Word Usage
March 20, 2008 | Tutor
Tips
Common Errors in
Word Usage
There are several easily avoidable errors that are very common in the English language. Many of these errors are made accidentally, due to a writer rushing through a paper. Just in case some of them aren't exactly clear, here's some of the more common areas and tips on how to avoid them.
a/an: If the word following begins with a vowel sound, the word you want is "an": "Have an apple, Adam."
your/you're: "You're" is always a contraction of "you are." If you've written "you're," try substituting "you are." If it doesn't work, the word you want is "your."
irregardless: Regardless of what you have heard, "irregardless" is a redundancy. The suffix "-less" on the end of the word already makes the word negative. It doesn't need the negative prefix "ir-" added to make it even more negative.
farther/further: Some authorities insist on "farther" to refer to physical distance and on "further" to refer to an extent of time or degree, but others treat the two words as interchangeable except for insisting on "further" for "in addition," and "moreover." You'll always be safe in making the distinction.
accept/except: If you offer me Godiva chocolates I will gladly accept them—except for the candied violet ones. Just remember that the "X" in "except" excludes things—they tend to stand out, be different.
all ready/already: "All ready" is a phrase meaning "completely prepared," as in "As soon as I put my coat on, I'll be all ready." "Already," however, is an adverb used to describe something that has happened before a certain time, as in "What do you mean you'd rather stay home? I've already got my coat on."
There are several great web resources to help you sort through common usage errors, including Washington State University's "Common Errors" page.
The tutors in the Writing Center are also always a great resource!
posted by: Aleks
There are several easily avoidable errors that are very common in the English language. Many of these errors are made accidentally, due to a writer rushing through a paper. Just in case some of them aren't exactly clear, here's some of the more common areas and tips on how to avoid them.
a/an: If the word following begins with a vowel sound, the word you want is "an": "Have an apple, Adam."
your/you're: "You're" is always a contraction of "you are." If you've written "you're," try substituting "you are." If it doesn't work, the word you want is "your."
irregardless: Regardless of what you have heard, "irregardless" is a redundancy. The suffix "-less" on the end of the word already makes the word negative. It doesn't need the negative prefix "ir-" added to make it even more negative.
farther/further: Some authorities insist on "farther" to refer to physical distance and on "further" to refer to an extent of time or degree, but others treat the two words as interchangeable except for insisting on "further" for "in addition," and "moreover." You'll always be safe in making the distinction.
accept/except: If you offer me Godiva chocolates I will gladly accept them—except for the candied violet ones. Just remember that the "X" in "except" excludes things—they tend to stand out, be different.
all ready/already: "All ready" is a phrase meaning "completely prepared," as in "As soon as I put my coat on, I'll be all ready." "Already," however, is an adverb used to describe something that has happened before a certain time, as in "What do you mean you'd rather stay home? I've already got my coat on."
There are several great web resources to help you sort through common usage errors, including Washington State University's "Common Errors" page.
The tutors in the Writing Center are also always a great resource!
posted by: Aleks
