| Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993. |
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| access 2, excess (nn.) |
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| These words are not normally confused, despite their possible overlap in certain pronunciations (access is always stressed on the first syllable; excess may be stressed on either). In combined forms, access frequently uses to, as in We gained access to his papers; excess does not. But in speech confusion can occur in combined forms with of, especially when these uses deal with emotions: In an excess (“an overabundance”) of anger, he shouted things he would later regret could be confused with In an access (“a sudden flow or burst”) of anger, he shouted things he would later regret. | 1 |
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| | | The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. Copyright © 1993 Columbia University Press. |
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