Are you a writer? Do you supervise anyone who could stand to brush up their grammar skills? Or maybe you’re responsible for editing someone else’s writing, like your boss for instance. If so, then I hope you’ll find these tools helpful. (And I get no compensation for recommending them)

My friend, Barbara McNichol, has created a grammar tool entitled Word Trippers. It’s when you confuse words that sound alike and may seem alike, but aren’t alike – like  “further vs farther”.  And she has two different versions of this helpful resource:

1. A complimentary weekly ezine entitled (you guessed it!) Word Trippers. You can sign up for it on her website at BarbaraMcNichol.com

2. And because she’s been so diligent compiling these grammar gremlins over the years, you can now also get an ebook with them all in one handy download:

Here’s more about it in Barbara’s own words…

This easy-to-search e-guide does more than help prevent embarrassment. It adds power to your writing by providing the perfect word when you need it most. Consider these:
• Not sure if famous and notorious can be interchanged? Look ’em up!*
• Not sure if you should use “fewer” or “less” when counting the eggs in a basket? Look ’em up!**
• Not sure when “between” is accurate or when “among” is the perfect choice? Look ’em up fast using your computer’s search function!

* Famous, notorious – “Famous” means known widely and favorably, while “notorious” means known widely and unfavorably. “The young actress became famous for her Oscar-nominated role, and then became notorious for her drug use and underage drinking.”

** Fewer, less – “Fewer” is used when units or individuals can be counted; less is used with quantities of mass, bulk, or volume. “There are fewer letters to be written today than yesterday.” “The mail takes up less space than I thought it would.” Generally if the word has an “s” at the end, use “fewer” – fewer dollars but less money; fewer muffins but less food.

You don’t want to risk sabotaging your message among (or is it between?) your readers. After all, your ability to write clearly reflects on how people perceive your proficiency. It even affects (or is it effects?) your credibility. Follow this link to purchase Word Trippers (and receive bonuses that will improve your writing)!

Ever find yourself wondering what word use to use? Is it compliment or complement? Principal or principle? Capital or capitol? Sure you could look it up, or you could refer to Barbara McNichol’s easy guide, Word Trippers: The Ultimate Source for Choosing the Perfect Word When It Really Matters. It’s searchable and features 300+ word pairings that can trip you up. With Word Trippers, you’ll avoid embarrassing incorrect word choices in both your written and oral communications. And you’ll look like a star!

Test someone you love with this word game:

We all know how important choosing the correct word is when writing. See if you can choose the correct word for the following four sentences.

1. Ask a friend to [loan or lend] you . . .

This is common error. Loan is a noun, lend is a verb.

Correct: Ask a friend to lend you . . .

2. We may have become [complaisant or complacent] about it.

Complaisant means willing to do for others. Complacent mean self-satisfied.

Correct: We may have become complacent about it.

3. The article was well received by the [populous or populace] all over the globe.

Populous is an adjective meaning thickly populated. Populace is a noun meaning general public.

Correct: The article was well received by the populace all over the globe.

4. Management styles are beginning to [waiver or waver].

Waiver means intentional relinquishment of some right.
Waver means sway to and fro.

Correct: Management styles are beginning to waver.

Get thee over to Barbara’s website and at least sign up for her complimentary newsletter or get your own copy of Word Trippers – you;ll  never choose the wrong word again!

Laura, writing from 6711 ft. above sea leve.