In my attempt to find an answer to a capitalization problem posed by a friend, (mentioned in an earlier blog) I looked again into helpful books that I don't consult regularly.  Among the best is The Write Way produced by the editors of the monthly newsletter Spell.  One of the chapters "Troublesome Twins" is offering me blog material today.  The chapter is designed to keep us from misusing words that sound alike but have totally different meanings.

Accept and except sound alike.  "Accept," a verb, means to receive with approval.  "Except" can be a verb that means "to leave out from the whole", or a peposition that means "with the exception of." 

I won't quote all the examples but here are two more: "Adapt" and "Adopt."  "Adapt is a verb that means to adjust or make suitable.  Adopt means to take as one's own."

Here are three that I hear misused all the time, especially by TV announcers, interviewees: assure, ensure, insure.  "To assure is to promise something to someone.  To ensure is to make certain.  To insure is to safeguard."  Spell uses this helpful sentence: "To be well insured ensures peace of mind and is vastly assuring." 

I will refer to this helpful book again as I go merrily blogging along.  Until tomorrow, Willma