This is a guide to help learners to communicate easily in both speech and writing through a better understanding of the English language.
About
When you give distances or measurements ‘about’ should be used only with round numbers.
The road is about 200 metres long.
Bob earns about Rs 50,000 a month.
Abrogate / arrogate
To abrogate is to repeal or abolish something.
The king abrogated some of his predecessor’s laws.
To arrogate (to oneself) is to claim or assume unjustly or unreasonably.
The minister arrogated to himself the final decision in all financial matters.
Abysmal / abyssal
‘Abysmal’ means ‘measureless or bottomless’ and is used figuratively.
The new recruit showed abysmal ignorance of the office procedure.
‘Abyssal’ means ‘belonging to the ocean depths below a certain level.’ It is a technical term.
Randolph spoke about the abyssal zone of the ocean.
Accept / except
‘Accept’ means ‘to take something that someone offers you’ or ‘to agree to do something that someone asks you to do.’
Nick accepted my invitation to stay with us.
‘Except’ is used to introduce the only person, thing, action, fact, or situation about which a statement is not true.
Our office is open every day except Sundays.
Acceptance
‘Acceptance’ means ‘the act of acceptance or a favourable reception.’
Muriel wrote a letter of acceptance to the university when she was offered a lecturer’s post.
Access / accession
‘Access’ is the right to enter a place, use something or see someone.
Children should always have access to fresh, clean water.
‘Accession’ is an official process in which someone becomes king, queen, or President, as in the accession of James I.
Accessary / accessory
The word ‘accessary’ formerly carried the notion of complicity in a crime.
‘Accessory’ means ‘something such as a piece of equipment or a decoration that is not necessary, but that makes a machine, car or room more useful or more attractive.’
Mirrors and towel-rails are bathroom accessories.
Accommodation
‘Accommodation’ means ‘a place for someone to stay, live, or work. In American English it is spelt as ‘Accommodations.’
The holiday package includes flights and accommodation.
Accompany
‘Accompany’ means ‘to go somewhere with someone.’ In everyday English people usually say ‘go with’ or ‘come with’ someone rather than ‘accompany’ someone.
Do you want me to go with you to the bank?
A young girl should be accompanied by an adult.
Accord / account
‘Of somebody’s own accord’ means ‘without being asked or forced to do something.’
Ron decided to go abroad of his own accord.
‘Account’ is usually followed by the preposition ‘for.’
Afro-Americans account for 12 per cent of the US population.
There is no accounting for taste.