<<<  previous

access   —   excess

[pronunciation may also cause some confusion]

“Access” means ‘an entrance to a place; a way, means, right or opportunity to reach or approach something or someone’,

e.g.

This narrow muddy road is the only access to the ruined palace.

Senior students are given more access to the books in the library.

“Excess” as an adjective means ‘additional; something more than what is usual, required or allowed’; and as a noun it means ‘more than’,

e.g.

The passenger was asked to pay (extra money) for his excess luggage.

She had spent in excess of her income and ran into debts.

Common Errors:

1.

They have an easy access to the Governor.  [wrong]

They have easy access to the Governor.  [right]

In general sense ‘access’ is an uncountable noun, and so should not be used with the article a/an.  However, such expressions as ‘an access road’, ‘an access course’ and ‘(the) access time’ are exceptions.  Most grammarians advise strongly against the use of ‘access’ in the sense of strong emotion or outburst, for example, “an access of rage”, etc.

<<< Back to List A

<<< Back to main page /  Next adapt ~ adopt >>>