I look up words all the time. Even words I know and have used for years. Sometimes I get caught up and wonder both if that’s really what the word means and is that really what I want to say? I also look up things to verify that what I believe to be true about a word is actually true.
Take the word Entitled. (Seriously, take it away!) I cringe when people use that instead of simply Titled. Unless you’re an editor you may not be aware of the AP Style book, the leading reference guide for public communication, but they look down on it too. Titled is cleaner. Entitled sounds like an affectation from another century. Much to my chagrin, Entitled is not incorrect although it has a second meaning. Here’s an article that explains the usage for both words and a work around to avoid the altogether!
Speaking of affectations, please, I beg you, do not use affect and effect interchangeably. Here’s the difference.
While either of the the above can trip you up and make you look maybe not your best whether you’re writing or speaking, the last one here will only get you when speaking. Take it from George Carlin whose forte is telling it like it is.
Do you use the dictionary? If you need a second eye to go over what you’ve written, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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