G.1: Write the phrase you misused and the rule.

Do not write just “G” or “Glossary.”

effect, affect

Usually “affect” is a verb and “effect” a noun. The most common error is mixing them up:

WRONG: The storm did not effect us.

WRONG: It had no harmful affects.

RIGHT: The storm did not affect us.

RIGHT: It had no harmful effects.

Both words have secondary meanings as verbs. “Affect” can mean “to pretend” (in the sense of putting on airs). “Effect” can mean “to bring about”:

RIGHT: Trying to sound cultured, he affected a British accent.

RIGHT: Diplomats failed to effect a settlement.

e.g., i.e.

The abbreviation “i.e.” does not mean “for example.” It means “that is” (Latin id est). To introduce examples, use “e.g.” “E.g.” means “for example” (Latin exempli gratia). Introduce both with a comma or dash, and follow both with a comma. It is incorrect to write “eg.” or “ie.” Use two periods for both “e.g.” and “i.e.” Although they come from Latin, they are not italicized.

Monarchs are essentially figureheads in some nations, e.g., Japan, Spain and Sweden.

Some nations—e.g., Japan, Spain and Sweden—have monarchs who are figureheads.

Lay is a transitive verb, i.e., one that requires a direct object.

Both abbreviations give an impression of haste and impersonality. The Keables Guide recommends avoiding them in academic, personal and creative writing.

Some nations, such as Japan, Spain and Sweden, have monarchs who are figureheads.

ego, egotistical

Psychology jargon (and, in their common uses, misrepresentations of Sigmund Freud’s concept of the ego). The Keables Guide recommends using “pride” and “proud” instead.

enthused

The Keables Guide recommends the more formal “enthusiastic” (adjective) and “was enthusiastic” (verb phrase).

etc.

Appropriate in note-taking, but not in formal writing. The redundant “and etc.” is worse.

eulogy, elegy

An elegy is a sad poem expressing grief for the dead. It is different from a eulogy. An elegy is written; it is a poem. A eulogy is (most often) a speech; it is in prose. An elegy expresses sorrow; it may or may not praise its subject. A eulogy expresses praise; it may or may not have anything to do with death. Although people use “eulogy” for a speech of praise at a funeral, it can just as well refer to a speech on any formal occasion, such as an awards ceremony. The original meaning of “eulogy” or “eulogium” is simply “expression of praise.” Its near-synonyms are “tribute,” “encomium” and “panegyric.” Unlike “elegy,” it is not a literary term. Famous examples of elegies are John Milton’s “Lycidas” (about the death of a young clergyman) and Thomas Gray’s “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” (about the common folk buried in a rural community).

The correct adjective forms are elegiac (pronounced “el-e-JYE-ic”) and eulogistic. (“you-luh-JISS-tic”).

WRONG: Walt Whitman wrote “O Captain! My Captain!” as a eulogy to President Lincoln.

RIGHT: Walt Whitman wrote “O Captain! My Captain!” as an elegy on President Lincoln.

RIGHT: The highlight of her retirement party was a heartfelt eulogy by her boss.

everybody, everyone

For academic writing the Keables Guide recommends the more formal “everyone.” The same is true for similar indefinite pronouns:

SLIGHTLY INFORMAL: anybody, somebody, nobody

MORE FORMAL: anyone, someone, no one (two words)

everyday, every day; everyone, everyone (and other every- compounds)

“Everyday” is an adjective; it only precedes nouns. “Every day” is an adverbial phrase which means “daily.”

Everyday occurrences occur every day.

Everyone in the class had read every one of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

evoke, invoke, provoke

Not the same. They come from a Latin root meaning “voice.” “Invoke” means “to call in”; it can also mean “to cite or make use of,” as in “to invoke his freedom of speech.” “Evoke” means “to call up in imagination or memory.” “Provoke” means “to incite anger”; it can also mean “to stir up” (as in “thought-provoking”). The most common error is using “invoke” in place of “evoke.”

The images in the song evoke nostalgia.

Homer invokes the Muse, asking for divine inspiration.

He tried to provoke his opponent with taunts.

except, accept

“Except” is usually a preposition, “accept” a verb.

I accept every offer except the last.