From abbe to ayes, there are a lot of confusing words that begin with “A.” Below are links to each of my articles that explain the differences between these words.
Dunfermline Abbey, wikimedia commons
Confusing Words from Abbe to Access – Would a nun live in an abbe or an abbey? Is the mother superior an abbess or an abyss? When you go faster, so you accelerate or exhilarate? Does a kidnapper abduct or adduct his victim? When you agree to something, do you accept it or except it? Is a surplus an access or an excess?
Confusing Words from Accidence to Adventurous – If you have had a lot of car wrecks, have you had several accidence or accidents? Is vinegar acetic, acidic, ascetic, or aseptic? If your neighbor is nosey, is she acquisitive or inquisitive? If you are a female who likes adventure, are you an adventurous or an adventuress?
Double Shells Afghan Blanket, www.etsy.com
Confusing Words from Adverse to Ally – When you seek help from a friend, are you asking for advice or advise? If you are wealthy, are you affluent or effluent? Is a soft blanket an afghan or an Afghan? Would your friend be an allay, an alley, or an ally?
Confusing Words from Allocation to Analyst – f something has been done previously, has it been done all ready or already? If everyone goes to the movies together, do they go all together or altogether? Would a magician perform an allusion, and elusion, or an illusion? Does one kneel to pray at an altar or an alter? Is an analyst or an annalist a historian?
Jacob wresting with the angel, wikimedia commons
Confusing Words from Anecdote to Ark – When you are bitten by a snake, do you need an anecdote or an antidote? Do math students learn how to measure an angel or an angle? Would you be taken on a picnic by your aunt or your ant?
Confusing Words from Arches to Avert – Would you be protected by arches or archers? Would an area or an aria be sung in an opera? Does a knight wear armoire or armor? Would you hire three assistance or three assistants to help you with your work? Do you have to write an assay or an essay for your history class?
Confusing Words from Avocation to Ayes – You are preparing to go on vacation. Are you going away or aweigh? When you chop down a tree do you use an ax or an acts? The drinks need to be kept chilled. Do you put them on ice or on eyes?
