Word Pairs Often Confused (altogether, then,a)

Today's first language tip involves "altogether" versus "all together." The former means "entirely" or "on the whole," and the latter means that there's a uniting of individuals. There's ALTOGETHER too much noise when you shout ALL TOGETHER. (I should add that the former also is used in the expression "in the altogether," meaning "without clothing.")

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
A second tip for today is the distinction between "then" and "than," words which can sound alike and are often confused. The former refers to time, and the latter is used in comparisons. She heard the starting signal and THEN ran faster THAN her opponents to win the race.

                  

This one seems basic, but it's becoming more confused all the time. The little words "a" and "an" have the same meaning, but their use depends on the sound that begins the word that follows them. If the next word begins with a consonant sound, use "a," and if it begins with a vowel sound, use "an." Remember: it's not the beginning LETTER but the beginning SOUND!   A cucumber, A yo-yo, A unicorn (yoo), A onetime opportunity (wun), AN apple, A hat, A history book, AN honest man (on), AN 8-hour day (ate), AN FBI agent (eff)