appraise, apprise
Proper diction requires an understanding of words that are commonly confused.
The verb "appraise" means "to decide the value, quality, or state of." It is a transitive verb and takes a direct object.
The verb "apprise" means "to notify; to inform." It is a transitive verb that takes a direct object and usually an indirect object. The use of this word is generally in the form of apprising someone of or about something.
We are having our house appraised because we are planning to sell it. We will apprise potential buyers of its value.
The coach appraised the situation and made a decision. He apprised the team of his new strategy.
After the hurricane, emergency workers appraised the damage and apprised officials about their findings.
