Using the Right Word

A is used before words that begin with a consonant sound; an is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

a heap, a historian, a cat, an idol, an elephant, an honor

The verb accept means “to receive”; the preposition except means “other than.”

Azad graciously accepted the trophy. (verb)

All the team members except Zach were there. (preposition)

Affect is always a verb; it means “to influence.” Effect can be a verb, but it is most often used as a noun that means “the result.”