Assure, Insure, Ensure? You’d think it would be a simple matter to get it right.
Not always.
Continue reading “Assure, Insure, Ensure: What’s The Difference?”Assure, Insure, Ensure: What’s The Difference?
A Discreet or Discrete Word, If You Have A Minute
I wonder whether you might have wondered about whether to use ‘discreet’ or ‘discrete’.
The problems of language use are often not so much about ‘correctness’, for its own sake, but more about a failure to communicate.
Continue reading “A Discreet or Discrete Word, If You Have A Minute”Allusion: A Specific Reference
Allude? Allusion? Do you know how to use these words?
You’ve probably heard someone say something like this:
Was he alluding to what happened at the meeting yesterday?
or
I’m alluding to your comments about the restructure.
We know what’s meant, but it’s not the accurate way to use the word ‘allude’.
Continue reading “Allusion: A Specific Reference”One Word Or Two? What’s The Difference?
There’s sometimes confusion about whether to use one word or two, in certain circumstances.
Altogether or all together? Sometimes or some times?
Does it matter?
Well, yes, it often does.
Continue reading “One Word Or Two? What’s The Difference?”Mixed Metaphors And Improbable Imagery
Metaphors add colour to language. Mixed metaphors are a mismatch of images that often create a bizarre effect.
Continue reading “Mixed Metaphors And Improbable Imagery”If and Whether Or Not
The words ‘if’ and ‘whether’ are often used interchangeably. In most cases, it isn’t a problem. Sometimes, though, it can lead to awkwardness or misunderstanding.
Continue reading “If and Whether Or Not”Wavering Over ‘Waiver’
Waive and waiver, wave and waver…. It can be confusing.
Give yourself a little test. In each of the sentences, below, fill in the correct word:
Continue reading “Wavering Over ‘Waiver’”Imply Or Infer?
‘Imply’ or ‘infer’? Many people confuse these words. They are both verbs that deal with the communication of a message but they have different meanings.
Whether you use ‘imply’ or ‘infer’ also depends on whether you are the sender or the receiver of the message.
Continue reading “Imply Or Infer?”‘Home In’ Or ‘Hone’
‘Home in’ or ‘hone in’? Is there a difference?
Yes, there is. One doesn’t make sense.
I read this sentence in a recent article:
(The newspaper’s) reporting honed in on a set of emails ….
It should be ‘homed in’, of course, but not everyone would have you think so.
Continue reading “‘Home In’ Or ‘Hone’”Percentages: Do The Maths
These exchanges probably sound very familiar :
Sam: Are you sure you want to go?
Jo: Yep. Totally… 110%
Mal: Is this a really committed relationship?
Toni: Absolutely… 1,000%
A mathematical impossibility – in both cases.
It’s also a valid language concern.