Ambrose Bierce

Write It Right Ambrose Bierce

A for An. "A hotel." "A heroic man." Before an unaccented aspirate use an. The contrary usage in this country comes of too strongly stressing our aspirates. Action for Act. "In wrestling, a blow is a reprehensible action." A blow is not an action but an act. An action may consist of many acts. Admission for Admittance. "The price of admission is one dollar."Admit for Confess. To admit is to concede something affirmed. An unaccused offender cannot admit his guilt. Adopt. "He adopted a disguise." One may adopt a child, or an opinion, but a disguise is assumed. Advisedly for Advertently, Intentionally. "It was done advisedly" should mean that it was done after advice. Afford. It is not well to say "the fact affords a reasonable presumption"; "the house afforded ample accommodation." The fact supplies a reasonable presumption. The house offered, or gave, ample accommodation.