10 Word Choices that Can Create Unclear Writing
As humans, we have a limitless ability to form thoughts into words. But with an ever-evolving language, we can make mistakes when choosing which words we use to communicate.
Using a word incorrectly now and then may seem like a minor offense. But it can have a “death by a thousand cuts” effect: The more words and phrases you misuse, the less credibility you keep.
To highlight your hard-earned expertise, consider the following ten word choices while writing.
1. That vs. Which
That is used to introduce a defining clause. If this clause is left out, the meaning of the sentence will change.
Which is used for a non-defining clause. If this clause is omitted, the meaning of the sentence will not change.
Examples:
The peptide that is bound to the protein at the cell membrane.
The peptide, which is bound to the protein, is located at the cell membrane.
Quick tip: Go which-hunting to remove the defining whiches from your writing.
2. That vs. Who
That is used when referring to animals, groups, or things.
Who is used when referring to people.
Examples:
The patient who participated in the study.
The cell that migrated during wound healing.
Quick tip: Look for words that indicate a person who you are writing about.
3. Complement vs. Compliment
Complement means something that completes or makes up a whole.
Compliment means an expression of praise or admiration.
Examples:
The slides were a great complement to her presentation.
He complimented about her technical skills in the lab.
Quick tip: Give yourself a compliment when you remember that both complement and complete start with comple-.
4. Comprise vs. Compose
Comprise means to include or be made up of.
Compose means to form by putting together or to constitute.
Examples:
The complex comprises three proteins that regulate cell signaling.
The reagent is composed of three solutions.
Quick tip: Remember that the whole comprises the parts, while the parts compose the whole. And of should never follow comprise.
5. Like vs. Such As
Like is used to suggest a comparison.
Such as is used to introduce examples.
Examples:
The cells grew rapidly, like cancer cells.
The scientist discovered several cell types in the tissue, such as neurons and fibroblasts.
Quick tip: Use like when comparing two things, such as apples and oranges.
6. Ensure vs. Insure
Ensure means to make something secure or certain.
Insure means to guarantee persons or property against risk.
Examples:
The tissue-culture hood helped to ensure the environment remained sterile.
She insured the equipment for $500.
Quick tip: Ensure that you don’t misuse terms and only use insure when you need a safeguard against loss or damage.
7. Home vs. hone
Home, as a verb, means to proceed or direct attention toward an objective.
Hone means to sharpen, or to make more intense or effective.
Examples:
Scientists are homing in on a cure for the flu.
The investigator spent many years honing her presentation skills.
Quick tip: Hone your writing skills while you home in on engaging your reader.
8. Effect vs. Affect
To make these words even more confusing, both can be used as either a noun or a verb.
Effect, as a verb, means to cause.
Affect, as a verb, means to influence.
Examples (verb):
The compound affected cell function.
The treatment was designed to effect a change in the patient’s health.
Effect, as a noun, means result.
Affect, as a noun, means a manifestation of emotion.
Examples (noun):
The patient showed normal affect.
The effect was significant.
Quick tip: Affect is most commonly used as a verb, while effect is more commonly used as a noun. A great trick is to remember the acronym RAVEN (Remember Affect is a Verb and Effect is a Noun). But keep your eye out for cases when you might use these terms in uncommon ways.
9. Imply vs. Infer
Imply means to suggest or say something in an indirect way.
Infer means to draw a conclusion based on an indirect suggestion.
Examples:
The author implied that the new drug could cure heart disease.
The professor inferred that the paper was well written, because the author was her student.
Quick tip: In general, the writer implies, and the reader infers.
10. Accept vs. Except
Accept means to receive something willingly.
Except means to exclude.
Examples:
The journal accepted the manuscript for publication.
He could attend all of the seminars except the one next week.
Quick tip: Remember that both except and exclude begin with ex.
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