Confusing English Words - Part I

Some English learners and natives alike confuse these words. Word choice is an important skill in any language.

How many do you know?

source:

alot, a lot: A lot is a colloquial expression meaning very much or very many; avoid using it in formal writing. Alot is a misspelling of a lot.

a while, awhile: These words mean essentially the same thing, but there is a distinction to be aware of. While means period of time, and therefore it is correct to write He left for a while. However, awhile means for a period of time, with the for as part of the definition. Therefore, it is correct to write He waited awhile but not He waited for awhile.

accept, except: Accept means to receive or to agree with: I accept the gift; I accept your proposal. Except as a preposition means leaving out or (as a verb) to exclude: Everyone except you is invited; He was excepted from the requirement.

adapt, adopt: When you adapt something, you change it to suit a purpose, such as adapting a novel for a screenplay, or adapting yourself to a new environment. When you adopt something, you take it as it is and make it your own. For example, the local chapter of a club may adopt its national organization's constitution.

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