Using Words Correctly 2

Here are some other word pairs that writers sometimes mix up:

• accept, except: The verb accept means "to receive" or "agree to"; except means "other than."

  The relay runner accepted the Olympic torch. It was his proudest moment except for winning the gold medal.

• affect, effect: Affect is a verb that means "to influence." Effect can be a verb, but it is most often used as a noun that means "the result."

  Hilly terrain affected his path to the finish line. One effect of running uphill is a loss of breath.