Spelling, Word Usage & Consistency Flashcards

Which of the following is spelled correctly?

Answer: occurrence

'Occurrence' has double c and double r—one of the most commonly misspelled words.

Which sentence correctly uses 'assure,' 'ensure,' and 'insure'?

Answer: He assured her that the contract was signed.

'Assure' means to promise or tell someone confidently; 'ensure' means to make certain; 'insure' relates to insurance.

Which correctly uses 'discreet' vs. 'discrete'?

Answer: The report covers four discrete categories.

'Discrete' means separate and distinct; 'discreet' means careful or prudent about sensitive matters.

In proofreading for consistency, what does 'house style' refer to?

Answer: A publisher's or organization's established set of writing and style conventions.

House style is an organization's or publisher's internal set of conventions governing spelling, punctuation, and usage choices.

Which sentence avoids misusing a homophone?

Answer: The principal attorney accepted the new client.

'Principal' meaning main/primary correctly modifies 'attorney' here; the others misuse 'counsel/council' and 'principal/principle.'

Which of the following correctly uses 'who' vs. 'whom'?

Answer: To whom should this invoice be sent?

'Whom' is correct as the object of the preposition 'to'; 'who' is used as a subject.

A text consistently uses 'canceled' but one paragraph uses 'cancelled.' What does this signal?

Answer: A possible copy-paste from a British source or a simple inconsistency to flag.

'Canceled' is preferred in American English; 'cancelled' is British—a single outlier may indicate a mixed-source document or oversight.