You should also review the page of common writing errors.

A part-time instructor

She works full time.

A fundraising campaign. (a change in AP Style. Fundraising is now one word is all cases)

Fundraising is difficult.

They planned a fundraising campaign.

A fundraiser was hired.

The organization is planning a fundraiser.

The book was titled "Gone With the Wind." (not entitled)


WRONG: The class was postponed for over a week due to the teacher's illness.

RIGHT: The class was postponed for more than a week because of the teacher's illness.

WRONG: John Lennon compared his music with the Gospel.

RIGHT: John Lennon compared his music to the Gospel.

WRONG: Over 50 million watched the World Series.

RIGHT: More than 50 million watched the World Series.


The MBTA has announced the subway construction projects are under way. (This is correct. Underway is one word only in the nautical sense, as in, "The 7th Fleet is underway.")

She currently is serving as vice president of the Horseheads Kiwanis and participates in various charitable fundraisers and community projects throughout the year. (Currently is redundant, so delete it. It is not the same as presently, which means "soon.")

Among children ages 14 and under, males are more than twice as likely to suffer a nonfatal farm-related injury and more than five times as likely to sustain a fatal farm-related injury. (Should be boys instead of males. Also an injury is not sustained if it is fatal.)

Two murderers escaped from the maximum-security Elmira Correctional Facility on Monday morning by breaking a hole in the cement  ceiling of their cell and lowering themselves down the side of the building on bed sheets, officials said. (Use on to separate proper noun from the day. Cement should be replaced with concrete.)

Many factors effect the matching of a food and wine. (Should be affect.)

According to Brent, "mouth feel" is the relationship between the alcohol, sugar and acid in the wine. (Since it is more than two items, the word should be among.)

Drive a little further south and you can find quiet residential neighborhoods in Pine City and Webb Mills. (Should be farther, which is used when referring to actual distances.)

She said she didn't know if she would go out for basketball next year. (Should use whether. The simple way to remember the rule is that in cases where whether will fit, use it.)

He was convinced (correct ­ dealing with changing opinion.)  that he should try to persuade (Correct ­ dealing with fostering action) others to go to the seminar.

The spokesman said the government anticipates enemy troop movements. (anticipate means to expect and prepare for something).

The Lugnuts are a minor-league baseball team in Lansing, the state capital . (Not Capitol, which refers to the actual building.)

Janet was poring over a book when I entered. (This is correct. Pouring would be used when pouring water.)

For the past 10 years, she said, she's been working on her magnum opus. (Not last)