CONFUSING WORDS

Accept = receive

I accept your apology.

Except = exclude

Everyone was present except Razali.

Access = admission

There is no easy access to the building.

Excess = beyond certain limit.

There is an excess of food for the party.

Adapt = to fit

We should adapt ourselves to the new school.

Adept = skilled, expert.

He is an adept in acting.

Advice = given opinion (noun)

My advice for you is not to act hastily.

Advise = giving opinion (verb)

I advise him not to act hastily.

Affect = influence

The fever affected his reflexes.

Effect = consequence

The baby is suffering from the effects of the fever.

P R O V E R B S

When the cat is away the mice will play.

= When the person in authority is not around, those under him will take

advantage of his absence.

You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.

= As people get older, they tend to be less receptive of changes.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

= Do not do anything that will bring unnecessary troubles.

Barking dogs seldom bite.

= One who utters threats loudly need not be taken seriously as one seldom

carries out the threats.

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

= Something one already has is better than that one has yet to get.

Fine feathers make fine birds.

= Smart clothing makes a person look more impressive than he really is.

Don't change horses in mid-stream.

= One should not make cahanges half-way through.

Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.

= One should not boast about one's success before one achieves it.