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Today’s EyeEdit Tip: Check a dictionary or thesaurus if you are not sure about a word.

Spell-check will help us with sorting out numbers of r’s and s’s in words like “harass” and “embarrass”.  However, we may need to take a trip to the dictionary of thesaurus to confirm differences between words such as:

Please share any other pairs of words that can at times be confusing.

Quiz

Which words would you consider correct in the sentences below?

1. We could not (accept, except) the explanation.
2. We were not (adverse, averse) to the idea.
3. We found everything (except, accept) the right document.
4. The chemical had (adverse, averse) effects on her system.
5. The cost will (effect, affect) the final contract.
6. We know that the (effect, affect) of the merger will create problems.
7. The plaintiff found herself (between, among) several hostile women.
8. The agreement was made (between, among) two employees of the business.
9. The owners (apprised, appraised) the building in the fall.
10. John agreed to keep Linda (appraised, apprised) of all changes in the agreement.

Answers to Quiz

1. accept; 2. averse; 3. except; 4. adverse; 5. affect; 6. among; 8. between; 9. appraised; 10. apprised.

Happy writing,

EyeEdit Team

Copyright 2010 Eye Edit.  All rights reserved.

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Today’s EyeEdit Tip: To detect writing errors, read work aloud or have someone else read your work.

Spell-check  will pick up only some typos, grammatical mistakes, and awkward sentences. The poem below shows how unreliable spell check can be.  How many words did your spell-check program underline?

Owed to a Spelling Chequer

Some spell-check programs may be more sophisticated than others. What does your spell-check program tell you about the sentences below?

• I notices that Barry was very exited inn hiss knew job.
• My assistance took my advise to where suites to advance there carrier.
• She was great full for her friend’s incites.
• He was two busy to notice who’s money was on the table.

Answers

Proof reading would produce these changes:

• I noticed that Barry was very excited in his new job.
• My assistants took my advice to wear suits to advance their careers.
• She was grateful for her friend’s insights.
• He was too busy to notice whose money was on the table.

For further information, please see:

1.  Spell Checker put you under a Spell,  EyeEdit blog at http://eyeeditonline.com/2010/05/spell-check-put-you-under-a-spell/

2. 10 Common Errors “Spell Check” Won’t Catch at http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/10-common-errors-spell-check-won-t-catch-2039083/

Happy writing,

EyeEdit Team

Copyright 2010 EyeEdit. All rights reserved.

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