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What Word Goes Where- Clarifying Common Word Confusions
It seems elementary, knowing the difference between there and their or you’re and your; however, you would be surprised with how many times I find myself confused when it comes to choosing “that” or “which,” so I can imagine fellow writers sometimes find themselves in the same predicament. Below is a list of the most commonly misused words and phrases and how to make sure you choose the correct word. READ MORE... (THIS SHOULD HYPERLINK TO THE FULL STORY ON MAC4 WEBSITE)
- Affect, effect
- Affect is usually used as a verb means to influence. The weather will affect the where the event is held.
- Effect is usually used as a noun means result or outcome; Effect as a verb means to cause. The effects of the budget cut are obvious.
- Your, You’re and There, Their
- Your means belonging to you. That is your jacket.
- You’re is the contraction for you are. You’re going to the circus.
- There is an adverb indicating direction; the opposite of here. My car is parked over there.
- Their is a possessive pronoun; belonging to them. They forgot to bring their books.
- Ensure, insure, assure
- Ensure is to make certain of something, to guarantee. To ensure they didn’t run out of time, they only hired two speakers.
- Insure(insurance) is used for business purposes or references to insurance. The company refused to insure her car because she had been in too many accidents.
- Assure means to promise or remove doubt, used with living things. She assured her husband the kids would be safe.
- That, which
- That is restrictive, meaning it provides necessary information, most commonly “that” is used in clauses that don’t need commas. The bird that was outside flew away.
- Which is non-restrictive, meaning it provides an extra piece of useful knowledge; most commonly “which” is used in clauses that do need commas. The Sound of Music, which is a musical, is my favorite movie.
- i.e., e.g.
- I.e. literally means, “that is to say.”The plan caused chaos and confusion, i.e., it was a bad idea.
- E.g. means “for example.” Wear bright colors (e.g. orange, yellow, pink) to the park.
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| In the Fall issue of MAC4 eZine
• Managers: Heed the Rules of Employee Engagement
• Writing the Lead
• Make the Most of your Social Networking Time
• What Word goes Where… Clarifying Common Word Confusions |
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Quotes of the Month:
A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.
-- St. Francis of Assisi
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.
--Epictetus
Then when it seems we will never smile again, life comes back.
--Mark M. Baldwin
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In the Next issue:
• Get More People to Follow or “Like” Your Business through Social Networking
• Starting a Business? Build a Brand That Speaks to Your Vision
• Don’t Write This, Write That: Rules to Follow Before Hitting Send |
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