StyleWriter Software highlights several miscellaneous style points that don’t fit into the other broad categories.
Examples:
Pattern Advice
advisor (prefer) adviser
enthuse prefer “enthusiastic” and recast the sentence
hail from (prefer) come from
ok use only in informal writing
thats check for proper use of apostrophe
StyleWriter Software highlights some grammar points to help improve your writing. However, no computer program can solve all grammar faults. You can improve your grammar by using active verbs and shorter sentences. Another way to improve your grammar is to read widely, especially well-written books, newspapers and magazines.
Some examples of grammar faults highlighted by StyleWriter:
Pattern Advice
different than different from
I done I did, I have done
neither …or neither is always followed by “nor”, not “or”
to who to whom
would of would have
StyleWriter highlights two common word groups considered sexist if writers use them to include women.
The first group is he, him, himself, his.
If these words are to include women, you can write in a non-sexist way by:
For example:
Sexist: Every employee should fill out his tax form.
Non-sexist: All employees should fill out their tax forms.
Non-sexist: Every employee should fill out his or her tax form.
Non-sexist: You should fill out your tax form.
The second group of words is man, man’s, men, men’s.
Some writers use “man” to refer to the human race. Because of the use of “man” to describe the human male, this may cause confusion or exclude women. To overcome this problem, use substitutes such as:
people
our
human race
For example:
Sexist: Man’s history on earth…
Non-sexist: The history of human life on earth…
Non-sexist: Our history on earth…
You can also be specific about the people you are describing. For example:
the miners, the politicians, or the early Europeans
Many people object to the sexist bias in our language. Good writing should not contain bias that may offend or confuse your readers. You should recognise that your readers could be of either sex and avoid sexist writing by selecting a non-sexist substitute.
StyleWriter highlights sexist words and phrases that you can change or omit to make your writing non-sexist. Examples:
Sexist term Non-sexist alternative
airman aviator, pilot
chairman chair, chairperson, leader, president, convener
newsman reporter, journalist
policeman police officer
spokesman spokesperson, representative
manning staffing, working, running, workforce
fair sex women
Many writers have difficulty using hyphens. StyleWriter’s advice will help you improve your use of hyphens but will not highlight all possible hyphen faults. Examples:
Pattern Advice
to-day Usually written as one word
no-one Usually written as two words
ultra- Not usually hyphenated. Example: ultralight
un- Not usually hyphenated. Example: unclean
(except before a capital letter. Example: un-American)
a five Numbers with single units usually hyphenated.
Example: a five-mile hike
Some words differ in meaning depending on whether they are one word, hyphenated, or two words. There are two main groups:
Words that change meaning
any one = one of many
anyone = any person
re-cover = cover again
recover = regain, secure, gain health
Words that change in usage
You should hyphenate or join some words if they are used as a noun or as an adjective before a noun. Don’t hyphenate or join if used as a verb. For example:
Noun: apply some make-up
Adjective: a make-up kit
Verb: to make up an excuse
Noun: the company takeover
Adjective: a takeover move
Verb: to take over duties
StyleWriter contains a list of common words that are sometimes confused. You should have no difficulty if you take care with your writing, but you may sometimes make a slip. Examples:
addition edition
aisle isle
allowed aloud
altar alter
bald bawled
berry bury
feint faint
heal heel
hoarse horse
hole whole
instants instance
knew new
Use this category if you want a thorough check of your writing to examine all possible errors.
Writers confuse many words. Sometimes the words sound the same, sometimes the spelling differs slightly, sometimes there is a fine distinction of meaning or usage between words. For example:
complementary = completing
complimentary = flattering, without charge
continual = regular but interrupted, often repeated
continuous = non-stop and unbroken, uninterrupted
forego = go before, precede
forgo = relinquish, go without, give up
Using the wrong word is a common mistake. Using the right word improves the accuracy of your writing.
Many writers are unaware of the exact meaning of certain words. StyleWriter highlights words frequently misused, gives a brief definition of the correct meaning and advises you on correct usage. For example:
aggravate = to make worse or intensify – not to irritate or annoy
You can judge whether you have used the word correctly in your writing and, if not, select a more appropriate word.
In the following sentence the writer is using “aggravate” incorrectly and
can improve the sentence by changing the word.
Wrong: He’s aggravating us with his constant demands.
Right: He’s annoying us with his constant demands.
Thinking about using words properly will improve your word power and make you a more accurate writer.
