1. That, Which
Google is a search engine that newspapers cannot ignore.
Les Hinton is publisher of the Wall Street Journal, which operates a pay model on its site.
** Which is often used for extra clarification on something in a sentence.
2. While
While advertising executives desperately search for the best ways to target audiences through Facebook and Twitter, there’s another social media format that is proving to be a highly effective tool for reaching consumers. [Incorrect] (Text pulled from Website Magazine, March 9, 2010)
Advertising executives desperately search for the best ways to target audiences through Facebook and Twitter. Now, there’s another social media format that proves to be a highly effective tool for reaching consumers. [Correct]
** Using “while” at the beginning of a sentence will often create a run-on sentence with too many parts.
3. Over, More than
The builders put an awning over the roof.
Website Magazine has more than 140,000 readers nationwide.
** “Over” is spatial. “More than” relates to quantity.
4. Too many verbs
City officials will work with the DNR to try to obtain a state grant. [Incorrect]
City officials will work with the DNR to obtain a state grant. [Correct]
(Text pulled from Northside News, Feb/March 2010 issue)
** Too many verbs confuse the reader and add words that take up space.
5. Its, They
The Northside Planning Council will hold its next meeting on Feb. 24.
The boys are going to play basketball with their friends.
(Text pulled from Northside News, Feb/March 2010 issue)
** “Its” is used for things. “Their” is used for people.
6. Insure, Ensure
To ensure the event went well, we prepared for 150 people.
The company was insured against losses.
** “Ensure” guarantees events and conditions. “Insure” is used in reference to finances.
7. Effect, Affect
John’s new position affected the future of his students. The effect was long-term.
** “Effect” is often used as a noun (effective). “Affect” is often used as a verb (influence).
8. Then, Than
Lucy is better than Ethel because she’s funny.
If I go running this morning, then I can eat cake.
** “Than” is used to indicate difference. “Then” means next or consequently.
9. Can, Able to
By using a real-time Web search engine, you are able to see the day’s hot topics. [Incorrect] (Text pulled from Website Magazine, March 9, 2010)
By using a real time Web search engine, you can see the day’s hot topics. [Correct]
10. Media, Medium
Do the media need to pay attention to the Web?
The Wisconsin State Journal is one medium.
** “Media” is the plural form of medium. Many mediums are media.
Other words
- Every day, Everyday
- Just, Only – replace “just” with “only”
- Got, gotten – they aren’t words so don’t use them
- They, Their, They’re
- Your, You’re
- Loose, Lose
- Choose, Chose
- Misspelled – this word has two Ss
- Definitely – often misspelled
- Embarrassed – this word has two Rs and two Ss
- Vacuum – often misspelled
- Very – often not needed so remove it
Commonly misused punctuation
1. Spacing after period
One space after a period. Previous rule of two spaces was due to typewriters.
2. Ellipses
We will always remember John … oh the memories.
** Ellipses are sometimes used to show emphasis. If used, there should be one space between the word and the start of the ellipses, and another space after the ellipses.
3. Semicolon
It was hot and sunny outside; Johnny went to the pool.
** Use a semicolon when putting two clauses (thoughts) together in a sentence. Oftentimes you can replace the semicolon with a period.
4. Comma
Once the year comes to an end, most of us anticipate receiving tax refunds.
Johnny likes soccer, basketball, baseball and swimming.
** Use commas when there is a pause in the sentence. If you say the sentence aloud, and there is a natural break, add a comma where the break occurs. Also use commas when listing things.
5. Punctuation in quotes
The instructor is providing information on “commonly misused punctuation.”
The instructor is providing information on “commonly misused punctuation,” and giving examples.
Consumers in online forums post such targeted questions as, “What should I look for in a laptop?”
Does Dr. Williams always say to his students, “You must work harder”?
** This is the most often misused form of punctuation. Periods and commas ALWAYS go inside quotations. Other forms of punctuation are only used inside the quotations if it’s part of the text that is being quoted. If it is not, then it is used OUTSIDE the quotes. Also, only put quotations around text that is pulled directly from something. Don’t use quotations for emphasis.
Thanks to @MaureenAlley for creating this.
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