This resource covers common spelling errors including accept/except, ei/ie, noun plurals, and –ible/able.
Many words sound alike but mean different things when put into writing. This list will help you distinguish between some of the more common words that sound alike. Click on any of the blue underlined links to open a longer and more complete definition of the word in a new window.
He accepted their praise graciously.
Everyone went to the game except Alyson.
We are currently updating these resources, but for more information on these words, plus exercises, see our document on accept and except.
Will lack of sleep affect your game?
Will lack of sleep have an effect on your game?
Our efforts have effected a major change in university policy.
A memory-aid for affect and effect is RAVEN: Remember, Affect is a Verb and Effect is a Noun.
We are currently updating these resources, but for more information on these words, plus exercises, see our document on affect and effect.
Chris wouldn't cheat because his conscience wouldn't let him.
Jennifer had a brilliant idea—she'd go to the Writing Lab for help with her papers!
It's still raining; it's been raining for three days.
You're walking around with your shoes untied.
Please see our exercises to practice these rules.
If the root is not a complete word, add -ible.
If the root is a complete word, add -able.
If the root is a complete word ending in -e, drop the final -e and add -able.
Try some exercises for spelling -ible and -able correctly.
Please note we are in the process of revising our exercises. They will eventually be altered to reflect those revisions.