Misused Word


Misused words occur in many shapes and sizes. Often students substitute a word that sounds like the word they want to use, but they are a little bit off.

Example:

There is no dissemination between right and wrong.

Correct: There is no discrimination between right and wrong.


Sometimes the misusage involves a word that sounds exactly like another word (a homonym), but the wrong form is used. A good example of this is the difference between "effect" and "affect."

 "effect" is usually the noun form. It is the result of a cause.

Example:

The new skin lotion had the effect of discoloring her moles.

 "affect" is usually the verb form. It is used to illustrate the notion of one item acting on another.

Example:

All of that highway noise has affected my hearing.

However, there are two exceptions to this rule.

1)"Affect" can be used as a noun if it is describing a particular inflection used by a person.

Example:

The minister speaks with a flat affect.

2) "Effect" can be used as a verb when it indicates the act of bringing about a result.

Example:

Obesity in America has effected a change in the way spandex manufacturers test their products.


then vs. than


Of course, remember that the best way to prevent misusage is to always look up a word before you use it. you should be able to determine if the meaning is one you intend if you use a good dictionary.