As promised we will now consider the difference between complement and compliment, two words which are often confused. Complement Verb: ‘to add to something in a way that enhances or improves’ (OED) Noun: ‘an addition that improves something’ (OED) Example: That tie complements your…
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Homophones I
In the post entitled ‘Ten Tips for Proofreading’, helpful tip number 8 stated: ‘Watch out for homophones: words that sound the same but have different meanings are commonly confused and may be used incorrectly. Examples of these are discreet/discrete and affect/effect.’ In my…
English Spelling III
Proofreaders and copy-editors have a reputation for being pretty proficient spellers – it’s an essential skill for the role. However, due to the enormity of the English lexicon, which according to AskOxford.com contains at the very least a quarter of a million words,…
Ten Tips for Proofreading
1. Try to proofread when you are fresh (it takes an awful lot of concentration to do it properly) and take breaks to improve your concentration. Aim to stop and relax for at least five minutes every hour. 2. Look…
English Spelling II
Let’s take a closer look at the origin of some of the confusing English spellings which are a proofreader’s bread and butter! In my last entry I mentioned the impact of the Norman Conquest on our spelling system. Well, in…