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The Write Stuff March 2011 Volume 7 Issue 3

A Little March Madness of My Own

With the San Diego State University Aztecs earning a #2 seed in the NCAA tournament, a lot of people in my adopted home town are “mad” about college basketball right now. What makes me mad? For today’s purposes, I’ll focus on homonym issues…the incorrect use of words that sound the same, but have different meanings.

Complement and Compliment
When you say something to express praise or approval, you’re offering up a compliment. When something completes or perfects something else, it complements it.

It was quite a compliment to me when my interior designer friend noted how well all the colorful elements in my home complement one another.

Principle and Principal
A principle is an underlying law or assumption required in a system of thought. Principal has two meanings: first in importance, or someone who’s in charge.

Some company principals have difficulty grasping grammar principles. One of my principal responsibilities is allowing them to focus on their core competencies, while I ensure their copy’s excellence.

Could your company use an in-house editor? I’m the next best thing…and far more affordable. Learn more at adriennemoch.com or contact me at adrienne@adriennemoch.com or (619) 291-4645.

Published On: May 25th, 2017 / Categories: 2011 /