
accommodation: Why not HOME, HOUSING etc.?
acquainted: Why not INFORMED or TOLD?
acquainting: Why not INFORMING or TELLING?
acquaints: Why not INFORMS or TELLS?
acquaint: Why not INFORM or TELL?
active: Can this word be omitted?
actually: Can this word be omitted?
acute: Can this word be omitted?
adverse: Always "adverse to".
affected: Often an imprecise word, alternative may be better.
affecting: Often an imprecise word, alternative may be better.
affects: Often an imprecise word, an alternative may be better.
affinity: Affinity WITH or BETWEEN, not to or for.
affluent: Why not RICH?
agenda: Singular noun requiring singular verb. Plural: agendas.
aggravated: Means made worse, not annoyed.
aggravates: Means makes worse, not annoys.
aggravate: Means to make worse, not to annoy.
aggravating: Means making worse, not annoying.
aggravation: Means making more serious, not annoyance.
ahead: BEFORE or IN ADVANCE OF better than AHEAD OF.
allude: HOMOPHONE - allude - elude.
alluded: HOMOPHONE - alluded - eluded.
alluding: HOMOPHONE - alluding - eluding.
alludes: HOMOPHONE - alludes - eludes.
alibis: Means elsewhere, not to be used for excuses.
alibi: Means elsewhere, not to be used for excuse.
allergic: Medical or metaphoric term - DISLIKE, AVERSION better?
alternately: Means by turns - often confused with alternatively.
alternate: Means by turns - often confused with alternative.
alternatively: Must be choice _ often confused with alternately.
alternative: Must be a choice - often confused with alternate.
altogether: Altogether = in total - All together = all at once.
ambivalent: Confused with ambiguous - means mixed feelings.
ameliorated: Why not BETTERED or IMPROVED?
ameliorates: Why not BETTERS or IMPROVES?
ameliorate: Why not BETTER or IMPROVE?
ameliorating: Why not BETTERING or IMPROVING?
amidst: Use AMID.
amongst: Use AMONG.
anticipated: Not to be used where EXPECTED is better.
anticipates: Not to be used where EXPECTS is better.
anticipate: Not to be used where EXPECT is better.
anticipating: Not to be used where EXPECTING is better.
appreciable: Can this word be omitted?
appreciated: Is UNDERSTOOD, REALISED or RECOGNISED better?
appreciates: Is UNDERSTANDS, REALISES or RECOGNISES better?
appreciate: Would UNDERSTAND, REALISE or RECOGNISE be better?
appreciating: Is UNDERSTANDING or REALISING better?
apprised: Why not INFORMED?
apprises: Why not INFORMS?
apprise: Why not INFORM?
apprising: Why not INFORMING?
appropriate: Why not RIGHT, SUITABLE, FITTING or PROPER?
approximately: Would ROUGHLY be better?
approximate: Would ROUGH or ABOUT be better?
assassinated: Only for monarchs, heads of state etc.
assassinate: Only for monarchs, heads of state etc.
assassination: Only for monarchs, heads of state etc.
assistance: Is HELP better?
assisted: Is HELPED better?
assisting: Is HELPING better?
assists: Is HELPS better?
assist: Is HELP better?
as: Conjunction or adverb (watch case)? Often superfluous.
availed: Avoid passive use, but use "to avail (oneself) of".
averse: Usually "averse from", but "averse to" not incorrect.
auger: HOMOPHONE - auger = tool - augur = predict.
augur: HOMOPHONE - augur = tool - augur = predict.
bacteria: Plural word - singular is BACTERIUM.
baited: HOMOPHONE - baited - bated ("bated breath").
basis: Avoid phrases like "on a ...... basis".
bated: HOMOPHONE - baited - bated ("bated breath").
between: "Between....or" or "Between....and"?
biannual: Means twice a year - biennual = every 2 years.
biennual: Means every 2 years - biannual = twice a year.
bilateral: Is TWO-SIDED better?
blueprint: Would PLAN or SCHEME be better?
bogey: HOMOPHONE - bogey - bogie - bogy.
bogie: HOMOPHONE - bogey - bogie - bogy.
bogy: HOMOPHONE - bogey - bogie - bogy.
brake: HOMOPHONE - brake - break.
brakes: HOMOPHONE - brakes - breaks.
break: HOMOPHONE - brake - break.
breaks: HOMOPHONE - brakes - breaks.
both: Sometimes superfluous : Watch placing in both...and.
but: Would "and" or "since" be better?
canvas: HOMOPHONE - canvas - canvass.
canvass: HOMOPHONE - canvas - canvass.
casualty: Use KILLED, WOUNDED, HURT for "Become a casualty".
censor: censor = delete - censure = criticise.
censored: censored = deleted - censured = criticised.
censoring: censor = delete - censure = criticise.
censors: censors = deletes - censures = criticises.
censure: censor = delete - censure = criticise.
censured: censored = deleted - censured = criticised.
censuring: censor = delete - censure = criticise.
censures: censors = deletes - censures = criticises.
circumstances: "In the .." slightly better than "Under the..".
coloured: Offensive if used of people. BLACK is correct.
commenced: Why not BEGAN or STARTED?
commencement: Why not BEGINNING or START.
commences: Why not BEGINS or STARTS?
commence: Why not BEGAN or START?
commencing: Why not BEGINNING or STARTING?
committee: Singular: body as whole. Plural: concerns members.
comparatively: Can this word be omitted?
compared: Compared to: liken. Compared with: note differences.
compares: Compares to: liken. Compares with: note differences.
compare: Compare to: liken. Compare with: note differences.
comparing: Compare to: liken. Compare with: note differences.
comparison: Use "to" to liken and "with" to note differences.
composed: Often confused with comprised - means made up of.
composes: Often confused with comprises - means made up of.
compose: Often confused with comprise - means make up of.
composing: Often confused with comprising.
comprised: Often confused with composed - means consisted of.
comprises: Often confused with composes - means consists of.
comprise: Often confused with compose - means consist of.
comprising: Often confused with composing - means consisting of.
connection: Avoid phrases like "in connection with".
condole: condole = sympathise - console = comfort.
condoled: condoled = sympathised - consoled = comforted.
condoling: condoling = sympathising - consoling = comforting.
condoles: condoles = sympathises - consoles = comforts.
considerable: Can this word be omitted?
considered: Is THOUGHT better?
considering: Is THINKING better?
considers: Is THINKS better?
consider: Is THINK better?
consisted: Use "of" for substance, "in" for defining subject.
consisting: Use "of" for substance, "in" for defining subject.
consists: Use "of" for substance and "in" for defining subject.
consist: Use "of" for substance and "in" for defining subject.
console: condole = sympathise - console = comfort.
consoled: condoled = sympathised - consoled = comforted.
consoling: condoling = sympathising - consoling = comforting.
consoles: condoles = sympathises - consoles = comforts.
continual: continual = frequent - continuous = without pause.
continually: continual = frequent - continuous = without pause.
continuous: continual = frequent - continuous = without pause.
continuously: continual = frequent - continuous = without pause.
council: Singular: body as a whole. Plural: concerns members.
crisis: Is this word too strong?
criteria: Plural word requiring plural verb.
crucial: Do you mean IMPORTANT?
currently: Why not NOW or AT PRESENT?
data: Plural word - should have a plural verb.
decimated: Destruction of one tenth, and not large proportion.
decimates: Destruction of one tenth, not large proportion.
decimate: Destruction of one tenth, and not large proportion.
decimating: Destruction of one tenth, not large proportion.
decimation: Destruction of one tenth, not large proportion.
deemed: Why not THOUGHT?
deems: Why not THINKS?
deem: Why not THINK?
definitely: Can this word be omitted?
definite: Can this word be omitted?
definitive: Stronger word than definite - implies finality.
department: Singular: body as a whole. Plural: concerns members.
dependant: Confused with dependent. Support from other person.
depended: Should be used with "on" or "upon" in writing.
dependent: Confused with dependent. To rely on something else.
depending: Should be used with "on" or "upon" in writing.
depends: Should be used with "on" or "upon" in writing.
depend: Should be used with "on" or "upon" in writing.
deprecated: Disapproved - easily confused with depreciated.
deprecates: Disapproves - easily confused with depreciates.
deprecate: To disapprove - easily conf2used with depreciate.
deprecating: Disapproving - easily confused with depreciating.
depreciated: Decreased in value, not disapproved.
depreciates: Decreases in value, not disapproves.
depreciate: To decrease in value, not disapproval.
depreciating: Decreasing in value, not disapproving.
depreciation: Decrease in value, not disapproval.
desired: Is WISHED better?
desires: Is WISHES better?
desire: Is WISH better?
desiring: Is WISHING better?
differed: Differ from: difference. Differ with: disagreement.
different: Both different from and different to are permissible.
differing: Differ from: difference. Differ with: disagreement.
differs: Differ from: difference. Differ with: disagreement.
differ: Differ from: difference. Differ with: disagreement.
dilemma: Difficult choice between TWO alternatives.
directly: DIRECT is better, other than for immediate in time.
disassociated: Use DISSOCIATED.
disassociates: Use DISSOCIATES.
disassociate: Use DISSOCIATE.
disaster: Is this word too strong?
disastrous: Is this word too strong?
disinterested: Means lack of bias, not uninterested.
donated: Why not GAVE?
donates: Why not GIVES?
donate: Why not GIVE?
donating: Why not GIVING?
donation: Why not GIFT?
doubted: "Whether" or "if" if positive, "that" if negative.
doubting: "Whether" or "if" if positive, "that" if negative.
doubts: "Whether" or "if" if verb positive, "that" if negative.
doubt: "Whether" or "if" if verb positive, "that" if negative.
draconian: Use SEVERE, HARSH or CRUEL.
draft: HOMOPHONE - draft - draught.
drafts: HOMOPHONE - draft - draught.
draught: HOMOPHONE - draft - draught.
draughts: HOMOPHONE - draft - draught.
due: 'Due to' is adjective - look for noun or use "BECAUSE OF".
each: If subject, verb and any personal pronoun are singular.
eerie: HOMOPHONE - eerie = weird - eyrie = eagle's nest.
either: Always "either....or" and "neither....nor".
elicit: HOMOPHONE elicit - illicit.
elude: HOMOPHONE - allude - elude.
eluded: HOMOPHONE - alluded - eluded.
eluding: HOMOPHONE - alluding - eluding.
eludes: HOMOPHONE - alludes - eludes.
enormity: Means great wickedness or serious crime not huge size.
enquiries: Enquiry: ask question. Inquiry: start investigation.
enquiry: Enquiry: ask question. Inquiry: start investigation.
entailed: Use NEEDED, CAUSED, NECESSITATED or INVOLVED.
entailing: Use NEEDING, CAUSING, NECESSITATING OR INVOLVING.
entails: Use NEEDS, CAUSES, IMPOSES, NECESSITATES or INVOLVES.
entail: Use NEED, CAUSE, IMPOSE, NECESSITATE or INVOLVE.
equally: "As" after equally is unnecessary.
essential: How essential? Is this word too strong?
estimate: An estimate is a calculation - estimation an opinion.
estimation: An estimate is calculation - estimation an opinion.
eventuated: Use CAME ABOUT, HAPPENED, OCCURRED or TURNED OUT.
eventuates: Use COMES ABOUT, HAPPENS, OCCURS or TURNS OUT.
eventuate: Use COME ABOUT, HAPPEN, OCCUR or TURN OUT.
eventuating: Use COMING ABOUT, HAPPENING or OCCURRING.
even: Check placing to ensure conveys intended meaning.
every: If used with subject noun requires singular verb.
evinced: Use SHOWED, MANIFESTED or DISPLAYED.
evinces: Use SHOWS, MANIFESTS or DISPLAYS.
evince: Use SHOW, MANIFEST or DISPLAY.
evincing: Use SHOWING, MANIFESTING or DISPLAYING.
eyrie: HOMOPHONE - eerie = weird - eyrie = eagle's nest.
facie: Prima facie - first impression before evidence studied.
factitious: Means artificial or sham - confused with fictitious.
factor: Would FACT, CONSIDERATION, FEATURE or CAUSE be better?
fatal: How fatal? Is this word too strong?
faze: HOMOPHONE - faze - phase.
fazed: HOMOPHONE - fazed - phased.
fazes: HOMOPHONE - fazes - phases.
fazing: HOMOPHONE - fazing - phasing.
feasible: Means practicable, not probable or plausible.
finalised: Use FINISHED or COMPLETED.
finalises: Use FINISHES or COMPLETES.
finalise: Use FINISH or COMPLETE.
finalising: Use FINISHING or COMPLETING.
finalized: Use FINISHED or COMPLETED.
finalizes: Use FINISHES or COMPLETES.
finalize: Use FINISH or COMPLETE.
finalizing: Use FINISHING or COMPLETING.
flaunted: Often confused with flouted - means displayed proudly.
flaunting: Confusion with flouting - means displaying proudly.
flaunts: Often confused with flouts - means displays proudly.
flaunt: Often confused with flout - means to display proudly.
flouted: Often confused with flaunted - means disobeyed openly.
flouting: Confusion with flaunting - means disobeying openly.
flouts: Often confused with flaunts - means disobeys openly.
flout: Often confused with flaunt - means to disobey openly.
following: Not to be used instead of AFTER or AS A RESULT OF.
foregoes: Forego: to go before. Forgo: to go without.
foregoing: Forego: to go before. Forgo: to go without.
forego: Forego: to go before. Forgo: to go without.
forewent: Forego: to go before. Forgo: to go without.
forgoes: Forgo: to go without. Forego: to go before.
forgoing: Forgo: to go without. Forego: to go before.
forgo: Forgo: to go without. Forego: to go before.
formally: HOMOPHONE - formally - formerly.
former: Must be TWO things. Sometimes better to repeat word.
formerly: HOMOPHONE - formally - formerly.
fortuitous: Means ACCIDENTAL or BY CHANCE, not lucky.
forwent: Forgo: to go without. Forego: to go before.
fresh: Would AGAIN, NEW or RENEWED be better?
functioned: If verb, use WORKED, OPERATED or ACTED.
functioning: If verb, use WORKING, OPERATING or ACTING.
functions: If verb, use WORKS, OPERATES or ACTS.
function: If verb, use WORK, OPERATE or ACT.
gambit: An opening move - thus "opening gambit" is incorrect.
global: Would COMPLETE, TOTAL, ABSOLUTE or GENERAL be better?
government: Singular: body as whole. Plural: concerns members.
graffiti: Plural word - singular is GRAFFITO.
hardly: Confused with hard. Means "scarcely". Used with "when".
hoard: HOMOPHONE - hoard - horde.
hoards: HOMOPHONE - hoards - hordes.
horde: HOMOPHONE - hoard - horde.
hordes: HOMOPHONE - hoards - hordes.
hopefully: Means in hopeful way - do not use for "let us hope".
hospitalised: Use ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL.
hospitalises: Use ADMITS TO HOSPITAL.
hospitalise: Use ADMIT TO HOSPITAL.
hospitalized: Use ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL.
hospitalizes: Use ADMITS TO HOSPITAL.
hospitalize: Use ADMIT TO HOSPITAL.
if: Would THOUGH, BUT or WHEN be less ambiguous?
illicit: HOMOPHONE - elicit - illicit.
implied: Often confused with inferred - means hinted.
implies: Often confused with infers - means suggests or hints.
implying: Often confused with inferring - means hinting.
imply: Often confused with infer - means to suggest or to hint.
impractical: Theoretically possible, but unrealistic.
inasmuch: Use SINCE or AS FAR AS.
incidentally: Can this word be omitted?
inevitably: Can this word be omitted?
inferred: Often confused with implied - means deduced.
inferring: Often confused with implying - means deducing.
infers: Often confused with implies - means deduces.
infer: Often confused with imply - means to deduce.
infinite: Means without limit, not very large.
informed: Would TOLD be better?
informing: Would TELLING be better?
informs: Would TELLS be better?
inform: Would TELL be better?
ingenious: Ingenious = clever - Ingenuous = artless.
ingeniously: Ingenious = clever - Ingenuous = artless.
ingenuous: Ingenious = clever - Ingenuous = artless.
ingenuously: Ingenious = clever - Ingenuous = artless.
initiated: Why not BEGAN or STARTED?
initiates: Why not BEGINs or STARTS?
initiate: Why not BEGIN or START?
initiating: Why not BEGINNING or STARTING?
inquiries: Inquiry: start investigation. Enquiry: ask question.
inquiry: Inquiry: start investigation. Enquiry: ask question.
integral: Can this word be omitted?
intense: Intense = forceful : Intensive = thorough.
intensive: Intense = forceful : Intensive = thorough.
interface: Must be physical - not useable for abstract concepts.
interment: Interment = burial - Internment = imprison.
internment: Interment = burial - Internment = imprison.
involved: Often used imprecisely. Can often be omitted.
involvement: Often used imprecisely.
involves: Often used imprecisely.
involve: Often used imprecisely.
involving: Often used imprecisely.
ironically: Often wrongly used for strangely or interestingly.
ironical: Not to be used for strange, noteworthy or paradoxical.
ironic: Not to be used for strange, noteworthy or paradoxical.
issue: If noun, would SUBJECT, TOPIC or DISPUTE be better?
issues: If noun, would SUBJECTS, TOPICS or DISPUTES be better?
items: Can this word be omitted?
item: Can this word be omitted?
knots: Nautical miles per hour - "knots per hour" incorrect.
laid: Often confused with lay in past tense - means put down.
latter: Must be TWO things. Sometimes better to repeat word.
laud: HOMOPHONE laud - lord.
laudable: Laudable = commendable - Lauditory = praising.
lauded: HOMOPHONE lauded - lorded.
lauding: HOMOPHONE lauding - lording.
lauditory: Laudable = commendable - Lauditory = praising.
lauds: HOMOPHONE lauds - lords.
laying: Often confused with lying - means putting down. 
lay: Present tense - put down, past tense - reclined.
leading: A leading question does not embarrass, but helps. 
less: Use less for amounts and FEWER for numbers.
licence: licence = noun - license = verb.
licences: licence = noun - license = verb.
license: licence = noun - license = verb.
licenses: licence = noun - license = verb.
lies: Often confused with lay in present tense - means reclines.
lie: Often confused with lay in present tense - means recline.
like: Is AS IF or SUCH AS better?
limited: Would FEW or SMALL be better?
liquidate: Use only in financial sense.
liquidates: Use only in financial sense.
liquidated: Use only in financial sense.
liquidating: Use only in financial sense.
liquidation: Use only in financial sense.
literally: Often used incorrectly - means word for word true.
loan: Not to be used for LEND.
localities: Would PLACES be better?
locality: Would PLACE be better?
located: Why not FOUND?
locates: Why not FINDS?
locate: Why not FIND?
locating: Why not FINDING?
lord: HOMOPHONE laud - lord.
lorded: HOMOPHONE lauded - lorded.
lording: HOMOPHONE lauding - lording.
lords: HOMOPHONE lauds - lords.
lying: Often confused with laying - means reclining.
majority: Use MOST for "The majority of..".
major: Would IMPORTANT, CHIEF, MAIN or PRINCIPAL be better?
massive: Why not BIG or EXTENSIVE?
masterful: Masterful is used of person, Masterly of abilities.
masterly: Masterful is used of person, Masterly of abilities.
maximise: To make as LARGE as possible, not good or most of.
maximised: To make as LARGE as possible, not good or most of.
maximising: To make as LARGE as possible, not good or most of.
maximises: To make as LARGE as possible, not good or most of.
maximize: To make as LARGE as possible, not good or most of.
maximized: To make as LARGE as possible, not good or most of.
maximizing: To make as LARGE as possible, not good or most of.
maximizes: To make as LARGE as possible, not good or most of.
means: If noun: income plural, agency singular or plural.
media: Plural word requiring plural verb.
meeting: If verb, do not use "meeting with".
meet: If verb, do not use "meet with".
meticulous: Implies (overdone) carefulness. Avoid other uses.
met: If verb, do not use "met with".
militated: Served as strong influence - confused with mitigated.
militates: Serves as strong influence - confused with mitigates.
militate: Serve as strong influence - confused with mitigate.
militating: Often confused with mitigating.
minimised: Use UNDERESTIMATED, DISPARAGED or MADE LIGHT OF.
minimises: Use UNDERESTIMATES, DISPARAGES or MAKES LIGHT OF.
minimise: Use UNDERESTIMATE, DISPARAGE or MAKE LIGHT OF.
minimising: Use UNDERESTIMATING or MAKING LIGHT OF.
minimized: Use UNDERESTIMATED, DISPARAGED or MADE LIGHT OF.
minimizes: Use UNDERESTIMATES, DISPARAGES or MAKES LIGHT OF.
minimize: Use UNDERESTIMATE, DISPARAGE or MAKE LIGHT OF.
minimizing: Use UNDERESTIMATING or MAKING LIGHT OF.
mitigated: Made less serious - confused with militated.
mitigates: Makes less serious - confused with militates.
mitigate: Make less serious - confused with militate.
mitigating: Making less serious - confused with militating.
mohammedan: The correct term is MUSLIM.
mongol: The correct term is DOWN'S SYNDROME.
mongolism: The correct term is DOWN'S SYNDROME.
more: Comparative - used for TWO persons or things.
most: Superlative - used for more than two persons or things.
multilateral: Is MANY-SIDED better?
muhammadan: The correct term is MUSLIM.
myself: Do not use "I myself", if it is unnecessary.
naught: HOMOPHONE naught = nothing - nought = zero.
necessarily: Can this word be omitted?
neither: Always "neither....nor" and "either....or".
none: If subject, should have singular verb.
normalised: Use RESTORED TO NORMAL.
normalises: Use RESTORES TO NORMAL.
normalise: Use RESTORE TO NORMAL.
normalising: Use RESTORING TO NORMAL.
normalized: Use RESTORED TO NORMAL.
normalizes: Use RESTORES TO NORMAL.
normalize: Use RESTORE TO NORMAL.
normalizing: Use RESTORING TO NORMAL.
nought: HOMOPHONE naught = nothing - nought = zero.
number: "The number of.." is singular, "A number of..." plural.
one: If personal pronoun, use throughout sentence.
ongoing: Jargon word - use CONTINUING.
only: Try to place as near as possible to the word it limits.
optimistic: Strictly speaking a state of mind - HOPEFUL better?
optimum: Not simply best, but best of conflicting possibilities.
order: "In order that" is followed by "may" or "might".
overall: Would COMPLETE, TOTAL, ABSOLUTE or GENERAL be better?
parameter: Use only in technical documents, not for perimeter.
paramount: Is this word superfluous or too strong?
parliament: Singular: body as whole. Plural: concerns members.
participated: Why not TOOK PART IN?
participates: Why not TAKES PART IN?
participate: Why not TAKE PART IN?
participating: Why not TAKING PART IN?
particular: Can this word be omitted?
paw: HOMOPHONES - paw - pour - pore.
pawed: HOMOPHONES - pawed - poured - pored.
pawing: HOMOPHONES - pawing - pouring - poring.
paws: HOMOPHONES - paws - pours - pores.
peal: HOMOPHONE - peal - peel.
pealed: HOMOPHONE - pealed - peeled.
pealing: HOMOPHONE - pealing - peeling.
peals: HOMOPHONE - peals - peels.
pedal: HOMOPHONE - pedal - peddle.
pedals: HOMOPHONE - pedal - peddle.
pedlar: HOMOPHONE - pedlar = hawker - peddler = drugs dealer.
pedlars: HOMOPHONE - pedlar = hawker - peddler = drugs dealer.
peddle: HOMOPHONE - pedal _ peddle.
peddler: HOMOPHONE - pedlar = hawker - peddler = drugs dealer.
peddlers: HOMOPHONE - pedlar = hawker - peddler = drugs dealer.
peddles: HOMOPHONE - pedal - peddle.
peel: HOMOPHONE - peal - peel.
peeled: HOMOPHONE - pealed - peeled.
peeling: HOMOPHONE - pealing - peeling.
peels: HOMOPHONE - peals - peels.
percentage: Could you use MANY, FEW or SOME?
phase: HOMOPHONE - faze - phase.
phased: HOMOPHONE - fazed - phased.
phases: HOMOPHONE - fazes - phases.
phasing: HOMOPHONE - fazing - phasing.
phenomena: Plural word requiring plural verb.
plain: HOMOPHONE - plain - plane.
plane: HOMOPHONE - plain - plane.
pole: HOMOPHONE - pole - poll.
poles: HOMOPHONE - pole - poll.
poll: HOMOPHONE - pole - poll.
polls: HOMOPHONE - pole - poll.
pore: HOMOPHONES - paw - pour - pore.
pored: HOMOPHONES - pawed - poured - pored.
poring: HOMOPHONES - pawing - pouring - poring.
pores: HOMOPHONES - paws - pours - pores.
portentous: Means ominous - confused with pretentious.
pour: HOMOPHONES - paw - pour - pore.
poured: HOMOPHONES - pawed - poured - pored.
pouring: HOMOPHONES - pawing - pouring - poring.
pours: HOMOPHONES - paws - pours - pores.
practically: Are VIRTUALLY, ALMOST, NEARLY or ALL BUT better?
practice: Practice is a noun and practise a verb.
practise: Practice is a noun and practise a verb.
pray: HOMOPHONE - pray - prey.
prayed: HOMOPHONE - prayed - preyed.
praying: HOMOPHONE - praying - preying.
prays: HOMOPHONE - prays - preys.
prey: HOMOPHONE - pray - prey.
preyed: HOMOPHONE - prayed - preyed.
preying: HOMOPHONE - praying - preying.
preys: HOMOPHONE - prays - preys.
prescribe: Prescribe = recommend - Proscribe = forbid.
prescribed: Prescribe = recommend - Proscribe = forbid.
prescribing: Prescribe = recommend - Proscribe = forbid.
prescribes: Prescribe = recommend - Proscribe = forbid.
pretentious: Means showy or pompous - confused with portentous.
prevaricate: Prevaricate = evade - procrastinate = delay.
prevaricated: Prevaricate = evade - procrastinate = delay.
prevaricating: Prevaricate = evade - procrastinate = delay.
prevaricates: Prevaricate = evade - procrastinate = delay.
principal: HOMOPHONE - principal - principle.
principals: HOMOPHONE - principals - principles.
principle: HOMOPHONE - principal - principle.
principles: HOMOPHONE - principals - principles.
prioritised: Use GAVE PRIORITY.
prioritises: Use GIVES PRIORITY.
prioritise: Use GIVE PRIORITY.
prioritising: Use GIVING PRIORITY.
prioritized: Use GAVE PRIORITY.
prioritizes: Use GIVES PRIORITY.
prioritize: Use GIVE PRIORITY.
prioritizing: Use GIVING PRIORITY.
priori: A priori means to argue from axioms, not experience.
prior: Use only as adjective. BEFORE is better than "prior to".
pristine: Means old (and unspoiled), not fresh or new.
probed: Try WENT INTO, EXPLORED, EXAMINED, INVESTIGATED etc.
probes: Try EXPLORES, EXAMINES, INVESTIGATES etc.
probe: Try GO INTO, EXPLORE, EXAMINE, INVESTIGATE etc.
probing: Try EXPLORING, EXAMINING, INVESTIGATING etc.
proceeded: WENT may be better.
proceeding: GOING may be better.
proceeds: GOES may be better.
proceed: GO may be better.
proportion: Could you use MANY, FEW or SOME?
procrastinate: Prevaricate = evade - procrastinate = delay.
procrastinated: Prevaricate = evade - procrastinate = delay.
procrastinating: Prevaricate = evade - procrastinate = delay.
procrastinates: Prevaricate = evade - procrastinate = delay.
program: Use PROGRAMME, except for software.
programme: For software PROGRAM is better.
programmes: For software PROGRAMS is better.
programs: Use PROGRAMMES, except for software.
prophecy: Noun is PROPHECY, verb is PROPHESY.
prophesy: Noun is PROPHECY, verb is PROPHESY.
proscribe: Prescribe = recommend - Proscribe = forbid.
proscribed: Prescribe = recommend - Proscribe = forbid.
proscribing: Prescribe = recommend - Proscribe = forbid.
proscribes: Prescribe = recommend - Proscribe = forbid.
protagonist: Principal character, not a supporter.
purchased: Why not BOUGHT?
purchases: If verb, why not BUYS?
purchase: If verb, why not BUY?
purchasing: Why not BUYING?
purport: If verb avoid passive use. If noun try GIST or TENOR.
purported: Avoid passive use.
question: If noun, try SUBJECT, TOPIC, MATTER or PROBLEM.
rack: HOMOPHONE - rack - wrack (it is "rack and ruin")
rain: HOMOPHONE - rain - reign - rein.
rained: HOMOPHONE - rained - reigned - reined.
raining: HOMOPHONE - raining - reigning - reining.
rains: HOMOPHONE - rains - reigns - reins.
rather: Can this word be omitted?
reactions: Would OPINIONS, VIEWS or IMPRESSIONS be better?
reaction: Would OPINION, VIEW or IMPRESSION be better?
realistic: Used imprecisely. Try PRACTICAL, SENSIBLE, FEASIBLE.
real: Can this word be omitted?
reference: Avoid phrases like "with reference to".
refuted: Incorrectly used for denied - means proved wrong.
refutes: Incorrectly used for denies - means proves wrong.
refute: Incorrectly used for deny - means to prove wrong.
refuting: Incorrectly used for denying - means proving wrong.
regard: Avoid phrases like "with regard to". If verb, use "as".
regarded: Should be followed by "as".
regards: If a verb, should be followed by "as"
reign: HOMOPHONE - rain - reign - rein.
reigned: HOMOPHONE - rained - reigned - reined.
reigning: HOMOPHONE - raining - reigning - reining.
reigns: HOMOPHONE - rains - reigns - reins.
rein: HOMOPHONE - rain - reign - rein.
reined: HOMOPHONE - rained - reigned - reined.
reining: HOMOPHONE - raining - reigning - reining.
reins: HOMOPHONE - rains - reigns - reins.
relation: Avoid phrases like "in relation to".
relatively: Can this word be omitted?
repellant: Noun is REPELLANT, adjective REPELLENT.
repellent: Noun is REPELLANT, adjective REPELLENT.
replaced: Can be used wrongly for substituted.
replaces: Can be used wrongly for substitutes.
replace: Can be used wrongly for substitute.
replacing: Can be used wrongly for substituting.
requested: ASKED is simpler.
requesting: ASKING is simpler.
requests: ASKS is simpler.
request: ASK is simpler.
required: Would WANTED or NEEDED be better?
requires: Would WANTS or NEEDS be better?
require: Would WANT or NEED be better?
requiring: Would WANTING or NEEDING be better?
resided: Why not LIVED?
residences: Why not HOUSES or HOMES?
residence: Why not HOUSE or HOME?
resides: Why not LIVES?
reside: Why not LIVE?
residing: Why not LIVING?
respectively: Must link subjects and objects, otherwise omit.
respective: Does this word add to the meaning of the document?
respect: Avoid phrases like "with respect to".
role: HOMOPHONE - role - roll.
roll: HOMOPHONE - role - roll.
scarcely: Followed by "when" and not "than".
scenario: Almost always jargon - try SITUATION.
seasonable: Suitable for time of year - confused with seasonal.
seasonal: Means occurring at season - confused with seasonable.
sensibility: Means SENSITIVENESS, not possession of good sense.
sensuous: Affecting the senses - not a synonym of sensual.
sensuously: Affecting the senses - not a synonym of sensually.
serious: Can this word be omitted?
seriously: Can this word be omitted?
sight: HOMOPHONE - sight - site ("Tourist site").
sights: HOMOPHONE - sights - sites ("Tourist site").
site: HOMOPHONE - sight - site ("Tourist site").
sites: HOMOPHONE - sight - site ("Tourist site").
situation: Usually jargon if preceded by a noun.
someone: Singular - use singular verbs or personal pronouns.
somewhat: Can this word be omitted?
specific: Can this word be omitted?
stake: HOMOPHONE - stake - steak.
stakes: HOMOPHONE - stakes - steaks.
stated: Use SAID.
states: If verb, use SAYS.
state: If verb, use SAY.
stationary: HOMOPHONE - stationary - stationery.
stationery: HOMOPHONE - stationary - stationery.
stating: Use SAYING.
steak: HOMOPHONE - stake - steak.
steaks: HOMOPHONE - stakes - steaks.
storey: HOMOPHONE - story - storey.
story: HOMOPHONE - story - storey.
strata: Plural word requiring plural verb.
substantial: Can this word be omitted?
substituted: Often used wrongly for replaced.
substitutes: Often used wrongly for replaces.
substitute: Often used wrongly for replace.
substituting: Often used wrongly for replacing.
surge: Is RISE or INCREASE better?
surged: Is ROSE or INCREASED better?
surging: Is RISING or INCREASING better?
sufficient: Would ENOUGH be better?
terminated: Why not ENDED or COMPLETED?
terminates: Why not ENDS?
terminate: Why not END?
terminating: Why not ENDING?
thankfully: Avoid use for "let us be thankful"
that: Can this word be omitted?
there: Singular or plural verb? Check subject!
toe: HOMOPHONE - toe - tow ("Toe the line").
toed: HOMOPHONE - toed - towed ("Toe the line").
toes: HOMOPHONE - toes - tows ("Toe the line").
toeing: HOMOPHONE - toeing - towing ("Toe the line").
tow: HOMOPHONE - toe - tow ("Toe the line").
towed: HOMOPHONE - toed - towed ("Toe the line").
towing: HOMOPHONE - toeing - towing ("Toe the line").
toes: HOMOPHONE - toes - tows ("Toe the line").
transmits: Would SENDS be better?
transmitted: Would SENT be better?
transmitting: Would SENDING be better?
transmit: Would SEND be better?
transpired: Means leaked out or became known, not happened.
transpires: Means leaks out or becomes known, not happens.
transpire: Means to leak out or become known, not to happen.
try: "Try to", not "try and".
undue: Can this word be omitted?
unduly: Can this word be omitted?
unequal:"Unequal to" and not "unequal for".
unilateral: Is ONE-SIDED better?
unique: Unique is unique and cannot be qualified. 
urgent: How urgent? Is this word too strong?
usage: Means manner of use and not simply use.
utilised: Why not USED?
utilises: Why not USES?
utilise: Why not USE?
utilising: Why not USING?
utilized: Why not USED?
utilizes: Why not USES?
utilize: Why not USE?
utilizing: Why not USING?
venal: Venal = corrupt - venial = pardonable.
venial: Venal = corrupt - venial = pardonable.
very: Over-used word - can it be omitted?
visualised: Try IMAGINED or PICTURED.
visualises: Try IMAGINES or PICTURES.
visualise: Try IMAGINE or PICTURE.
visualising: Try IMAGINING or PICTURING.
visualized: Try IMAGINED or PICTURED.
visualizes: Try IMAGINES or PICTURES.
visualize: Try IMAGINE or PICTURE.
visualizing: Try IMAGINING or PICTURING.
wastage: Does not mean squandering, but loss by use or leakage.
when: If conjunction, would "AND THEN" be clearer?
whence: "From whence" instead of "Whence" is incorrect.
which: If use in defining clause, THAT is usually better.
while: Would ALTHOUGH or AND be better?
whom: Check if whom is object.
who: Check if who is subject.
with: Singular subject linked to noun by "with" is singular.
wrack: HOMOPHONE - rack - wrack (it is "rack and ruin")
