SAT Word Choice Common Mistaken Words

accept vs. except

Accept means to receive or agree to; except means to exclude or leave out.

affect vs. effect

Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence; effect is usually a noun meaning a result.

allusion vs. illusion

Allusion is an indirect reference; illusion is a false perception or deceptive appearance.

ascent vs. assent

Ascent is the act of rising or climbing; assent means agreement or approval.

cite vs. sight vs. site

Cite means to reference; sight relates to seeing; site is a location.

complement vs. compliment

Complement means something that completes or enhances; compliment is a polite expression of praise.

advice vs. advise

Advice is a noun meaning guidance or recommendation; advise is the verb meaning to give advice.

council vs. counsel

Council is a group that makes decisions; counsel is advice or a legal advisor.

elicit vs. illicit

Elicit means to draw out or evoke; illicit means illegal or not allowed.

altar vs. alter

Altar is a sacred table used in religious rituals; alter means to change.

eminent vs. imminent

Eminent means famous or respected; imminent means about to happen.

precede vs. proceed

Precede means to come before; proceed means to go forward or continue.

access vs. excess

Access means entry or the ability to use; excess means too much of something.

fair vs. fare

Fair means just or light in color; fare is the cost of travel or food served.

than vs. then

Than is used in comparisons; then refers to time or a consequence.

allude vs. elude

Allude means to refer to indirectly; elude means to evade or escape.

waive vs. wave

Waive means to give up a right; wave is a motion or a swell in water.

respectfully vs. respectively

Respectfully means with politeness; respectively refers to items in order.

discreet vs. discrete

Discreet means careful or tactful; discrete means separate or distinct.

adverse vs. averse

Adverse means harmful or unfavorable; averse means strongly opposed.