{"id":3235,"date":"2010-12-15T07:06:49","date_gmt":"2010-12-15T15:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=3235"},"modified":"2010-12-15T07:06:49","modified_gmt":"2010-12-15T15:06:49","slug":"gmat-prep-tip-knewton-frequently-confused-words-on-the-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/gmat-prep-tip-knewton-frequently-confused-words-on-the-test\/","title":{"rendered":"GMAT prep tip @Knewton: Frequently Confused Words on the Test"},"content":{"rendered":"

Certain words are very commonly confused for each other.<\/p>\n

The preposition among <\/em>takes an object made up of more than two items, while the preposition between<\/em> takes an object make up of exactly two items.<\/p>\n

We divided our winnings among<\/em> the three <\/em>of us.<\/p>\n

I cannot choose between <\/em>the cake <\/em>and the pie<\/em>.<\/p>\n

As<\/em> and like<\/em> can both be used to suggest similarity between two words or word groups.\u00a0 However, certain situations require the use of like, <\/em><\/span> and others require the use of as.<\/em><\/p>\n

Like <\/em>draws a comparison between two nouns and functions as a preposition meaning \"similar to.\"<\/p>\n

Joe felt like<\/em> a fool when he answered the question incorrectly.<\/p>\n

There is nothing like<\/em> biking on a warm autumn day.<\/p>\n

As <\/em>indicates a similarity between clauses, two phrases containing both a subject and a verb. As <\/em>also introduces an adjective that is used in a comparison or a noun that indicates status.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

The cod was marinated in white wine, as<\/em> a proper seafood dish should be.<\/p>\n

The teacher is very lenient, but the principal will not be as <\/em>kind.<\/p>\n

<\/span>I work as<\/em> a librarian.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The adjective fewer<\/em> properly modifies nouns that express quantities that can be counted<\/em>; less<\/em> modifies nouns that express quantities that cannot be counted<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Fewer<\/em> people are living in the city.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Please put less<\/em> sugar in my tea.<\/p>\n

Effect<\/em> is most commonly used as a noun meaning \"result,\" but may also function as a verb meaning \"bring about.\"\u00a0Affect<\/em> is most commonly used as a verb meaning \"change.\"<\/p>\n

The weather affected<\/em> the outcome of the football game.<\/p>\n

The failure of the major bank had a major effect<\/em> on the stock market.<\/p>\n

There are several other pairs and sets of words that are commonly confused. The following list is not exhaustive, but it is a good starting point.<\/p>\n