 Spelling is complicated ... and easier than ever. Spell-check is a great tool, even if it's always correcting me, fixing my mistakes, and schooling me on the proper spelling of this word ... and that one. But, despite its know-all application, I know it's not perfect. Do the spell-check double check Spell-check catches a lot, but a regular check on spell-check is good practice. Proofread your writing Your book, ebooks, essays, and emails could all use a good proofing before being shared. Give your writing (no matter the format) a good review; eyeballs on each and every word. Read your writing out loud When you've got your final draft, read your writing out loud. It's one of the best ways to catch awkward phrases and confusing sentences. This simple infographic was designed to help you visualize three words that spell-check, and your memory bank, might struggle with: their, they're, and there. The first clue: they all start with the same three letters: t-h-e. It's a good tip. Especially when you're trying to remember how to spell their. Is it "i" before "e"? Not this time. Wondering if it's their or they're? Just remember their is possessive. The clue here is the possessive "i" tucked in there, just right of center. What about they're? Break it apart and look at the two words it represents to get your answer: they're = they are. Is that what you're trying to say? It's a good tip for figuring out if it's its or it's, too. Separate the words and you'll know. And finally, there. It, too, holds a clue, it's got the word "here" nestled comfortably inside itself. Remember that and you'll know if it's here or there where you want to be. If you need help with words, let's exchange a few. Maybe I can help. I write words, edit words, and arrange words, online and on paper. Helping you look like the professional you are. Call 207-252-9757 today, or write. p.s. I did the spell-check double check on this email and my fingers are crossed I didn't miss anything. But let me know if I did. 
0 Comments
 Much of my work revolves around words: arranging words, writing words, and editing words. Last week I considered the word racism. And then the opposite, respect: to show regard or consideration for. As I considered the words, I imagined editing them, replacing one with the other. Then illustrating the idea with red line editing; crossing out the unwanted word, writing in the new one. Spell-check and track changes in word processing documents have replaced red line edits done by hand. A hand-drawn line through a word with a loop at the end indicates the word should be taken out. Removed. The arrow indicates what it should be replaced with. If only it were that easy to edit and change behavior. To replace racism with respect and acknowledge that Black Lives Matter.  |