSP is important because proper GSP is the foundation for good writing, and good GSP usage is the foundation of all good writers. It helps in improving writing skills and ensuring clear communication.

What are some common mistakes discussed in the script that can affect writing?

Some common mistakes discussed in the script include the misuse and misspelling of words, which can significantly impact the quality and clarity of writing.

How does the script differentiate between the words 'affect' and 'effect'?

The script differentiates 'affect' and 'effect' by explaining that 'affect' is commonly used as a verb meaning to have influence, while 'effect' is more often used as a noun to denote influence or an outcome.

What is the difference between 'accept' and 'except' as explained in the script?

The script explains that 'accept' is used as a verb meaning to agree or receive favorably, whereas 'except' is a preposition used to indicate exclusion or leaving out.

How can one remember the correct usage of 'it's' and 'its'?

The script suggests that 'it's' with an apostrophe is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has', and can be checked by saying it out loud. 'Its' without an apostrophe indicates possession.

What are the distinct meanings of 'there', 'their', and 'they're' as discussed in the script?

The script clarifies that 'there' with an apostrophe is a contraction of 'they are', 'their' is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership, and 'there' without an apostrophe refers to a place or idea.

What is the difference between 'your' and 'you're' according to the script?

The script explains that 'your' without an apostrophe is a possessive pronoun, while 'you're' with an apostrophe is a contraction of 'you are'.

How does the script help distinguish between 'two' and 'too'?

The script advises that 'two' with one 'o' is a preposition or can be replaced with 'toward', while 'too' with two 'o's is an adverb indicating excess or addition.

What is the difference between 'then' and 'than' as explained in the script?

The script explains that 'then' with an 'e' is used for indicating time or a sequence of events, while 'than' with an 'a' is used for making comparisons.

How does the script differentiate between 'weather' and 'whether'?

The script differentiates 'weather' with an 'e' as referring to atmospheric conditions like rain or sunshine, while 'whether' with an 'h' is used to express doubt or a choice between alternatives.

What is the key difference between 'lose' and 'loose' as discussed in the script?

The script clarifies that 'lose' is the opposite of 'win' and is related to failure or misplacing, whereas 'loose' refers to something not being tight or secure.

Why is it important to correctly spell 'definitely' according to the script?

The script emphasizes that 'definitely' is often misspelled, even by autocorrect, as 'defiantly', which has a different meaning. Correct spelling is crucial to convey the right message.

What additional resources are mentioned in the script for further learning on GSP?

The script mentions that there are additional video and slideshow content available for review, covering a variety of other grammar spelling and punctuation rules.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation

The speaker begins by welcoming the audience to a module focused on grammar, spelling, and punctuation (GSP). They emphasize the importance of GSP as the foundation for good writing, suggesting that even a refresher course on these topics is beneficial. The session aims to address common mistakes in word usage and spelling to improve writing skills. The speaker plans to discuss words that are often misused or misspelled, such as 'effect' and 'affect', 'accept' and 'except', and the correct use of contractions like 'it's' and possessive forms such as 'its'. The goal is to ensure that participants become more aware of these common errors and learn to avoid them, thus enhancing their overall writing capabilities.

05:02

📝 Commonly Confused Words and Spelling Mistakes

In this segment, the speaker delves into specific words that are frequently confused or misspelled, such as 'your' and 'you're', 'two' and 'too', 'then' and 'than', 'weather' and 'whether', 'lose' and 'loose', and 'definitely'. They provide clear distinctions and usage examples for each pair, highlighting the importance of understanding their differences to avoid common errors. The speaker also offers mnemonic devices to help remember the correct spellings and uses, such as associating 'two' with the idea of excess. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the importance of these distinctions for clear and effective communication, and the speaker suggests additional resources for further learning on GSP rules.

Keywords

💡Grammar Spelling and Punctuation (GSP)

Grammar Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) refers to the rules and conventions that dictate the correct use of language in writing. In the video, GSP is emphasized as the foundation for good writing, which is crucial for clear communication. The script discusses the importance of having a strong grasp of GSP to avoid common mistakes that can undermine the effectiveness of written work.

💡Misused Words

Misused words are those that are often used incorrectly due to their similar sounds or appearances. The video script highlights the impact of misusing words on the clarity and effectiveness of writing. Examples given include 'affect' and 'effect,' where 'affect' is used as a verb to denote influence, as in 'The player's knee injury affected his performance,' while 'effect' is used as a noun to describe the influence itself.

💡Misspelled Words

Misspelled words are those that are written incorrectly, leading to potential misunderstandings. The script underscores the importance of spelling words correctly to maintain the integrity of the message. It provides examples of commonly misspelled words and tips for avoiding such errors.

💡Effect vs. Affect

This pair of words is used to illustrate the difference between a verb and a noun in the context of influence. 'Effect' is used as a noun to describe the influence or outcome, as in 'The player's knee injury had a negative effect on his performance.' Conversely, 'affect' is used as a verb to denote the act of influencing, as in 'The player's knee injury affected his performance.'

💡Accept vs. Except

The script differentiates between 'accept,' which means to agree to or receive favorably, and 'except,' which is used to indicate exclusion. The example 'I accept the invitation to the party' demonstrates the use of 'accept' as a verb, while 'leaving out the details' would be an example of using 'except' to denote exclusion.

💡Its vs. It's

The script clarifies the use of 'its' as a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership, and 'it's' as a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has.' The correct usage is illustrated with the example 'It's been cold,' which is a contraction for 'it has been cold,' as opposed to 'the weather in its current state.'

💡There vs. Their vs. They're

This trio of homophones is often confused due to their similar pronunciation. 'There' is used to refer to a place or idea, 'their' is a possessive pronoun, and 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are.' The script advises focusing on the unique parts of each word to remember their correct usage, such as 'there' for location and 'their' for possession.

💡Your vs. You're

Similar to 'there', 'their', and 'they're', 'your' and 'you're' are often confused. 'Your' is a possessive adjective indicating ownership, while 'you're' is a contraction of 'you are.' The script advises using 'you're' when the sentence would read 'you are' if expanded, such as in 'You're never too old to go to college.'

💡Two vs. Too

The script distinguishes between 'two,' which is a number, and 'too,' which is an adverb indicating excess. 'Two' is used for numerical value, while 'too' is used to express that something is more than is suitable or desired, as in 'You are never too old to go to college.'

💡Then vs. Than

The script explains that 'then' with an 'e' is used to denote time or sequence, as in 'I ordered a pizza then I ate it,' while 'than' with an 'a' is used for comparison, as in 'I am more excited about this class than she is.'

💡Weather vs. Whether

The script clarifies that 'weather' with an 'e' refers to atmospheric conditions such as rain, snow, and sunshine, whereas 'whether' with an 'h' is used to express a doubt or a choice between alternatives, as in 'I'm whether you come with me or not.'

💡Lose vs. Loose

The script differentiates between 'lose,' which means to be deprived of or to fail to win, and 'loose,' which means not tight or not firmly held. The example 'I hope we don't lose this game' illustrates the use of 'lose,' while 'The rope was loose around the stairs' demonstrates the use of 'loose.'

💡A Lot

The script emphasizes that 'a lot' should always be two words, used to express a large number or amount. It is incorrect to write it as one word or to hyphenate it, as in 'There are a lot of opportunities available.'

💡Definitely

The script points out that 'definitely' is a word that is often misspelled, with 'defiantly' being a common error. 'Definitely' is used to express certainty or affirmation, as in 'I will definitely attend the meeting.' The script advises being cautious with its spelling, especially since autocorrect may incorrectly change it to 'defiantly,' which has a different meaning.

Highlights

Starting the grammar spelling and punctuation module.

GSP refresher is essential for good writing foundation.

Common mistakes in GSP can impact the quality of writing.

Words like 'effect' and 'affect' have different uses as verb and noun.

Using 'accept' as a verb and 'except' as a preposition to exclude.

Differentiating between contractions and possessive forms with 'it's' and 'its'.

Understanding the difference between 'there', 'their', and 'they're'.

Using 'your' as a possessive and 'you're' as a contraction of 'you are'.

The difference between 'two' as a number and 'too' as an adverb.

Using 'then' for time sequence and 'than' for comparison.

Correct spelling of 'weather' with an 'e' for atmospheric conditions.

Using 'whether' with an 'h' to express doubt or a choice.

The correct use of 'lose' for failure and 'loose' for not tight.

Always using 'a lot' as two words to indicate a large amount.

The importance of spelling 'definitely' correctly to avoid confusion with 'defiantly'.

Additional resources provided for further study on GSP.

Transcripts

hello and welcome back to Acom 2302 this

week we're going to be starting our

grammar spelling and punctuation module

and so we're going to cover a variety of

GSP topics this week um this might seem

a bit redundant or a bit Elementary or

lower level um however having a GSP

refresher is always a good idea because

as we discussed last week GSP um proper

GSP is really the foundation for good

writing and so it's really important

that we have a very strong Foundation

when it comes to grammar spelling and

punctuation rules so to kick us off

we're going to start with words and when

I say words we're going to talk about

misused and commonly misspelled words um

misusing a word or misspelling a word

can really kind of make or break

whatever you're writing and it's a

really easy mistake to make so we're

going to go through some of the common

mistakes that I've seen um and that you

might be making that also make sometimes

if I'm not careful so that way we can be

cognizant of those and we can be sure to

avoid

them so like I said this is all about

grammar spelling and punctuation it's

the basis of all good writing and good

GSP usage is the foundation of all good

writers we talked about how last week

good writers are not born but they are

created so having good GSP paying

attention to these things are very

important um to improve your writing

we're going to first start out with some

commonly misspelled and misused words

words that are just kind of hard to get

a grasp on that can be really easy to

mix up um and by learning what those

words are your writing will definitely

improve so first we have effect effect

versus aect so aect is more commonly

used as a verb and it means to have

influence or an effect on so for example

um The Player's knee injury affected his

imp his performance in the play and so

because the player had um an injury it

was impacting his performance in the

play in his sport whatever it is effect

on the other hand is more often used as

a noun that means influence and so in

this case the player's knee injury had a

negative effect on his performance in

the play so we're using this noun um in

a noun version to talk about um the

effects on his performance and on play

rather than the a

effects another is accept versus except

not really a good way to differentiate

differentiate between the two how to say

those two words but essentially except

with an a is um a verb which means to

agree or receive favorably so I accept

the invitation to the party and accept

with an e is um most often used as a

preposition meaning that you are

excluding leaving out but things like

that so it's with an apostrophe versus

it's without an apostrophe um of course

it's with an apostrophe is a

contraction A good rule of thumb is when

you have a contraction if you're not

sure if it's the right form you can say

the contraction out loud or in your head

to help see if it is the right form so

if you can replace it with an apostrophe

with it is or it has then you can use it

um for example it's been cold it has

been cold would be proper use of it with

an apostrophe it on um the other hand

with no apostrophe indicates possession

and you should use this when one thing

owns

another so now we have the theirs we

have there with an apostrophe r e their

e and their e e um very easy to confuse

but they have very distinct meanings so

we really want to make sure that we can

get these nailed down but the first

first there starting here on our left

hand side um is a contraction of they

are so again say that out loud um they

in the middle is a possessive meaning

someone owns something so again if

you're talking about um someone's home

or their cows or something like that you

can use this there to describe that and

then there with um r e re e at the end

refers to a place or an idea so focus on

here in the word as a reminder we have

that highlighted um on our right hand

side there but I love to go there and

Hike look over there so really focus on

the here portion of that word to help

you remember

that so now we are going to get into

your versus your so I already use when

someone writes you're an idiot of course

here we use the wrong your um so your

without um any sort of contraction or

apostrophe is a possessive so in other

words you own something is that your dog

running down the street I love your new

car your with an apostrophe re is a

contraction of you are again say that in

your head it'll be really helpful um

figuring out which you need to

use two versus two and we also don't

have the other two on there which is the

number two which is twwo but um we'll

just stick to these two right now two

with one O is a versatile um preposition

you can it can be used in place or

replaced with toward reaching as far as

until things like that two with two o's

and is an adverb meaning that something

is excessive in addition to veryy

extremely things like that so you you

are never too old to go to college

there's never an age where you are

exceeding the age um of if you can go to

college or not so think about it that

way two with two o's is a bit excessive

that's how I um remember it kind of

those little nimonic devices can be

helpful and choosing which word is

correct then versus then is one that we

see a lot but we don't talk about a lot

so then with an e um is used for time so

I ordered a pizza then I ate it if

you're describing a list of steps or

something like that a series of events

um you would use then with an E if

you're using then with an a you're

comparing something so I'm more excited

about this class than she is so A is for

comparison e is for indicating

time weather versus weather um so

weather with an EA is our weather snow

rain Sunshine storms hurricanes

tornadoes hot cold all that kind of

stuff whether with an H on the other

hand is um expressing a doubt or choice

between alternative so I'm going whether

you come with me or not he passed the

test whether by skill or by

luck lose versus loose is another one

that we see a lot so lose is the

opposite of win I hope we don't lose

this game whereas loose is when

something is not tight the Rope was

loose around the stairs horns my safety

harness is too loose again we have those

two o's which kind of makes the word um

looser than loose that's kind of another

way to remember

it a lot is always two words always

always always is a lot is two words um

you wouldn't write a little a bunch a

pork chop or anything like that so a lot

is always always always two words

the last rule or commonly um misspelled

word that I want to cover is definitely

definitely is one of those words that um

if you're not pretty on par with how

you're spelling it even autocorrect is

it going to correct it to definitely

they're going to correct it to defiantly

or um another incorrect word and so

please make sure that if you are trying

to spell definitely you are um and

autocorrect even autocorrects it for you

that you take note and make sure that

there's no a indefinitely because that's

defiantly and they mean very very

different things and so that's the last

one that I want to leave you with today

um as far as misused and misspelled

words um there are some other um video

and slideshow content for you to review

that relate to a variety of other

grammar spelling and punctuation rules

um that again are just good foundational

knowledge for you to have as a student

and eventually as someone out in the

workforce