Do you write fiction, nonfiction, business memos, emails, a blog, or anything else that others will read? Are you confused by similar words (such as discrete vs. discreet; to, too, and two; lay and lie; there, their, and they’re; or shined, shone, and shown)? Do you misspell common words (alright vs. all right, or ect. vs. etc.) and phrases (such as tow the line vs. toe the line; run the gambit vs. run the gamut)? If so, then this book is for you. 

 

It explains in simple language the differences between hundreds of words and phrases that are often misused and misspelled, as well as rules for proper punctuation and capitalization, and other elements of English that often trip up the unwary writer. And it does so with frequent humor to keep it from becoming too dry.  For example: 

 

Baited vs. Bated 

Wrong: I waited with baited breath. 

Right: I waited with bated breath. 

 

Do your friends call you “fish-breath”? If not, then you wait with bated breath, which means “reduced, lessened, lowered in force.” The expression bated breath (using a short form of abated) refers to how someone almost stops breathing through awe, terror, anxiety, or extreme anticipation. Perhaps you waited with bated breath as he baited the hook. 

 

For many more examples, check out the excerpt.