we gave some great strategies for creating a strong professional e-mail that gets a response. Although e-mail form and etiquette are essential, another important issue in professional written communication is spelling. Since nearly all of your software programs likely incorporate an automatic spell-check function, you may think that you don’t need to monitor your spelling or review your work for errors like you used to. However, there are several words which are commonly incorrectly interchanged in writing; these errors are typically overlooked by spell check since they’re real words, they’re just being used in the wrong context. Take a look at our four common written errors and make sure your writing reflects your professional prowess!
accept / except
- “Accept” means to receive something, or to believe or be at peace with it.
- “Since I wasn’t home, he accepted the package for me.”
- “I don’t agree with him, but I accept his criticism of my performance.”
- “Except” usually means to exclude something from a statement or idea.
- “I didn’t tell her anything, except that I was not happy with her attitude lately.”
- “I love all of his writing except his most recent novel.”
lose / loose
- “Lose” is the opposite of win. “Loose” is the opposite of tight.
- “Given all of the evidence, I think the prosecutor is going to lose the case.”
- “All of his clothes were too loose after he lost weight.”
whether / weather
- “Whether” introduces two alternatives and may be used in a similar way as “if”. “Weather” refers to the climate or atmospheric conditions (e.g., temperature, rain, etc.)
- “I wonder whether he’ll show up to the presentation.”
- “Bring a jacket. The weather is supposed to be cold and rainy today.”
every day / everyday
- “Every day” is used to talk about something that happened repeatedly over many consecutive days. “Everyday” is an adjective which means regular or mundane.
- “I go to the gym every day after work.”
- “My everyday routine is starting to get boring.”
Next month we will be beginning “First Thursdays!” On the First Thursday of every month we will feature an expert “guest blogger” in a related field that has a skill or expertise that will complement our services and enhance your professional and executive presence. On January 7th, our first guest is a writing expert. Check in which us then, and learn how to take your written communication to the next level.
Want to learn more? Give me a call at 212-308-7725 or send me an e-mail at info@corporatespeechsolutions.com. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
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