Breach or Breech? The Mistake That Fools Even Careful Writers

Breach or Breech
A cybersecurity firm issues an urgent statement warning clients about a major data “breach” affecting thousands of accounts. Meanwhile, in ...
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Council or Counsel? What’s the Difference?

Council or Counsel
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

Ensure or Insure
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

Envelop or Envelope
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

Adverse or Averse
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

Discreet or Discrete
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

Principal or Principle
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

Stationary or Stationery
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

Complement or Compliment
Have you ever written, “Thank you for the wonderful complement,” only to wonder later whether you chose the correct spelling? ...
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