Common Writing & Editing Mistakes to Avoid

Phrases vs. Sentences

A sentence has a subject and a verb; if it does not, it is a phrase. Writing my list is a phrase. "I am writing my list" is a sentence. Phrases can be used in writing, but they should be used sparingly.

Making Family Names Plural

Never use an apostrophe to make a name plural. When referring to a group of people in the Steck family, refer to them as the _Stecks_. If referring to what they own, then use _Stecks'_ instead. Some names need an "es" to become plural, like names that end in "s," “x,” "z," “ch,” and “sh.” For example, the _Joneses_, the _Foxes_, the_ Alvarezes_, the _Churches_ and the _Ashes_. For these last names that require an "es" use an apostrophe for possessives. "That is the _Joneses_' car."

Its vs. It's

For the love of all that is mighty, _it's_ is a contraction of "it is." For example, "_it's_ cold outside." Whereas _its_ is possessive. "The book has lost _its_ jacket."

"i before e except after c" Exceptions

This handy rhyme is often very wrong. For example, the word _ceiling_ breaks this rule, as does any word with an 'e' sound. With a different sound, the 'i' goes first like the word _science._ Know that the rhyme may help you with words like _receipt_ but the rule is flexible.

Emigrates vs. Immigrates

One _emigrates from_ a place while one _immigrates to_ a place. Also, note that emigrates has one 'm'.

X Ray vs. X-Ray

_X ray_ is a noun. "He broke his arm so he needed to get an_ X ray_." Whereas an _X-ray_ is a verb or adjective. "My ankle was _X-rayed_." There are variations on when to capitalize the X; consult a style guide.

Wise Guy vs. Wiseguy

A smart aleck is a _wise guy_. A mobster is a _wiseguy._

Somewhat vs. Something

Something is a noun. Something is an adverb that means "a little" or "kind of." For example, "A thing is _somewhat_ rare, or it’s _something_ of a rarity."

Palate vs. Palette vs. Pallet

You have a _palate_, which relates to taste. A color _palette_ is an assortment of colors. A _pallet_ is, among other things, something you sleep on.

Premier vs. Premiere

A _premier_ is a diplomat. A _premiere_ is a first performance or exhibition. British, Canadian and American spellings can confuse them; check with your style guide.

Loath vs. Loathe

_Loathe_ is a verb meaning to "dislike greatly." For example, "My boss is so mean. I _loathe_ him." _Loath_ is an adjective meaning "unwilling or reluctant." For example, "I am _loath_ to to spend time with my mother-in-law." _Loth_ is a variant of _loath_ and serves no purpose of its own; it is most common in U.K. English, though even U.K. writers prefer _loath_ by a significant margin. To sum up: "I _loathe_ when people use this word incorrectly, but I am too _loath_ to admit when I am wrong."

Insure vs. Ensure vs. Assure

You _insure_ cars. You _ensure_ personal success by working hard. And you _assure_ people.

A Letter's Difference

Paraphernalia, with an 'r.' Vinaigrette, by switching the 'a' and 'i.' Villain is not "illian" but (v)ain. Newsstand has two 's' as does transsexual.

Grisly vs. Grizzly vs. Gristly

Bears are _grizzly_. Crimes are _grisly_. Cheap meat is _gristly_.

Don't "Mispell" Misspell

Contrary to popular belief, it is spelled "misspell" with two "s" letters.

Ad Nauseam

_Ad nauseam_ is spelled with two 'a's not two 'u's. _Ad nauseam_ > ad nauseum.

Every day vs. Everyday

One goes to work _every day._ Working is an _everyday_ occurrence.

Capital vs. Capitol

A _capital_ is a city (or a letter, or part of a column). A _capitol_ is a building.

Blonde vs. Blond

When describing the color of someone's hair as _blond_, he is a blond man and she is a blond woman. Use the word _blonde_ to call a woman that. For example, "she's blonde."

Besides vs. Beside

_Besides_ is other than; _beside_ is next to. "_Besides,_ I get to see you." vs. "He placed the book _beside_ him."

Graduate From

You do not graduate school. You graduate _from_ school.

Peak/Peek/Pique

Use _peak_ to describe the top of a mountain. Use _peek_ to describe looking quickly. Use _pique_ to describe something that stimulates curiosity or causes irritation. "She _piqued_ my interest" or "He was _piqued_ by her curtness" or "They climbed to the mountain's _peak._"

Hyphenate Adjectives

Use compound adjectives when necessary to make things clearer. For instance, use "a _heavy-metal_ detector" rather than "a heavy metal detector." Otherwise, the latter implies the metal detector is quite heavy.