| The English language is one of the hardest to | | | | "Assure" means to promise or declare. Example: I |
| learn to write. That's because there are so many | | | | assure you I am trying my best. |
| words that sound alike that have totally different | | | | "Ensure" means to make safe or certain. Example: |
| meanings. | | | | Proper exercise ensures good health. |
| A lot of people make innocent mistakes in | | | | Lay and lie: |
| writing-not just typos where a finger slipped-but a | | | | These are two very commonly misused words. |
| spelling mistake that causes a word to have a | | | | "Lay" is a verb that needs an object. Example: |
| different meaning than was intended. | | | | Please lay your coat on the bed. |
| Here are some words commonly misused and | | | | Ask yourself this question: lay what? In this case |
| some tips to help you know how to use them | | | | the answer is: your coat. If you can't answer the |
| correctly: | | | | question, then there is no object, so use "lie" |
| Then and than | | | | instead. By the way, a person is not an object. |
| The word "then" means not now; later or next. | | | | Don't ask who, but do ask what. |
| Example: Then, she moved her hand to the right | | | | "Lie" does not need an object. Example: Lie down |
| side. | | | | and rest awhile. |
| The word "than" implies either/or: Example: I'd | | | | Remember only people lie, objects do not. If you |
| rather be rich than poor. | | | | have an object in your sentence, use lay. If you |
| Accept and except: | | | | are talking to a person, use lie. |
| "Accept" means to approve. Example: If you want | | | | It's and its: |
| to accept your article, it must be well written. | | | | "It's" is a contraction of two words. Use it to |
| "Except" means to omit or leave out. Example: All | | | | replace it is". Example: It's cold outside. It is cold |
| except the red ones go in this box. | | | | outside. |
| Advice and advise: | | | | "Its" is a possessive pronoun. Think of it as using |
| "Advice" is a noun. Example: I need your advice | | | | his, her, yours, etc. Example: Each dog has its (his |
| on this topic. | | | | or her) day. |
| "Advise" is a verb. Example: Please advise me on | | | | And or & (ampersand): |
| how to proceed. | | | | "And" is a conjunction and should always be |
| Affect and effect: | | | | spelled out when writing a complete sentence. |
| "Affect" means to influence. Think of it as a verb. | | | | Example: They have his and hers closets. |
| Example: Her criticism affects everyone in our | | | | "&" is a symbol or operator used in |
| group | | | | marketing text especially in lists. Example: |
| "Effect" is a result or benefit of something done. | | | | Our company offers these services: |
| Think of it as a noun. Example: What harmful | | | | -- Writing & Editing |
| effect does pollution have on nature? Common | | | | -- Sales & Marketing |
| phrases with "effect" include: in effect, to that | | | | Consider the ampersand a slang word and avoid |
| effect. | | | | using it in stories, articles, press releases and all |
| Breath and breathe: | | | | legal documents. |
| "Breath" is a noun. It is the air we inhale and | | | | To, too and two: |
| exhale. Example: His breath smells like garlic. | | | | "To" is used as a preposition or in a prepositional |
| "Breathe" is a verb. It is what we do when we | | | | phrase. Example: Let's go to the store. |
| take in air. Example: It feels good to breathe | | | | "Too" hows an overly amount (much, little) or to |
| deeply. | | | | replace the word "also". Example: I am too tired. I |
| When a word has a letter "e" on the end, many | | | | am tired too. |
| times it makes the first vowel of the word a long | | | | "Two" is a number and should only be used as |
| vowel. Remembering this phonic rule, say the | | | | such. Example: Two people went to the store. |
| word before writing it to make sure you select | | | | Which and witch: |
| the one you want. | | | | "Which" is a selection you can make. Example: |
| Choose and chose: | | | | Which shoes should I wear? |
| "Choose" is a verb used to show present tense. | | | | A "witch" is someone who uses spells and rituals |
| Example: Please choose a color. | | | | in their spiritual practice. |
| "Chose" is the past tense verb. Example: He | | | | Pitcher and picture: |
| chose the blue one. | | | | A "pitcher" is someone who throws a ball. |
| Again say the word aloud before writing it. The | | | | Example: The pitcher threw the ball. |
| long vowel in chose will naturally help you decide | | | | A "pitcher" is also a container. Example: The blue |
| the correct spelling needed in your sentence. | | | | pitcher is filled with green tea. |
| Insure, assure and ensure: | | | | A "picture" is a photograph or image. Example: Her |
| "Insure" means to protect with a contract. | | | | picture was taken with a Nikon camera. |
| Example: Please insure the boat for $50,000 on | | | | I hope these tips will help you remember which |
| our homeowner's policy. | | | | word to use when. |