Copy editing will improve any manuscript. It improves the writing, it improves the writer’s own understanding of the structure of their book, and it makes it easier to publish the book. I know it is difficult to hand your masterpiece off to someone else and let them have their way with it. Before you...
I have been asked why I wanted to be an editor occasionally over the years. The truth is… I can’t help it. I unconsciously edit everything I read. My family will tell you my outrage when I find an error in a book we’ve purchased. I point out errors in signs, handouts and menus....
Have you ever had your curiosity piqued? Have you climbed a peak? Have you taken a peek at something new? Yes, these three words sound alike, but they are totally different. Pique Pique is a French word that means “prick” or “stimulate.” Your curiosity can be piqued, but not peaked. So can your interest....
Do you know anyone who mixes these words up when they write? They usually know what they want to say, but when it comes to writing it down, many people find it easy to mix up are, our and hour. Are & Our Lots of people pronounce our like are when they talk, so...
This is a pair of words that I normally think are pretty self-explanatory… yet I continually see them misused. Allowed or Aloud? What do you think? Allowed Allowed means you have permission to do something. The children are allowed to play with the dog. Aloud Aloud means something can be heard. She spoke aloud...
Ah, the beauty of the English language. Here we are with three different words that sound exactly the same. People mix them up all the time. Well, most of them. To, too and two all sound alike, yet mean completely different things. Technically, they are homophones. They sound alike, it’s true. They are not...
Did you know there is a difference between the words breathe and breath? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone write something like “She took a deep breathe.” Let’s take a look at this. Yes, they both use ea in the words, which can give a long ee sound. However, ea...
These two words are often confused with one another. Since I know a lot of people in the childbirth field, I see these words a lot. Not even all the birth people use them correctly, which surprises me a bit. Breach A breach is a gap in something or a violation of something. To...
Affect and effect are often mixed up. With only one letter difference, it can be confusing. However, if you remember that affect with an a is a verb and effect with an e is a noun, it helps immensely. Affect means “to influence,” so if you ask yourself when writing if this is the...
How many times have you heard these two mixed up? A lot of people use assume instead of as soon. In reality, this is a totally different phrase that needs to be used appropriately. Which would you use? I’d assume eat cardboard than go to another of those boring meetings. I’d as soon eat...
