Using the wrong word makes whole sentences make no sense, so it really does pay to learn which is proper.
Three problem pairs that I've been seeing a lot lately are:
- Compliment /complement
- Loose / lose
- Devices / devises
Let's start at the top:
A compliment is something you pay when you say something nice to someone. It's a flattering remark, like what your clients say at the end of a tough yet successful transaction: "You did a fantastic job for us!"
Change that "i" to an "e" and you get a completely different meaning – or rather a couple of them.
When something complements something else, it means they go well together. "That frame really complements the painting." "Her new hair color complements her skin tone."
It can also mean "a full crew."
To remember the difference, think "I like to give compliments." Use the word with the "i."
Lose and loose are misused so often here on Active Rain that it's commonplace – but it's still misuse and it still destroys the meaning of a sentence.
When you lose something, you've lost it. The reason could be that it came loose and fell off – but then again it could be that you just put it down and don't remember where. Or, in the case of losing a client, it could be that they wandered off to some other agent.
Loose is the opposite of tight.
You diet to lose weight, then your clothes become loose.
Device and devise are really far apart in meaning.
The word "device" is a noun. While it generally refers to a gadget or a tool (such as your computer or cell phone), it can also be a scheme or a procedure.
The word "devise" is a verb meaning to plan, conceive, or invent. For instance: "We need to devise a plan to …" "Jerry devised a method for…"
How to remember the difference? Try thinking of ice in device. Ice is a device for cooling your drink.
Remember - not all of your clients know the difference between these words, but some of them do. When you use the wrong one, those who know will get a bad impression of you. If nothing else, they'll think you don't pay attention to details
Remember also - the whole reason for writing is communication. When you use the wrong word, communication suffers.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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