Doubts Archives
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 20, 2013
Sleep Over / Sleepover
“Sleep over” is the verb and “sleepover,” the noun. Bad boy. You can sleep over in the corner. Tatiana asked if I would like a sleepover.
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 19, 2013
Discreet / Discrete
Often these two words are simply misspelled. “Discreet” refers to showing restraint or prudence in speech or behavior. His part in the fraud was discovered because he wasn’t discreet in his spending. “Discrete” is not often used correctly, but means “distinct or separate.” The machine consisted of several discrete parts.
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 18, 2013
Sneak / Sneaked / Snuck
We say “snuck” when we speak, but it’s not correct usage. When writing fiction, we should strive to use the correct term whenever possible, unless writing dialogue. “Sneaked” is the past tense form of “sneak.” “Snuck” is not.
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 17, 2013
Break / Broke
We have spotted this hilarious gaffe in several bestsellers. Igor leaped from the third floor and broke his leg. Why would Igor break his own bone? We need a direct action to break something. “Sandra broke her glass” is acceptable but “Sandra broke her arm” isn’t, unless she actually snapped the bone with her own hand. Igor leaped from the third floor, and the fall broke his leg.
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 16, 2013
Break Out / Breakout
“Break out” is the verb and “breakout,” the noun. The Joneses break out from prison each time they are captured, and the guards do nothing to prevent the breakout.
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 15, 2013
Sit Down / Sit-Down
“Sit down” is the verb and “sit-down,” the noun. You could sit down a little closer. I’m tired. I hope the lecture is a sit-down affair.
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 14, 2013
Axel / Axle
An "axel" is a rod passing through the center of a wheel or cog. "Axles"- single, double, or triple - are figure skating jumps with a forward takeoff.
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 13, 2013
Show Off / Show-Off
“Show off” is the verb and “show-off,” the noun. She likes to show off her cosmetic surgery. Pay no notice; he’s a show-off.
Compiled by OFW editor:
Annette Benjamin
Publish Date: May 12, 2013
Centered On / Centered Around
We don't "center around" anything. We "revolve around." We "center on" something.
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