Writing tips by a professional book proofreader, book copy editor and book writer
Perfectly Write is all about helping people with their writing. Passionate about the English language, I enjoy helping writers develop their skills. I offer advice and tips based on my experience as an author and ghostwriter, author mentor, book copy editor and book proofreader.
Words to watch
The English language has a plethora of words which look and sound very similar and are easy to confuse and misuse. In my work as a proofreader and editor, I come across plenty of confusion over these words. Below are some of the main ones to watch out for in your writing.
Affect or effect? Affect means to make a difference to (I am not affected by what you are saying). Effect means to bring about a result (The effects of the storm were widespread).
For ever or forever? For ever means ‘for always’ (I will be your friend for ever). Forever means ‘continually’ (He was forever missing the bus).
It’s or its? It’s is the contracted form of ‘it is’ (It’s a sunny day today.) Its means ‘belonging to it’ (The dog ate its dinner).
Know or no? To know means to understand (I know how to cook). No is the opposite of yes (No, I don’t want to go out).
Licence or license? Licence is the noun (I have a driving licence). License is the verb (Are you licensed to serve alcohol?).
Of or off? Of indicates possession or association (The coat of my brother.) Off is the opposite of on (Did I turn the oven off)?
Principle or principal? Principle is a noun meaning ‘basic truth or guideline’ (Vegetarians avoid meat on principle). Principal can be an adjective or a noun meaning ‘first in rank or importance’ (She is the principal dancer in the ballet).
Their or there or they’re? Their means ‘belonging to them’ (The girls played with their toys). There is the opposite of here (The book is over there). They're is short for ‘they are’ (They’re going to the seaside).
To or two or too? To is a preposition (We’re going to the zoo). Two is a number (The animals went in two by two). Too means ‘also’ (I like chocolate too).
Whether or weather? Whether sets out alternatives (I don’t know whether to walk or catch the bus). Weather means the climate (Scotland has wet weather).
Where or wear or were? Where attaches to a location (Where is London?). Wear is a verb meaning ‘to be dressed in’ (What are you wearing to the party?). Were is the past tense of the verb ‘to be’ (Were you at work yesterday?).
Your or you’re? Your means ‘belonging to you’ (Where is your coat?). You’re is short for ‘you are’ (I think you’re right).
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My website contains other articles offering advice on all things wordy. And if you need specialist help from a professional book proofreader, book editor and book writer, please get in touch.