Dave Dowling - The Wrong Word Dictionary: 2,500 Most Commonly Confused Words

Also by Dave Dowling The Dictionary of Worthless WordsImages of Steve ReevesSteve Reeves: His Legacy in Films Published by Marion Street Press 4207 S.E. Woodstock Blvd. # 168 Portland, OR 97206-6267 USA http://www.marionstreetpress.com/ Orders and review copies: 800-888-4741 Copyright 2011 by Dave Dowling All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America ISBN 978-1-933338-92-7 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Dowling, Dave. 2nd ed. p. cm. cm.

ISBN 978-1-933338-92-7 (pbk.) 1. English languageUsageDictionaries. 2. English language Errors of usageDictionaries. I. Title.

PE1464.D69 2011 423.1--dc23 2011026735 To my wonderful son Tim

The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large mattertis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.Mark Twain U n like math and science, writing has very few absolutes. To that end, were faced with making choices, and many times those choices are word choices. Since I began teaching technical and business writing in industry years ago, one lesson never grew oldan exercise on when to write the right word. Many writers confuse complement when they mean compliment, compose when they mean comprise, or assume when they mean presume. And hundreds of other mistaken word identities also exist. This quick reference aims to filter this confusion of words. Remember, writing is much easier to comprehend when the noise around it is eliminated.

Though totally not inclusive of all word pair mistakes, this book speaks to the common word choices that challenge us daily. This new edition consists of more than 1,200 entries and the meanings of over 2,500 individual words or phrases. Much of the content is based on word problems Ive witnessed during my 30 years of business writing as well as the misuse commonly found in the online and print media. The basic sound-alike words such as to, too, and two, or here and hear are not within these pages. But you will find other sound-alike words and basic pronoun possessives (their, theyre, there, whos and whose, and youre and your) because they still give us problems. concurrently, rare vs. scarce, etc.) and include just word pairs where the word distinction is still important yet challenging. scarce, etc.) and include just word pairs where the word distinction is still important yet challenging.

Note that a few entries may seem trivial and others may seem obscure or obsolete. Still other entries may show word confusion caused only by the subtle misspelling of a word (spade vs. spaded, cite vs. site). But overall youll find it a good mix of problem words (among vs. between, flounder vs. flagrant). Also included are a few notes on phrases that often lead to problem writing (between you and I, one of the only, and others). flagrant). Also included are a few notes on phrases that often lead to problem writing (between you and I, one of the only, and others).

For each entry in this reference, the difference between the words is explained, and in most cases, a short and simple sentence example showing the correct usage is provided. The word definitions provided are intended strictly as aids and not dictionary definitions. They should help you differentiate between the words. Current dictionaries, popular writing books, and reputable style guides were among the many resources consulted for this book. The word list is arranged alphabetically according to the first word in the set. In addition to this reference, keep a current dictionary, thesaurus, and grammar book handy to guide all your writing and editing.

And refer to those resources as well whenever you doubt the appropriateness of a word or phrase. Always think about the words you use. Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing, try to make sure you apply the right word for the right meaning. By doing so, its effect can affect your writing in a positive way. Dave Dowling
Saratoga Springs, NY

This book would not have materialized without the sincere encouragement of my friend and former co-worker, Harry Dracon. After reading my weekly word tips on the companys intranet site, Harry strongly urged me to expand this idea into a book.

I was reluctant at first because I doubted an audience existed for such a topic. I was wrong, and today Im certainly glad I listened to a friend. Thank you, Harry, for all your inspiration, belief, and support. You were right to push me in this right word direction. Whether it was ideas, constructive criticism, or encouragement when this project was in its online infancy, I must thank one person in particular who influenced me on this word journey. Im particularly grateful to Robert Hartwell Fiske for all his professional advice and expertise.

Thanks, Robert, for your generous time, and thanks for being there when I needed your expert editorial skills and guidance. Im proud to know you and proud to be a part of your writing world. I am also grateful to the many readers of the First Edition who sent in several ideas and comments. Thanks to your excellent feedback, I included many of those suggestions in this Second Edition. Im sure many people will benefit thanks to you. Finally, a heartfelt thanks goes to my son, Tim.

Following in the footsteps of his late mother (and my late wife Mary), Tim encouraged me to pursue my writing interests, chase my dreams, and keep taking one step forward in anything I do. Its that spirit of optimism that will always keep me going. Thanks Tim and may God always bless you. Youre my best critic and the joy in my life. I am so proud of your achievements in life, and so proud to call you my son. A hold is standard English. I prefer e-mail, but another way to geta holdof me is by phone.la mode, Alamodela mode refers to being served with ice cream. The restaurant served piela modewith every meal.Alamode refers to a thin silk usually found in scarfs and hoods. She complemented her winter outfit with a blackalamodescarf.A long way, A long waysA long way is the correct phrase. If you become bilingual, your career can goa long way.A lot, Allot, AlotA lot is always two words. A lotof people today are doing business on the Internet.Allot means to allocate or share something. The education budgetallotsmoney for reading programs.Alot is not a word. A part, ApartA part refers to the union of something. Volunteering at the hospital has becomea partof her routine.

Next page