English usage

A common task in editing is correcting errors in usage. Simply using the wrong word in a particular context is a frequent error. In the following pairs, the first one is incorrect.

✖  The river is rising with further rain forecast. (incorrect)
✔  The river is rising, and further rain is forecast. (correct)

✖  Floods are likely with further rain forecast.
✔  Floods are likely because further rain is forecast.

✖  Where a wire carries electricity, electric and magnetic fields result.
✔  If a wire carries electricity, electric and magnetic fields result.

✖  In an abnormal year, where sales campaigns failed, …
✔  In an abnormal year, when savings campaigns failed, …

✖  There were less people at the dance than last year.
✔  There were fewer people at the dance than last year.

✖  He bought a small amount of apples.
✔  He bought a small number of apples.

✖  Due to the bus being late, he missed the meeting.
✔  Owing to the bus being late, he missed the meeting.

✖  The floods were owing to the heavy rain.
✔  The floods were due to the heavy rain.

✖  None of his friends are going to university.
✔  None of his friends is going to university.

✖  Discussion centred around the girl next door.
✔  Discussion centred on the girl next door.

✖  He investigated the possibility to go to university.
✔  He investigated the possibility of going to university.

✖  His coat was different to his brother's.
✔  His coat was different from his brother's.

Problem words

Words that are similar, but different, often lead to errors.
Common problem words are: