council/counsel/consul
The first two words are pronounced the same but have distinct meanings. An official group that deliberates, like the Council on Foreign Relations, is a “council”; all the rest are “counsels”: your lawyer, advice, etc. A consul is a local representative of a foreign government.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
precede/proceed: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, June 18, 2013
precede/proceed
“Precede” means “to go before.” “Proceed” means “to go on.” Let your companion precede you through the door, then proceed to follow her. Interestingly, the second E is missing in “procedure.”
“Precede” means “to go before.” “Proceed” means “to go on.” Let your companion precede you through the door, then proceed to follow her. Interestingly, the second E is missing in “procedure.”
Monday, June 17, 2013
once/ones: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, June 17, 2013
once/ones
“Once” always has to do with time and answers the questions, “how many times?” or “when?” For instance: “I only played handball once.” “Once I got my boot off, I saw my sock had a hole in it.”
In contrast, “ones” have to do with things. In your tool collection, the ones you should keep handy are the ones you use most.
“Once” always has to do with time and answers the questions, “how many times?” or “when?” For instance: “I only played handball once.” “Once I got my boot off, I saw my sock had a hole in it.”
In contrast, “ones” have to do with things. In your tool collection, the ones you should keep handy are the ones you use most.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
suttle/subtle: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, June 16, 2013
suttle/subtle
It’s a not-so-subtle hint to the reader that your spelling is weak if you misspell “subtle” as “suttle.”
It’s a not-so-subtle hint to the reader that your spelling is weak if you misspell “subtle” as “suttle.”
Saturday, June 15, 2013
on accident/by accident: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, June 15, 2013
on accident/by accident
Although you can do things on purpose, you do them by accident.
Although you can do things on purpose, you do them by accident.
Friday, June 14, 2013
rye/wry: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, June 14, 2013
rye/wry
“Wry” means “bent, twisted.” Even if you don’t have a wry sense of humor you may crack a wry smile. No rye is involved.
“Wry” means “bent, twisted.” Even if you don’t have a wry sense of humor you may crack a wry smile. No rye is involved.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
female/woman: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, June 13, 2013
female/woman
When referring to an adult female of the human species it sounds weird and may even be considered insulting to use the noun “female” instead of “woman.” “The female pointed the gun at the cop” should be “the woman pointed the gun at the cop.”
In the case of the related adjectives some people argue that since we say—for instance—“male doctor” we should always say “female doctor” rather than “woman doctor.” It may be inconsistent, but the pattern of referring to females as women performers, professionals, etc. is very traditional, dating back at least to the 14th century. People who do this cannot be accused of committing an error.
Technical adjectival uses defining gender like “female genes” are fine (but don’t confuse them with “women’s jeans”).
When referring to an adult female of the human species it sounds weird and may even be considered insulting to use the noun “female” instead of “woman.” “The female pointed the gun at the cop” should be “the woman pointed the gun at the cop.”
In the case of the related adjectives some people argue that since we say—for instance—“male doctor” we should always say “female doctor” rather than “woman doctor.” It may be inconsistent, but the pattern of referring to females as women performers, professionals, etc. is very traditional, dating back at least to the 14th century. People who do this cannot be accused of committing an error.
Technical adjectival uses defining gender like “female genes” are fine (but don’t confuse them with “women’s jeans”).
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