A few of the biggest offenders that I see almost every day are:

bored with or by; NOT bored of
Examples:
I was really bored by last night’s lecture.
Eventually I became bored with the whole thing.

capable of; NOT capable to
Examples:
I knew they were capable of going further.
My father told me I was capable of doing greater things.

impressed with or by; NOT impressed of
Examples:
Diane was quite impressed with Frank’s attitude.
Jason was impressed by their new approach to the issue.

These are just a few examples of some common transgressions. As I stated above, I see these types of errors in preposition usage every single day in the local newspaper; and I hear them made constantly on the radio as I work. In the case of television, you would think that many of those writers never took a course in basic English usage. When it comes to TV, I’m talking about both scripts for shows, and newscasts as well.

So, here’s a word of warning – if you are trying to improve your English by watching television or listening to the radio, don’t assume that everything you hear is correct. Often it isn’t. Really! So, if you read or hear something that doesn’t seem quite right, look it up.

There are many more examples I could give of incorrect preposition usage involving nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Below is a link to a list of more than one hundred examples of correct preposition usage involving common words and/or expressions:
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/preposition-usage.html

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It’s another excerpt from my “list” of words and/or terms that I notice are commonly confused in everyday writing and speaking. Some of these words/terms are used in informal speech as “colloquialisms” but should not be used in most types of formal writing.

This is the third installment. I will be adding to this list in alphabetical order in future posts to this blog. (See blog posts for Sept. and Oct. 2011and Jan. 2012 for the first three).

Commonly Confused Words/Terms (No. 4)

enthused, enthusiastic
“Enthused” is non-standard. Use “enthusiastic’.
Example:
The girls were enthusiastic about their pending trip abroad.
We were very enthusiastic about the upcoming game.

everyone, every one
“Everyone” is an indefinite pronoun that refers to ALL members of a group collectively.
“Every one” as two separate words refers to EACH member of a group.
Example:
Everyone left together. Every one of us was wearing a raincoat.
Please thank everyone. Later I will thank every one of them personally.

explicit, implicit
“Explicit” means clearly and specifically defined. “Implicit” means implied or unstated.
Example:
I gave the bank explicit instructions for the transfer.
The fact that he said nothing was seen as implicit approval.

farther, further
“Farther” relates to distance. Further implies quantity or degree.
Example:
Vancouver is farther from Toronto than I thought.
He went further than expected in conducting his research.

fewer, less
“Fewer” refers to items that can be counted. “Less” refers to quantities.
Example:
Because fewer people were there, we collected less money.
Although there was less rain this time, fewer cars were on the roads.

first, firstly
“Firstly” is non-standard and sounds pretentious. Use first, second, third, and so on.
Example:
First, he created the plan, second he built the prototype…

good, well
“Good” is an adjective and must modify something. “Well” is an adverb.
Example:
She hasn’t felt good about her game since late last season.
She performed well in the final event of the competition.
Tiger played good golf last weekend; he knows he played well.
NOT: Tiger played good last weekend! INSTEAD: Tiger played well last weekend.

hardly
“Hardly” means “scarcely or only just”. It is often used incorrectly as a “double negative”,
as in: “He can’t hardly do it…”, which is incorrect.
Example:
Due to the accident, I can hardly remember anything that took place.

has got, have got
“Got” is unnecessary when used with have/has in such phrases as:
“We’ve got twelve days until the deadline.”
Example:
We have only twelve days left until the deadline.

hisself
“Hisself” is non-standard. DON’T use it. INSTEAD use “himself”.
Example:
He went to the game by himself. He did it himself.

Sidebar Comment:
Sometimes you can get away with these types of errors when speaking (i.e. people might assume they “misheard” you and/or will give you the benefit of the doubt), but if you make such mistakes when writing they are right there in “black and white” for everyone to see. This is an instant way to lose credibility and will immediately cast doubts on your overall capabilities.

For more writing help articles, and practical examples, go to my main writing help website at:
http://www.writinghelp-central.com

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The following list contains samples of some typical redundant words and phrases, along with shorter and less cumbersome alternatives.

absolutely essential ……………. essential
accounted for ……………………… caused by
actual experience ………………. experience
attached please find …………… attached is
despite the fact that …………… although
few in number …………………….. few
free of charge …………………….. free
in advance of ………………………. before
in the process of being ………. being
in the near future ……………….. soon
is suggestive of ………………….. suggests
make a decision to ……………… decide
mutual cooperstion ……………… cooperation
on behalf of ………………………….. for
on the grounds that …………….. since
perform an analysis of …………. analyze
provided that …………………………. if
take under advisement ………… consider
under no circumstances ……….. never
until such time as ………………….. until

The above list is just a sampler that I put together for illustration purposes. Enough examples so that you will be able to clearly see my point.

The obvious lesson that one can draw from the above is: the simpler the better — don’t use three words when one will do the job.

I should point out that the words and phrases shown on the left-hand side above, are not wrong. They are just a more convoluted and cumbersome way of saying something that can be stated more simply; as the alternatives illustrate. Nevertheless, for style reasons, there may be situations where the phrase shown on the left is more appropriate in a particular context. Or, there can be situations where one chooses to alternate between the two approaches, in order to avoid repetition.

To see a much longer list of redundant words and phrases, with alternatives, click on the following link:
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/redundant-words.html

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This is the third installment. I will be adding to this list in alphabetical order in future posts to this blog.
(See blog posts for Sept. and Oct. 2011 for the first two).

Commonly Confused Words/Terms (No. 3)

could of
This is non-standard. Use “could have”.
Example:
He could have been ill at the time.

council, counsel
A “council” is a decision-making body.
The noun “counsel” means “advice”. It can also mean “lawyer”.
Example:
The administrative council sought counsel from its legal counsel.

data
“Data” is a plural noun that means “facts” or “information”.
It is sometimes used as a singular noun (instead of datum).
Example:
The revised data agrees with what we expected.

different from, different than
“Different from” is normally used; although “different than”
can be used to avoid awkward phrasing.
Example:
Your approach to the game is different from mine.
Let me know if your plans are different than they were before.
[to avoid “from what” they were].

differ from, differ with
“Differ from” means “to be unlike”.
“Differ with” means “to disagree with”.
Example:
My answer differed from his. I differ with his approach.

disinterested, uninterested
“Disinterested” means “impartial” or “objective”.
Uninterested means “not interested”.
Example:
We sought the views of a disinterested party.
She seemed uninterested in what we had to say.

don’t, doesn’t
“Don’t” is a contraction for “do not”.
Doesn’t is a contraction for “does not”.
They are NOT interchangeable.
Example:
Don’t leave yet. She doesn’t want to go.

elicit, illicit
“Elicit” means “to draw out” or “to evoke”.
“Illicit” means “illegal” or “unlawful”.
Example:
We were not able to elicit any information from
him about his alleged illicit trading activities.

emigrate, immigrate
“Emigrate” means “to leave” one country or area for another.
“Immigrate”, the opposite, means to enter a country or area.
Example:
My ancestors emigrated from the British Isles.
Maria immigrated to this country to find work.

eminent, imminent
“Eminent” means “distinguished” or “respected”.
“Imminent” means “about to happen”.
Example:
We ran into an eminent historian at the banquet.
The demise of the long-struggling company is imminent.

Sidebar Comment:
Sometimes you can get away with these types of errors when speaking (i.e. people might assume they “misheard” you and/or will give you the benefit of the doubt), but if you make such mistakes when writing they are right there in “black and white” for everyone to see. This is an instant way to lose credibility and will immediately cast doubts on your overall capabilities.

For more writing help articles and practical written examples, go to my main writing help website at:
http://writinghelp-central.com

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Here are links to the Top 10 most popular “writing help” pages during 2011:

1. Business Letter Samples
http://writinghelp-central.com/sample-letters-business.html

2. Personal Letter Format
http://writinghelp-central.com/personal-letter-format.html

3. Personal Letter Samples
http://writinghelp-central.com/sample-letters-personal.html

4. MLA Paper – Cover Page Sample
http://writinghelp-central.com/mla-sample1.html

5. Invitation Letter Samples
http://writinghelp-central.com/invitation-letter-samples.html

6. Introduction Letter Samples
http://writinghelp-central.com/introduction-letter-samples.html

7. Business Letter Format
http://writinghelp-central.com/business-letter-format.html

8. Business Introduction Letter Sample
http://writinghelp-central.com/business-introduction-letter.html

9. Character Reference Letter Sample
http://writinghelp-central.com/character-reference.html

10. APA Paper – Cover Page Sample
http://writinghelp-central.com/apa-sample1.html

Of course, there’s a lot more info than the above, with more than 360 pages of free “writing help” advice, information, tips, and articles on my primary website:
http://www.writinghelp-central.com

In addition, there were almost 1 million visits to my “writing help tools” website:
http://writinghelptools.com

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Sometimes there doesn’t even have to be a break in the conversation, just the intrusive beep or buzz of an incoming text, to which one apparently has to immediately respond. The non-texter in this situation almost feels pressured to engage in non-stop incessant babbling just to try to maintain the attention of the other person so that they don’t allow themselves to be distracted by the latest random thought of whichever of the hundreds of people on their list happens to text them. What were formerly moments of silent reflection are now texting opportunities.

The person that I had this discussion with didn’t agree with me. I was told that (since I am not a texter) I just don’t understand how things work these days. I maintained that it didn’t matter whether I was a texter or not; that some basic rules of civility still apply, such as not making or taking a phone call while in the middle of a conversation or during a joint activity with another person. Regardless, my companion still maintained that I just don’t “get” the texting thing.

I started to wonder if I had completely lost touch, and really didn’t get it anymore. So, I decided to check it out with the experts online. Below are direct quotes from the first five web pages that popped up in my search results when I entered the phrase “texting etiquette”. These are direct copy and paste quotes from the experts:

“1. Common courtesy still rules. Contrary to popular belief, composing an SMS while you’re in a face-to-face conversation with someone is just about as rude as taking a voice call.”

“This is for the girls out there: if I’m buying you dinner, put the #$*#$&&#$* phone away. Seriously. There is nothing more irritating than when a girl texts throughout an entire evening of dinner and drinks. The old “never answer your phone during dinner” rule has been around for decades and for the most part is still in effect.”

“The “other people” factor. It is not necessarily rude to text while you’re in the presence of others–if the point of the text message is to involve the recipient in the physical gathering. On the other hand, communicating extensively via text when you should be fully engaged in what’s going on in the real world will surely annoy those around you. Again the comparison of a texting session to a phone call is apt and should give you a sense of how to behave.”

“#1 If you’re out with a friend for coffee, a beer, or for dinner, do not check your texts. So you’re out with your good friend, Bort. What texting in the middle of a conversation says to Bort is that despite Bort sitting right across from you, in the flesh, he is still not a priority. Bort thinks you’re rude and you’re being an a$#*&#. If something is really important, people usually call, not text. Wait until Bort uses the can before you check your super important text messages and Facebook/Twitter updates. Exception: The only time texting in this scenario is acceptable, is if you’re waiting to hear back from someone who is going to be joining you and Bort or if you’re waiting on some urgent news, and in this case, you should tell Bort ahead of time that you’re expecting an urgent text.“

“Don’t send texts to friends when you are with someone else. Reading and sending texts when with someone else (while on a date, for example) tells the one you are with they are less important than the one you are texting. This doesn’t apply when just casually hanging out with others.”

Based on the above quotes from experts, it seems that I might have a case; that it is often rude to send/receive texts while engaged in a conversation or activity with another person. Naturally, as noted above, there will be exceptions to this, such as when expecting truly important news or information.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Because YOU — my blog subscribers and readers — are from various cultures and social environments all around the world, I’m interested to know what your take is on this texting in company issue. Please use the comments box below.

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Commonly Confused Words/Terms (No. 2)

This is from my “list” of words and/or terms that I notice are commonly confused in everyday writing and speaking. Some of these words/terms are used in informal speech as “colloquialisms” but should not be used in most types of formal writing.

This is the second instalment. I will be adding to this list in alphabetical order in future posts to this blog:

anyways, anywheres
These are non-standard. Use anyway and anywhere.

awhile, a while
“Awhile” is an adverb, so it can modify a verb. But it cannot be the object of a preposition. The two-word version “a while” is a noun preceded by an article and can therefore be the object of a preposition.
Example: Rest awhile. He stayed for a while.

bad, badly
“Bad” is an adjective, “badly is an adverb.
Example:They felt bad about being late. His leg hurt badly after his accident.

beside, besides
“Beside” means “at the side of”. “Besides” means “except” or “in addition to”.
Example: John sat beside me. No one can go, besides Mary.

bring, take
Use “bring” when an object is being brought “with” or “towards” where you are now;
Use “take” when the object is being taken “away” from where you are now.
Example:Bring the tickets with you. We will take the car to the club.

can, may
“Can” usually refers to “ability” to do something, while “may” normally means “permission”.
Example:Can you write the letter yourself? May I go too?

cite, site
“Cite” means “to quote” an authority. “Site” normally refers to a place.
Example:He cited bank regulations when opposing the new project.

coarse, course
“Coarse” means crude or rough. “Course” normally refers to a path or route to somewhere or something.
Example:The material was coarse in texture. His program
includes a course in sociology.

complement, compliment
“Complement” means “to go with or complete” something. “Compliment” means “to flatter”.
Example:His lyrics complement her playing. The maestro
complimented her on her musicianship.

continual, continuous
“Continual” means “repeated, regular, and frequently”. “Continuous” means “prolonged, without interruption”.
Example:He grew tired of her continual nagging. The
alarm rang continuously as they exited.

Sidebar Comment:
Sometimes you can get away with these types of errors when speaking (i.e. people might assume they “misheard” you and/or will give you the benefit of the doubt), but if you make such mistakes when writing they are right there in “black and white” for everyone to see. This is an instant way to lose credibility and will immediately cast doubts on your overall capabilities.

For more writing help articles, including practical written examples, you can go to my main writing help website at:
http://writinghelp-central.com
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Commonly Confused Words/Terms (No. 1)

This is from my “short list” of words and/or terms that I have noticed are commonly confused in everyday writing and speaking. Some of these words/terms are used in informal speech as “colloquialisms” but should not be used in most types of formal writing.

This is the first instalment in the series. I will be adding to this list in alphabetical order, every second month, over the next year or so:

accept, except
Accept means “to receive”. Except means “to exclude.”
Example: I will accept all of those books except that one.

adapt, adopt
Adapt means “to adjust to”. Adopt means to “take as one’s own”.
Example: We adopted the new puppy which quickly adapted to its new surroundings.

advice, advise
“Advice” is a noun, and “advise” is a verb.
Example: I advise you to follow Frank’s advice.

agree with, agree to
“Agree with” means “to be in accord with”. “Agree to” means
“to give consent to”.
Example: She agrees with my overall strategy but won’t
agree to my plan of action.

all ready, already
“All ready” in two words, means “completely prepared.” “Already” as one word means “previously”.
Example: Fred was all ready to go, but John had already left.

all right, alright
“All right” in two words, means “everything’s ok”. “Alright” as one word
is non-standard and should be avoided.

all together, altogether
“All together” in two words, means “everyone gathered…”.
“Altogether” as one word, means “entirely.”
Example: We were not altogether convinced that they would be able to meet all together as a group.

amount, number
Use “amount” with quantities that can’t be counted. Use “number” with things that can be counted.
Example: This recipe calls for a large amount of salt. There are a number of similar recipes in this book.

angry at, angry with
In writing, “to be angry with” is standard. “To be angry at” is non-standard and should be avoided in writing.

anyone, any one
“Anyone”, as one word, means “anyone at all”. “Any one” in two words refers to a particular person or thing.
Example: Anyone over 18 years old can have access to any one of the workout machines.

Sidebar Comment:
Sometimes you can get away with these types of errors when speaking (i.e. people might assume they “misheard” you and/or will give you the benefit of the doubt), but if you make such mistakes when writing they are right there in “black and white” for everyone to see. This is an instant way to lose credibility and will immediately cast doubts on your overall capabilities.

For more writing help articles, including practical written examples, you can go to my main writing help website at:
http://writinghelp-central.com

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1. 10 Secrets For Writing Killer Complaint Letters
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/article-complaint-letter.html

2. Letters Of Recommendation Explained
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/article-letters-of-recommendation.html

3. Go With the Flow: Use Transition Words and Phrases
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/article-transition-words.html

4. When To Say Thank You In Writing
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/article-thankyou-letters.html

5. How To Write Cover Letters That Work
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/article-cover-letter.html

To see a complete list of all of the articles posted on my website, click on the following link:
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/articles.html

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I’m NOT talking here about new terms that have been adopted due to changes in technology, such as: download, googling, browser, cookies, hyperlink, going viral, and the like. Rather, I’m referring to everyday common words, phrases, and expressions that have somehow been distorted through their repeated misuse in the popular media on a daily basis.

Here are a few examples that I hear/read almost every day:

1. “snuck” vs. “sneaked”
Believe it or not, it is still ok to say we “sneaked” in through the back door. In fact, in my opinion, it is better to say “we sneaked in”, rather than to say “we snuck in”.

2. “fewer” vs. “less”
The general rule of thumb is this: if it can be counted, use “fewer”; if it is a quantity use “less”.
For example: There were “fewer” people there last night; NOT – there were “less” people there. (people can be counted).
This one works=> There was less of a crowd there last night. (a crowd is a quantity/group of people).

3. “good” vs. “well”
He played really “well” yesterday; NOT – He played really “good” yesterday.
He played “well”; NOT – He played “good”.
This one works=> He played good tennis yesterday. Or, He played well yesterday.
“Good” is an adjective; It does not stand alone; it needs to modify or describe something else. “Well” is an adverb and it can stand alone as the object of a phrase.

So, when Tiger Woods says “I played good yesterday.” (which he often does say), he really means “I played good golf yesterday”; or, “I played well yesterday”.

4. Bored “with” vs. bored “of”
I am bored “with” school is correct; NOT – I am bored “of” school.
These work=> I am tired of school. I am sick of school.
Why is this one like this? I can’t tell you; the language just works that way.

The above are just a few examples of dubious English usage that grate on my nerves whenever I hear or read them. I’m sure you can probably think of others as well.

English is a beautifully precise language; try to be precisely right whenever you speak it or write it.

For some practical tips on proper English usage in day-to-day written documents, check out my writing help articles:
http://writinghelp-central.com/articles.html

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