Posts by Jack

“Onethird” is incorrect as a standard spelling. Write one third or one-third instead. Use one-third when it works as a compound modifier, as in “a one-third share.” When it functions…

Good morning is the correct standard form. Write it as two words, not goodmorning. For example, write “Good morning, Sarah.” rather than “Goodmorning, Sarah.” The phrase can be used in…

In line and inline are both correct, but they have different meanings. Use in line when you mean waiting in a queue, being arranged in a row, or being consistent…

Astigmatism is the correct word for the common eye condition in which the cornea or lens has an uneven curvature, causing blurry or distorted vision. Stigmatism is a legitimate technical…

Break room and breakroom have the same meaning: a room in a workplace where employees can rest, eat, drink coffee, or socialize during a break. Break room is the safer…

Unkept and unkempt are both correct English words, but they have different meanings. Unkept means “not kept,” “not maintained,” or “not fulfilled,” as in an unkept promise or an unkept…

Taught is the correct spelling when you mean the past tense or past participle of teach. Tought is a common spelling mistake and is not the standard past form of…

Shining is the correct word when you mean giving off or reflecting light, looking bright, or being excellent or impressive. It is the present participle of shine: The sun is…

Career is the correct spelling when you mean a profession, occupation, or long-term working life. Carrer is normally a spelling mistake in English. For example, write “She wants a career…

Halfday is not the standard spelling in English. The accepted forms are half day and half-day, depending on how the expression is used. Use half day when it functions as…