Hurrying through their copy, writers and speakers sometimes make really fundamental mistakes. Occasionally these errors are caused by a habit formed years ago, when the person starting using a word or phrase incorrectly. With no editor or other expert source to correct them, they continue making the same mistake. The difference nowadays is that such a mistake in a professional environment can have dire consequences. In this article, I review some terms and words that are commonly misused.
This list is by no means complete. You may have other challenges. Make sure you are constantly reviewing your material, looking for common and not-so-common errors. Good writing takes time, so be patient. You will be rewarded with much better copy in the end.
1. Hopefully -
An adverb, hopefully must accompany a verb. It is used to describe a state of being or feeling. When used with the verb to wait, for example, it indicates a sense of patience or anxiousness.
He waited hopefully for her flight to arrive.
Use hope with a subject to create the sentence you intended.
We hope the store will open soon.
I hope to finish the project on time.
She hopes she won’t have to file another application.
2. Irregardless and Regardless -
Irregardless is one of those non-existent words that pops up in usage from time to time. The less in regardless indicates a negating action. The proper word is regardless.
The project will be finished regardless of cost.
You may find it helpful to use the word whether in your sentence.
Regardless of whether we renew their contract….
The team approach works best regardless of whether….
3.
I.E. vs. E.G. -
Writers tend to confuse these two, using i.e. when they really mean e.g.
I.e. , an abbreviation for id est, means that is, and is used to clarify a point.
E.g., exempli gratia, means for example, and usually is what the writer intends.
Because readers aren’t as familiar with e.g., it’s best to avoid the abbreviation entirely:
…for example, A, B, and C.
or
…such as, A, B, and C.
4. Compliment vs. Complement -
When used as a verb, compliment means to offer commendation or praise.
The coach complimented the team for its efforts.
As an adjective, compliment refers to something provided at no cost.
Each case of wine includes a complimentary set of glasses.
Complement means to augment a process or complete a group.
The beige carpet complements the new wallpaper nicely.
The ship had its full complement of 250 sailors.
Review these tips, and the others offered in this series of articles, as needed to keep your writing and speaking on a professional level.
Tom Fuszard has been writing professionally for about 15 years. Writing well is a topic that is dear to his heart. In addition to coaching clients on their writing skills, Tom blogs regularly on the topic. Learn some easy ways to improve your copy fast. Are you ever stumped for something to write? Now you can overcome writer’s block with tips offered in another column. Feel free to check out all his lenses while there. You may contact Tom via tom@supremecom.biz.