Vice vs. Vise

Nov 25, 2014 | Tuesday Tips

Here is a mistake I come across frequently.

A vice is a behavior or habit that can be considered immoral or negative.

A vise is a tool used to secure an object to allow work to be performed on it. *

*Vise is the American English way of spelling this word with this particular definition. The British English spelling would be vice. What do you make of that?

Later vs. Latter

Nov 18, 2014 | Tuesday Tips

This weekend I was reminded how often later and latter are misused. So, this week’s tip is to help you know when each is appropriate.

Use later when referencing time. Later means after, or after some time.

Example: We will read about it later.

Use latter when referring to the second of two persons or things mentioned previously (or the last one or ones of several).

Example: Jane and Cindy are both authors but I’ve only read books by the latter.

Wail vs. Whale

Nov 4, 2014 | Tuesday Tips

This Tuesday Tip is from my personal experience this week. I thought I knew the difference between wail and whale, and I did. Kind of.

Most know that a whale is an animal that lives in the ocean. Most commonly the verb wail means to cry or complain loudly.

But did you also know that an informal meaning of whale is “to beat”?

Now, even though a  vocalist in a band may wail a song, the drummer whales on the drums; and lead guitarists when they thrash their instruments wildly, whale on them.

I learned something new this week and I hope you did too.