Question 1

Accept vs. Except

Accepted Answer

Accept is a verb meaning to receive or to agree.
Example: He accepted their praise graciously.
 
Except is a preposition meaning all but, other than.
Example: Everyone went to the game except Alyson.

Question 2

Affect vs. Effect

Accepted Answer

Affect is a verb meaning to influence.
Example: Will lack of sleep affect your game?
 
Effect is a noun meaning result or consequence.
Example: Will lack of sleep have an effect on your game?
 
Effect can also be used as a verb meaning to bring about, to accomplish.
Example: Our efforts have effected a major change in university policy.
 
* A memory-aid for affect and effect is RAVEN: Remember, Affect is a Verb and Effect is a Noun.

Question 3

Adolescence vs. Adolescents

Accepted Answer

Adolescence is is the period of human development that occurs between the onset of puberty and adulthood.
Example: Children who witness violence are more likely to experience violence in adolescence.
 
Adolescents (plural form of adolescent) are young people who are going through the period of development that occurs between the onset of puberty and adulthood.
Example: These video games are specifically aimed toward adolescents.

Question 4

Advise vs. Advice

Accepted Answer

Advise is a verb that means to recommend, suggest, or counsel.
Example: I advise you to be cautious.
 
Advice is a noun that means an opinion or recommendation about what could or should be done.
Example: I'd like to ask for your advice on this matter.

Question 5

Conscious vs. Conscience

Accepted Answer

Conscious is a adjective meaning awake, perceiving.
Example: Despite a head injury, the patient remained conscious.
 
Conscience is a noun meaning the sense of obligation to be good.
Example: Chris wouldn't cheat because his conscience wouldn't let him.

Question 6

Idea vs. Ideal

Accepted Answer

Idea is a noun meaning a thought, belief, or conception held in the mind, or a general notion or conception formed by generalization.
Example: Jennifer had a brilliant idea—she'd go to the Writing Lab for help with her papers!
 
Ideal is used as a noun meaning something or someone that embodies perfection, or an ultimate object or endeavor.
Example: Mickey was the ideal for tutors everywhere.
or
Ideal is used as an adjective meaning embodying an ultimate standard of excellence or perfection, or the best.
Example: Jennifer was an ideal student.

Question 7

Its vs. It's

Accepted Answer

Its is a possessive adjective (possessive form of the
pronoun it).
Example: The crab had an unusual growth on its shell.
 
It's is a contraction for it is or it has (in a verb phrase).
Example: It's still raining; it's been raining for three days.
 
* Pronouns have apostrophes only when two words are being shortened into one.

Question 8

Lead vs. Led

Accepted Answer

Lead is a noun referring to a dense metallic element.
Example:The X-ray technician wore a vest lined with lead.
 
Led is a past-tense and past-participle form of the verb to lead, meaning to guide or direct.
Example: The evidence led the jury to reach a unanimous decision.

Question 9

Than vs. Then

Accepted Answer

Than is used in comparison statements.
Example: He is richer than I.
or
Than is used in statements of preference.
Example: I would rather dance than eat.
or
Than is used to suggest quantities beyond a specified amount.
Example: Read more than the first paragraph.
 
Then is a time other than now.
Example: She will start her new job then.
or
Then is next in time, space, or order.
Example: First we must study; then we can play.
or
Then is suggesting a logical conclusion.
Example: If you've studied hard, then the exam should be no problem.

Question 10

Their vs. There vs. They're

Accepted Answer

Their is a possessive pronoun.
Example: Their books were delivered today.
 
There means that place. It is a place word, and so it contains the word here.
Example: My house is over there.
 
They're is a contraction for they are.
Example: They're making dinner.
 
*Pronouns have apostrophes only when two words are being shortened into one.

Question 11

To vs. Too vs. Two

Accepted Answer

To is a preposition, or first part of the infinitive form of a verb.
Example: They went to the lake to swim.
 
Too means very or also.
Example 1: I was too tired to continue. 
Example 2: I was hungry, too.
 
Two is the number 2.
Example: Two students scored below passing on the exam.

Question 12

We're vs. Where vs. Were

Accepted Answer

We're is a contraction for we are.
Example: We're glad to help.
 
*Pronouns have apostrophes only when two words are being shortened into one.
 
Where means location. It is a place word, and so it contains the word here.
Example: Where are you going?
 
Were is the past tense form of the verb be.
Example:
 They were walking side by side.

Question 13

Your vs. You're

Accepted Answer

Your is a possessive pronoun.
Example: Your shoes are untied.
 
You're is the contraction for you are.
Example: You're walking around with your shoes untied.
 
*Pronouns have apostrophes only when two words are being shortened into one.

Psychology Online Writing Center:

Frequently asked questions

Accept vs. Except

Affect vs. Effect

Adolescence vs. Adolescents

Advise vs. Advice

Conscious vs. Conscience

Idea vs. Ideal

Its vs. It's

Lead vs. Led

Than vs. Then

Their vs. There vs. They're

To vs. Too vs. Two

We're vs. Where vs. Were

Your vs. You're

Tips to Improve Your Academic Writing

Academic writing should be concise, clear, formal, and active. It does not need to be complex or use long sentences or obscure vocabulary. For a student, developing strong writing skills is critical. Below are tips to help you improve.

Frequently asked questions

Accept vs. Except

Affect vs. Effect

Adolescence vs. Adolescents

Advise vs. Advice

Conscious vs. Conscience

Idea vs. Ideal

Its vs. It's

Lead vs. Led

Than vs. Then

Their vs. There vs. They're

To vs. Too vs. Two

We're vs. Where vs. Were

Your vs. You're

Tips to Improve Your Academic Writing

​

Academic writing should be concise, clear, formal, and active. It does not need to be complex or use long sentences or obscure vocabulary. For a student, developing strong writing skills is critical. Below are tips to help you improve.