My favourite mistakes

I love editing. I love making sure a text is clear; playing with words to ensure that what is being said is what was intended; fiddling with commas to change the meaning of a sentence. The English language is complex and that makes it fun.

My favourite errors are those that change the meaning of a sentence. When the “duel heroines” go on their journey… I can’t help but laugh at the image of drugs fighting rather than two female heroes going on a quest.

It’s a good thing I don’t edit in front of my clients and I didn’t mark in front of my students.

Homonyms are my favourite mistakes. All those words that sound the same but are spelled differently (technically these are homophones, but I digress) bring with them the humour of incorrect meaning if the wrong word is selected.

Their, there, they’re; to, too, two; night, knight; the list is extensive and must be reviewed carefully. If you are editing for yourself or a friend, be sure to keep a special watch out for homonym errors (lists can be acquired through a simple Google search).

Don’t forget to pause for a giggle before making the correction. But be sure the change should be there and that you are not correcting an intentional pun – puns rely on word-play.

I collect examples of the best mistakes. Feel like sharing? I would love to see what you’ve found, or written.

The Write Tip