8 Common Word Usage Errors
Posted By Karen on November 5, 2010
In writing, we all come across words that we’re not exactly sure whether or not we’re using properly. I thought I’d go over a few of the ones that had me baffled, and a couple that still do somewhat.
Off we go . . .
About vs. Around (in reference to time and numbers)
About (adverb, preposition, adjective): reasonably close (almost), in the vicinity (near),
Around (adverb, preposition, adjective): from one place to another, in every and any direction
Both words can mean with some approach to exactness (approximately).
Examples:
The class starts about 10AM.
I gave it just about everything I had.
I’m gonna rock around the clock tonight.
It costs around $5.
I read something, somewhere that gave a much clearer understanding of using both words, but I can’t remember it. If anyone has an easier/clearer way to distinguish the two words in regard to time and number, please let us know.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Affect versus Effect
Affect (verb): the conscious subjective of an emotion apart from bodily changes.
Effect (noun): basic meaning, intent, something that inevitably follows an antecedent, an outward sign, fulfillment, power to bring about a result, a distinctive impression.
Examples:
Not knowing the skills needed might affect his chances of getting the position.
Getting an A might affect his parent’s future expectations.
The effects of the drug finally wore off.
Being punished had no effect on Timmy’s behavior.
I remember once reading that “affect” deals with the non-physical and “effect” deals with the physical. But, since one is a verb and the other a noun, that should be a helpful clue also.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All ready vs. Already
All ready: done, completely ready
Already (adverb): by or before the given or implied time.
Examples:
The students were all ready to go.
I already cooked dinner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All Right vs. Alright
All right (adjective, adverb): satisfactory, safe, good.
Alright is a disputed variable of “all right.”
Examples:
Is it all right to leave now?
All right, you can leave now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Farther vs. Further
Farther (adverb, adjective): to a greater distance, extent, or point.
Further (adverb, adjective, transitive verb): farther, in addition, to a greater degree or extent.
Examples:
He threw the ball farther than the last attempt.
The town is farther than I thought.
We need to research further for answers.
The more work I do, the further I get.
In a recent article at http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/10-common-errors-spell-check-won-t-catch-2039083/#poll-86A687227A3211DF922CE2CA55AE989C, there is an excellent description of the proper usage of both words:
“While both words refer to distance, grammarians distinguish ‘farther’ as physical distance and ‘further’ as metaphorical distance. You can dive further into a project, for instance, or you can dive farther into the ocean.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suppose vs. Supposed
Suppose (verb): to assume, to hold as an opinion, to ponder. According to the above mentioned article, “The correct way to express a duty is to write, “I was supposed to…”
Examples:
Suppose I take the wrong turn, then what?
Do you suppose the green will look better than yellow?
He was supposed to have the job done already.
I supposed it would be done already.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Uninterested vs. Disinterested
Uninterested (adjective): not interested, indifferent.
Disinterested (adjective, transitive verb): unbiased, impartial.
Examples:
He was uninterested in tennis.
The teen was uninterested and feel asleep at his desk.
The politician must be a disinterested party in making decisions.
Being disinterested allowed him to be fair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Until vs. Till
Until (preposition, conjunction): used as a function word to indicate continuance (as of an action or condition) to a specified time
Till (preposition, conjunction, transitive verb): the Webster’s New World Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary both list “till” as a variable of “until,” but I’ve been taught that it’s not okay to use it in place of “until.” If you think differently, please let us know.
Examples:
He won’t get paid until he finishes the job.
The show doesn’t start until 6PM.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other Articles You May Find of Interest
Writing Tip: Great Backup Tool
Watch out for Dangling Teasers
~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 e-Books for the Price of ONE
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The other books included are:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing – You Can Do It
The Self-Publisher’s Guide
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter, A Writers World, and get TWO FREE eBooks:
The Self-Publisher’s Guide, 2nd Edition
The Blogger’s Checklist
(The books offered may change periodically)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you want to get that idea turned into a book? Do you want to write your memoirs? Do you need editing, proofreading, or a professional critique? Do you need an e-book to offer as a Freebie on your site? Do you need blog or article visibility for your business? We’re experienced, professional, and we cover a number of writing services. So, please stop by and check us out. Go to: http://DKVWriting4U.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance writer, Reviewer,
Acquisitions Editor Intern for 4RV Publishing
http://KarenCioffi.com
http://DKVWriting4U.com
Karen Cioffi Writing for Children and More
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarenCV
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kcioffiventrice
About the author
Comments