Seven Common Usage Errors
Here’s another article in our series on Copy Writing Techniques. Ever notice that newspapers, magazines, ad agencies, and other professional publications employ writers AND editors? Well, a lot of Bloggers are trying to wear the “do it all yourself” hat. And that can be OK when you learn professional writing, AND editing techniques. But a powerful team of writer plus editor often produces a more effective story than either would do on their own. Remember when “Desktop Publishing” spawned a bunch of people with PageMaker, but no publishing skills? Don’t let that happen to you in the online publishing world of Blogs and eZines. Learn the Skills. And, hire a professional editor when you need one. [Ed.]
By David Bowman
Good writing and good editing are about helping readers to understand. As a professional editor will tell you, this is as much art as it is technique. With this in mind, though, word usage is pretty cut and dry. At Precise Edit we see some of the same writing mistakes repeatedly, and we share them below. We recognize that not everyone uses a professional editing service, so this information is meant to help you as you write.
i.e. vs. e.g.
Use i.e., to re-name, restate, or to clarify, as in, “He fell out of the window, i.e., down.” This is an abbreviated Latin term (id est) that roughly translates as “which is to say…” or “meaning…”
Use e.g., to provide examples, as in, “He liked falling, e.g., out of windows, from airplanes, off of ladders.” This is an abbreviated Latin term (exempli gratia) that roughly translates as “For example…” [And don't forget the comma after either one.]
Data is plural
Example: “The data are complete; we conclude that falling is dangerous.” [We hear data used as a singular noun so often that the mistake seems right, but it isn't.]
Like vs. Such as
Use like to show similarities, as in, “He was falling like a rotten tomato that missed the stage.”
Use such as to provide examples, as in, “Everything falls at times, such as tomatoes and bodies from windows.” [Not: "Everything falls at times, like tomatoes and bodies from windows." Another correct way to say this is "Everything falls at times, e.g., tomatoes and bodies from windows."]
Everyone is singular
Example: “Everyone needs to jump out of his window.” [Not: "Everyone needs to jump out of their window." You could use "his or her" to be politically correct.]
Effect Vs. Affect
These two words, with such different meanings, are frequently interchanged in writing. The problem is that they sound so similar, which causes many writers to use the wrong one. A little basic knowledge of English grammar will help you know which one to use–and why.
1. Common uses
“Effect” is most commonly used as a noun and refers to something that happens because of some action or event. A good synonym is “result.” For example, pretend that you are watching a fireworks display, and one rocket makes a really big boom. The person next to you, deafened by the blast, turns to you and shouts, “That was a really great effect.” That person is referring to the blast that occurred when the rocket exploded, i.e., the result of the explosion.
“Affect” is most commonly used as a verb and refers to the action of influencing something else. In fact, “influence” (the verb) is a good synonym. For example, when the person just mentioned has finished shouting about the effect, you might respond, “Yeah, it must have affected your hearing.”
Here are a few more samples:
- What will be the effect of winking at her? Will winking affect her opinion of me?
- When she smiles at me, my whole day is affected. It’s a strange effect.
2. Less common uses
“”Effect” is sometimes used as a verb, though we don’t like this use. It is too “new-speaky” for us, like using “dialogue” as a verb, which it isn’t. When “effect” is being used as a verb, it refers to the action of causing something to occur. An example of this is: “My wink effected a change in her attitude about me.”
“Affect” can be correctly used as a noun. As a noun, this refers to emotions or an emotional response. You will find many examples of this in psychology documents. An example is: “Her affect was strange when I winked at her.”
3. Quick Summary
Effect: Noun, means result
Affect: Verb, means influence; Noun, means emotional response
Since so many writers mistake these two words, editors at Precise Edit usually do a search for them when editing. We examine each occurrence and make sure the correct word is being used. Correct word choice, after all, is a sign of being a professional writer.
Keep up the great writing! When you’re ready for professional assistance, contact Precise Edit. Good writing always matters!
About the Author: David Bowman is the Owner and Chief Editor of Precise Edit , a comprehensive editing, proofreading, and document analysis service for authors, students, and businesses. Precise Edit also offers a variety of other services, such as translation, transcription, and website development.
Written by: Scott Frangos
This entry was posted on Monday, January 28th, 2008 at 8:08 am and is filed under Blogging Help, Copy Writing, Copywriting Matters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
