Word Choice
Pick the word with the exact meaning and the right tone, not the one that merely sounds impressive.
The rules
- Read the whole sentence and ask what the writer is trying to say. The correct word fits that meaning exactly.
- Watch for commonly confused words: affect/effect, accept/except, than/then, principal/principle.
- Idioms must be exact: "capable of", "different from", "in contrast to".
- Prefer the plainer word when two choices mean the same. The ACT rewards clear writing over fancy writing.
Watch out: Choosing the most sophisticated word. If "use" and "utilize" are both correct, "use" is usually right.
Worked example
The new policy will _____ every student in the district. (affect / effect)
- The sentence needs a verb meaning "to influence."
- "Affect" is the verb. "Effect" is usually a noun meaning a result.
- So the answer is "affect."
Answer: affect
Try it yourself
Practice questions for this skill are for signed-in students. A free account is all you need.