Avoiding Commonly Misused Words in Your Writing
September 18th, 2009 by Nick CiskeBrian Clark at CopyBlogger compiled a list of 27 commonly misused words and how to use them correctly.
Poor grammar and misused words are one of the main criticisms of amateurishly published books. With this list, some diligence, and the help of a good editor, you can stand out from the crowd of poorly written/edited books in the market.
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means. ~Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride
It may be inconceivable for you to misuse a word, but a quick look around the web reveals plenty of people doing it. And it’s all too easy when we hear or see others use words incorrectly and parrot them without knowing it’s wrong.
So let’s take a look at 27 commonly misused words. Some are common mistakes that can cost you when trying to keep a reader’s attention. Others are more obscure and just interesting to know.
Adverse / Averse
Adverse means unfavorable. Averse means reluctant.
Afterwards
Afterwards is wrong in American English. It’s afterward.
Complement / Compliment
I see this one all the time. Complement is something that adds to or supplements something else. Compliment is something nice someone says about you.
Criteria
Criteria is plural, and the singular form is criterion. If someone tells you they have only one criteria, you can quickly interject and offer that it be they get a clue.
Farther / Further
Farther is talking about a physical distance.
“How much farther is Disney World, Daddy?”
Further is talking about an extension of time or degree.
“Take your business further by reading Copyblogger.”
Read the rest of the article here: The Inigo Montoya Guide to 27 Commonly Misused Words
The Inigo Montoya Guide to
27 Commonly Misused Words
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Nick Ciske is the co-founder of Believers Press and has been developing web sites in various capacities for over ten years. After a five year stint at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association he ended up at Bethany Press International. Now a book geek, he helps Christians publish their books by creating new publishing solutions and partnerships.
Christians who want to become excellent writers also need to serve an apprentice relationship with an experienced wordsmith. Ask the Lord to send someone alongside who is both a mature Christian and a gifted writer. Put yourself into an accountability relationship with him or her. And then, as you grow spiritually and professionally, pass along the same gift to another believer who wants to serve God through the ministry of writing.
— , Write His Answer
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