Off we go . . .
About vs. Around (in reference to time and numbers)
About (adverb, preposition, adjective): reasonably close (almost), in the vicinity (near),
Around (adverb, preposition, adjective): from one place to another, in every and any direction
Both words can mean with some approach to exactness (approximately).
Examples:
The class starts about 10AM.
I gave it just about everything I had.
I’m gonna rock around the clock tonight.
It costs around $5.
I read something, somewhere that gave a much clearer understanding of using both words, but I can’t remember it. If anyone has an easier/clearer way to distinguish the two words in regard to time and number, please let us know. Boy, I wish my memory was better.
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Affect versus Effect
Affect (verb): the conscious subjective of an emotion apart from bodily changes.
Effect (noun): basic meaning, intent, something that inevitably follows an antecedent, an outward sign, fulfillment, power to bring about a result, a distinctive impression.
Examples:
Not knowing the skills needed might affect his chances of getting the position.
Getting an A might affect his parent’s future expectations.
The effects of the drug finally wore off.
Being punished had no effect on Timmy’s behavior.
I remember once reading that “affect” deals with the non-physical and “effect” deals with the physical. But, since one is a verb and the other a noun, that should be a helpful clue also.
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All ready vs. Already
All ready: done, completely ready.
Already (adverb): by or before the given or implied time.
Examples:
The students were all ready to go.
I already cooked dinner.
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All Right vs. Alright
All right (adjective, adverb): satisfactory, safe, good.
Alright is a disputed variable of “all right.”
Examples:
Is it all right to leave now?
All right, you can leave now.
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Farther vs. Further
Farther (adverb, adjective): to a greater distance, extent, or point.
Further (adverb, adjective, transitive verb): farther, in addition, to a greater degree or extent.
Examples:
He threw the ball farther than the last attempt.
The town is farther than I thought.
We need to research further for answers.
The more work I do, the further I get.
In a recent article at http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/10-common-errors-spell-check-won-t-catch-2039083/#poll-86A687227A3211DF922CE2CA55AE989C, an excellent description of the proper usage of both words is given:
“While both words refer to distance, grammar
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