Make The Right Choice
The English language is filled with pitfalls for unsuspecting writers. The choices below might come up when you’re creating content — and to maintain credibility you need to make the right ones.
Is it further or farther? If you’re referring to an actual physical distance, the latter is correct; if not, the former is.
- This issue demands further study.
- San Diego is farther from Los Angeles than Orange County.
Is it alright or all right? This is an easy one — since alright is not a word.
- Working from home has always been all right with me.
Is it setup or set up? The former is a noun, while the latter is a verb.
- This setup is wonderful.
- How should we set up the room?
Is it passed or past? That depends on whether you want to use the past tense of pass — or are referring to something that belongs to a former time or place.
- We passed through four states on our childhood car trips from Illinois to Florida.
- It’s fun to look at photos from the past.
Is it lose or loose? The former is a verb, while the latter is an adjective.
- No one likes to lose.
- You’ve lost some weight when your pants are loose.
Is it stationary or stationery? These homonyms have very different meanings.
- A stationary bike can help you keep in shape.
- My stationery is made from recycled paper.
If you have any doubts about your word choices, take the time to look up their meanings — so you’re always right.
Think You Know Me?
It was an honor to be featured in Shoutout SoCal, part of the LA-based Voyage Group of Magazines. Learn how my background shaped the person I am today, what my career journey has been like and where I would take someone visiting San Diego here.
Does It Need A Hyphen?
The rules of hyphenation can be challenging, so when in doubt, always check. For instance, midyear is not hyphenated, yet mid-2020 is.