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Use an adverb clause with a main clause to show time, reason, condition, or contrast. Start the adverb clause with a linking word such as when, because, if, unless, or although. If the adverb clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause. If it follows the main clause, a comma is not usually needed.
Adverse means harmful or unfavourable, especially before a noun: adverse weather or adverse effects. Averse means unwilling or opposed, usually in a phrase such as averse to change or averse to taking risks.
Use aesthetic for beauty, art, design, or a shared style. Use ascetic for strict self-denial or a person who chooses that kind of life.
Use affect as a verb for influencing something. Use effect as a noun for the result of an influence or action.
Use agnostic for a person who says they do not know, or cannot know, whether a god or gods exist. In general and technical writing, use it for an approach that is not committed to one result, system, or provider.
Albeit means although. Use it to add a contrast, often before an adjective, adverb, or short phrase.
Alchemist literally means a person who practiced alchemy. Figuratively, it can mean a person who seems to create an impressive transformation.
Alliteration repeats a starting sound in nearby words. In most learner examples, that sound is a consonant, as in bright blue boats. It depends on sound, so cat city is not alliteration: both words begin with c, but /k/ and /s/ are different.
Use allusion for an indirect reference. Use illusion for a false appearance, visual trick, or mistaken belief. A novelist can make an allusion to a myth, while a mirror can create an illusion of extra space.
Aloof means distant and not very friendly or interested in joining other people.
Ambiguous means having more than one possible meaning, so the intended meaning is not clear from the words alone.
Use amicable for friendly, peaceful relations or for an agreement reached without an argument. It is formal, so it is more common in careful speech and writing.