Kim Siever

How to use an apostrophe after a name ending with S

One of the most confusing punctuation rules is when to use an apostrophe to make a name possessive if it ends in S.

Difference between waver and waiver

This is part of the difference between series. Recently, someone asked me to explain the difference between the words waver and waiver. Here’s the difference between the two.

Difference between whoa and woah

This is part of the difference between series. Recently, I came across the following Twitter exchange, which highlighted an interesting phenomenon: apparently everyone doesn’t spell whoa like I do:

Correcting grammar is classist

I’d like to take a moment to talk about correcting grammar. (Or spelling, or punctuation, or writing in general.) I get paid to correct others’ grammar for a living. I read dozens of pages every day, looking for editing mistakes. Sometimes, it makes my head hurt. So, when I log out for the day, the… Continue reading Correcting grammar is classist

ASAP doesn’t mean immediately

Last week, I received an email from a potential client asking if I could edit an academic paper due for publishing in a journal. When I was gathering information on details, one question I asked was whether there was a deadline. They responded with, “as soon as possible.” This phrase has mildly irritated me for… Continue reading ASAP doesn’t mean immediately

Difference between rebuke and refute

This is part of the difference between series. Recently, someone asked me to explain difference between the words rebuke and refute. Here’s the difference between the two.

Difference between oriented and orientated

This is part of the difference between series. Recently, someone asked me to explain difference between the words oriented and orientated. Here’s the difference between the two. Actually, there is no difference.

Difference between coarse and course

This is part of the difference between series. Recently, someone asked me to explain difference between the words coarse and course. Here’s the difference between the two. Coarse Coarse is an adjective that means rough or abrasive. Have you felt how coarse 60 grit sandpaper is? I slept poorly last night; that blanket you gave me was so… Continue reading Difference between coarse and course

Is it okay to use “anyways”?

I recently asked for input on words people commonly confuse, and someone said that she often hears people say anyways, presumably instead of anyway. Most dictionaries and grammarians will indicate that anyway is the proper form and that anyways is the slang version of it.

Difference between enquire and inquire

This is part of the difference between series. Recently, someone asked me to explain difference between the words enquire and inquire. Here’s the difference between the two. Enquire Enquire traditionally refers to the general sense of asking for something. I’m enquiring about the job you posted in the paper. Have you enquired about your father’s test results? Inquire… Continue reading Difference between enquire and inquire