I’m not sure where this one came from, but it’s interesting and a perfect example of looking at things when they are “final” to make sure they are correct. It would be nice in this case to make sure the definition of “rollback” means that it WAS higher and has been rolled BACK so that it is now less expensive.
This one came from Twitter. It is hard to believe that not only did a sign maker make the error, but the business owner has not removed it and demanded that it be corrected.
A few weeks ago, a blog post went over several words that are frequently confused by writers (See More Confusing Words!). Here are a few more:
casual – informal
causal – causing
cereal – breakfast food
serial – a series
choose – to select
chose – did choose (past tense of choose)
cite – to quote
site – a place
sight – to see
click – a slight, sharp sound
clique – an exclusive group
cliché – a trite phrase
collision – coming violently together
collusion – fraudulent scheme
complement – something that goes well with something
compliment – a flattering remark
council – a body of persons specially designated or selected for a purpose
counsel – an attorney; to give advice
consul – a foreign representative
cue – hint
queue – a line, especially people waiting their turn
dairy – cows and milking equipment
diary – a journal of daily activities
It’s always important to make sure you are using the same words, particularly when they are easily confused. Take the time to look up definitions if necessary to make sure you are using the correct word.
I found this on Twitter and it really highlights why you shouldn’t exclusively rely on word processing program spell check and grammar check to proofread your work.
I wasn’t aware that bananas had bones (or maybe I don’t shop at the right place–we don’t have Piggly Wiggly’s in Arizona) but actually reading the signs might help sell the correct product.
Apparently, according to this news story, only one teacher across the nation is striking. That is because they made the singular word teacher possessive by adding apostrophe “s” rather than making the plural word teachers possessive by just adding an apostrophe. It seems that a strike would be so much more effective if multiple teachers across this great nation were involved.
I wasn’t going to use pictures of English Grammar Giggles from vacation, but can’t resist. In one picture, they had “peppers” right everywhere else on the menu and in the other, a misplaced comma makes the dish more than a little scary. Happy Monday!
Image credit: _fla / 123RF Stock Photo
Use of the phrase each and every is really duplicative. Each really means the same thing as every. They both mean “a single thing.” You should use either one of those words but not both of them together:
Another issue people seem to have is every day and everyday. Everyday means commonplace or ordinary as in an everyday occurrence.
Every day means something that happens every single day or each day. In fact, if you can add the word single between every and day or replace every day with each day, then every day should be two words. If not, then you use everyday.
So here’s hoping writers will stop using “each and every” and practice adding single or replacing with each day to determine the proper usage of every day v. everyday. One can hope!
I am preparing every day for a two week vacation. In my absence, a fellow proofreading “nerd” (and I use that term lovingly) will guest blog. Kerie is amazing and brilliant and I’m sure will post great content. Please be gentle and supportive and I will pick up when I return. Ciao!
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