02A: SYNTAX AND WORD CHOICE

9. Choose the Right Word

Have you ever spent time scratching your head over whether to use "affect" or "effect"? If so, you are in good company. Many words are commonly confused. Take, for example, the words "allow" and "enable". Allow means to grant permission. Enable means to make possible. 

NO:   The new 3D printer allows us to produce prototypes quickly. 

   (The printer doesn't give you permission.)

YES:   The new 3D printer enables us to produce prototypes quickly. 

Do you know the difference?

ensure / insure

sale / sell

adverse / averse

appraise / apprise

its / it's

compliment /
complement

accept / except

can / may

further / farther

number / amount

aid / aide

choose / chose

principal / principle

affect / effect

lead / led

cite / site / sight

counselor / councilor

advice / advise

allot / a lot

everyday / every day

then / than

whether / if

fewer / less

many / much

Exhibit 2A.3:  Commonly Confused Words in Business Writing

Be sure to use accurate wording. For instance, don't write feel when you really mean think or believe, or say unique when you mean unusual.

NO: I feel we should change the date.
YES: I think we should change the date.