Cancelled or Canceled: US vs UK Spelling Guide 2026
Have you ever stopped while writing an email or report and wondered whether to write cancelled or canceled? You’re not ...
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Assure or Ensure: Which Word Is Correct?
A manager’s email reads, “I want to ensure you that the project is on track,” the intention clear despite a ...
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Advice or Advise? The Noun-Verb Mix-Up Even Editors Slip On
A greeting card reads, “Thanks for all your advise over the years,” the gratitude genuine despite a small grammatical slip ...
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Its or It’s? The Tiny Apostrophe That Trips Up Even Great Writers
A pet store sign reads, “This dog is friendly, its tail wags at everyone,” the message clear despite a small ...
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Affect or Effect? The Mistake Even Skilled Writers Make
A therapist’s clinical notes describe a patient’s “flat affect,” meaning a noticeable lack of emotional expression during their session. Meanwhile, ...
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Palate or Palette? A Professional Editor’s Top-10 Nightmare
A wine critic describes a bold red blend as having a remarkably complex “palate,” noting hints of dark cherry and ...
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Complacent or Complaisant? Same Root, Opposite Reputations
A business consultant warns a client’s leadership team against becoming “complacent” after years of steady success, worried that comfort might ...
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Bazaar or Bizarre? A Market and a Mystery, Explained
A travel blogger describes wandering through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, marveling at rows of spice merchants and handwoven rugs. Meanwhile, in ...
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Ensure, Insure, or Assure? They Used to Be One Word
A project manager promises her team she’ll “ensure” the deadline gets met, no matter what obstacles arise. Meanwhile, across town, ...
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Discreet or Discrete? They Used to Be the Same Word
A financial advisor promises a wealthy client complete “discretion” when managing a sensitive family trust, while in an entirely different ...
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