Write It Well

It’s dangerous to rely on a computer to catch all your spelling mistakes. Check out this typo in a recent newspaper headline:

Photo by Flickr user ConanTheLibrarian

Of course, “sirs” should be “stirs.” Gentlemen is also the usual plural of sir, but the spelling “sirs” slips through most spell-checkers.

When any business overlooks important typos, its official voice instantly looks less reliable. It always pays off to invest time in careful writing and careful review of any document before you send it out.

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For guidelines on correct grammar and punctuation in business writing, see our updated book Professional Writing Skills: A Write It Well Guide.

And consider using Write It Well’s proofreading and editing services for your own or your employees’ writing. Just click the more info/contact us button on our homepage to send us a sample document, noting any concerns or goals you have for it.

We’ll copyedit a sample portion for free, and return it within two days. You’ll get estimates of the cost and time frame for our sending you back a full, edited document that will make a great impression.

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When I worked for a newspaper, the staff met each week to discuss all the mistakes that slipped past our editors’ notice. Alert and well-rested, we were always amazed at how many glaring errors reared their ugly heads in the light of day. Just the night before, our words had looked so perfect. The staff at The New York Times has a similar meeting, and some of their conversations end up in the column After Deadline. Last week, they discussed the errors spell-check can’t find, like using “forego” (to go before) instead of “forgo” (to give up). 

Accept or except? Altogether or altogether? Just for fun, you can test yourself on frequently confused words at the Gaylord College of Journalism.