Council or Counsel? What’s the Difference?

A city government prepares for its monthly meeting, where the elected “council” will vote on a new zoning proposal. Meanwhile, ...
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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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Envelop or Envelope? Same Letters, Totally Different Job

A fog slowly begins to envelop the entire valley, swallowing the hillsides in gray mist. Meanwhile, on a desk nearby, ...
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Adverse or Averse? Don’t Confuse These Words

A pharmaceutical warning label lists the possible “adverse” effects of a new medication. Meanwhile, in a completely different conversation, an ...
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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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Principal or Principle? The Mix-Up Every Student Makes

A high school student writes a thank-you note to her “principle” for organizing an unforgettable graduation ceremony, and her English ...
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Stationary or Stationery? One Vowel Changes Everything

A gym advertises a “stationary” bike class, promising a great workout without ever leaving the room, while just across the ...
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Complement or Compliment: Meaning, Difference & Correct Usage

Have you ever written, “Thank you for the wonderful complement,” only to wonder later whether you chose the correct spelling? ...
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Berth or Birth? What’s the Difference?

A cruise line sends out a confirmation email listing the passenger’s cabin “berth” number, while just a few miles away, ...
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Loose or Lose? What’s the Difference?

You’re typing a message before an important meeting and write, “I don’t want to loose this opportunity.” A few moments ...
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