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Learn how to avoid common usage errors in your writing by understanding the correct word choice. This guide explores 10 of the most common errors and provides explanations based on The Little, Brown Compact Handbook.
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Introduction to Usage Usage deals with how specific words are used in our writing. It sounds simple. However, in the English language there are several words that sound similar and/or are spelled similarly, but have different meanings. There also are several words that are commonly used interchangeably, though they are not necessarily used correctly (for example, “over” and “more than”). Including an incorrect word in our writing can have unintended effects, such as: confusing the reader, changing the text’s meaning, and undermining the credibility of the author. There are pages of words that could fall into this category of incorrect usage. We will only look at 10 of the most common usage errors. Explanations are based on the Glossary of Usage from: Aaron, J. (2010). The Little, Brown Compact Handbook (7th ed.). New York, NY: Longman, 511-523.
accept, except Accept is a verb, meaning “to receive.” EXAMPLE: Herbert graciously accepted the compliment. Except is a preposition or a conjunction, meaning “but for.” EXAMPLE: Madeline would have liked to help at the harvest, exceptshe had twisted her ankle the night before.
affect, effect Affect is a verb, meaning “to influence.” EXAMPLE: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil affectsa sedative response when used correctly. Effect is a noun, meaning the “result.” EXAMPLE: His morning commute was not effectedby the traffic.
allusion, illusion Allusion is a noun, meaning an “implied or indirect reference.” EXAMPLE: “I used to work in healthcare,” she told her instructor, alludingto her prior knowledge of the lesson content. Illusion is a noun, meaning “to deceive.” EXAMPLE: Results from quick cures are an illusion; long-term health addresses both the root cause and prevention strategies.
are, is Are is a form of “be” and is used with plural subjects. EXAMPLE: The vegetables are very fresh at the local farmers market. Is is a form of “be” too, but it is used with single subjects. EXAMPLE: The eggplant is a very flavorful and colorful addition to fresh stir fry dishes.
assure, ensure, insure Assure is a transitive verb, meaning “to promise.” EXAMPLE: The salesman assured us our new car would last for years. Ensure is a verb, meaning “to make certain.” EXAMPLE: To ensure your wheatgrass is fresh, juice it first thing in the morning. Insure is a transitive verb, meaning to “apply/obtain insurance on/for.” EXAMPLE: Parents must insuretheir teenagers before they are allowed behind the wheel.
explicit, implicit Explicit is an adjective, meaning “stated outright.” EXAMPLE: The monograph explicitlystates that the herb is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. Implicit is an adjective, meaning “implied.” EXAMPLE: Most marketing includes an implicit message about the product, which makes you want to buy it.
like, such as Like is a verb that indicates two subjects are comparable. EXAMPLE: Kathy wants to be a well-known television personality like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. Such as is a verb phrase that comes before an example and indicates a larger subject. EXAMPLE: Kathy follows the careers of many well-known television personalities, such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.
may be, maybe May be is a verb, meaning “perhaps.” EXAMPLE: Dennis may be able to make the party after work. Maybe is an adverb, meaning “perhaps.” EXAMPLE: Dennis said, “Maybe I will, maybeI won’t make the party,” in keeping with his noncommittal personality.
that, which, who That is a pronoun and a conjugation; “that” is the person, thing, or idea being indicated. EXAMPLE: She said that she would return for her things in a minute. Which is a pronoun and an adjective; “which” is typically used with animals and things. EXAMPLE: The river, whichflows south, divides the country in half. Who is a pronoun; “who” is used with people and animals who have names. EXAMPLE: Rusty, whohas been with our family for years, likes to rest in the shade under our garden’s lemon tree.
who’s, whose Who’s is the contraction of who is. EXAMPLE: Who’s responsible for cleaning up after the party? Whose is the possessive form of “who.” This is an irregular conjugation, like “its.” EXAMPLE: That’s the woman whosepurse was stolen.
