Some of our Grammar Guru’s first articles were about Everyday vs. Every DayΒ andΒ Apart vs. A Part. There are MAJOR differences between those words/phrases, and I’ve noticed a new flavor of this error creeping into our writing. We’re taking a slight detour back to our grammar explorations today, with a dash of AI (as it relates to writing) at the end β do not miss those tips!
Two words or one?
People love to combine words when they should remain two. Why do we do this? Is it taking the “easy” route? Do we think it’s correct? Are we second-guessing the two-word option? Let’s tackle when to combine (typically noun) and separate (typically to create verbs) words like dropoff. Here’s something I saw from Amazon that sparked this lesson.
Dropoff vs. Drop off
Noun: The donation dropoff is at the front desk.
Verb: I need to drop off a package at the post office.
Workout vs. Work out
Noun: I had a fabulous Pilates workout this morning.
Verb: I can’t work out for a few days after my chemical peel.
Setup vs. Set up
Noun: The setup for the conference took hours, but it looks incredible.
Verb: Can you help me set up the new printer?
Login vs. Log in
Noun: I always forget my login information.
Verb: You’ll need to log in to access your account.
Backup vs. Back up
Noun: Don’t forget to bring a backup dress in case it’s cold.
Verb: I’ll back up the files once we finish this draft.
Takeoff vs. Take off
Noun: Our takeoff was delayed due to bad weather.
Verb: Please take off your shoes before entering the studio.
Breakdown vs. Break down
Noun: My toddler is about to have a breakdown.
Verb: The last thing we need is for the car to break down on the highway.
Checkup vs. Check up
Noun: I have my annual checkup next week.
Verb: I’ll check up on your status later.
Makeup vs. Make up
Noun: I had to do my makeup in the car before the party.
Verb: They need to make up after that heated argument.
Runoff vs. Run off
Noun: The rain runoff caused flooding.
Verb: The kids always run off when they hear the ice cream truck.
Turnover vs. Turn over
Noun: We’re proud to have low employee turnover.
Verb: You’ll see the chapter list if you turn over the second page.
3 TIPS TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
1. Check for a noun vs. a verb
If the word is being used as a thing (noun), it’s usually the compound form: setup, login, backup.
If describing an action (verb), it’s typically two separate words: set up, log in, back up.
2. Note how the word functions in the sentence.
If it describes what is happening (the concrete or abstract noun), it’s likely the compound noun: “Our dropoff is scheduled for noon.”
If it describes how something is happening (the action), it’s likely two words: “I will drop off the return later.”
3. If you can put a word/words between the words, it’s likely the two-word verb phrase.
For example: “I will set up the tent” can become “I will set the tent up”
Another example: “I’ll drop off the cookies” can become “I’ll drop them off”
3 AI TOOLS TO HELP YOUR WRITING
AI is really useful in helping you decide between two options that could both be considered correct in certain instances. These writing assistants are not perfect, but they’re getting adept at tackling most of the icky grammar gaffs I’ve covered in this series. Here are three great AI-fueled editing tools (not copy generators!) and what type of writer would benefit from each. Note that in some school settings, AI writing tools aren’t allowed. Check with your educational institution if you’re a student.
1. Grammarly: best overall for anyone who writes
Do you type ANYTHING? You should be using Grammarly. It’s the single most robust and easiest-to-use online Grammar tool. You just download the browser extension, which automatically checks your spelling and grammar while crafting emails or creating documents. If you prefer to write in Microsoft or Google products, Grammarly can integrate right into those platforms, too.
It’s great because it not only catches typos but also offers suggestions to make your writing clearer and more polished, and you can learn the WHY behind the changes it suggests. You can use it for everything from casual texts to professional reports. The free version covers most of what you need, but ask your workplace or family about signing up for a team account! The paid version gets even deeper into the style and tone of your company, organization, or brand.
2. ProWritingAid: best for creative and long-form writing
The annoyingly named ProWritingAid is helpful for anyone who writes a lot and wants to improve their writing style, voice, and even characters over time. After you download the desktop app or add the extension to your browser, Word, or Google Docs, the tool checks grammar and style and gives suggestions on how to make your sentences clearer and more engaging.
The reports help you see where you tend to make mistakes or overuse certain words. Plus, it gives you feedback that helps you grow as a writer, not just fix the errors. It’s great for everything from emails and company reports to memoirs, fiction stories, or novels. The $10/month paid version does SO much, but the free version is great, too.
3. Hemingway: best for technical, concise writing
Hemingway is a simple but powerful tool that helps make your writing clearer and more concise. Paste your text into the app or website, and it highlights sentences that are too complex, places you’ve used passive voice, and areas that are hard to read.
It even gives your writing a readability score, so you can tweak it until you have the perfect version to send to your boss. Hemingway is a fabulous tool for tightening up your writing and making sure it’s easy to understand, whether you’re working on emails, blog posts, or reports.
Until next time, writers! Send all your burning grammar and AI questions to [email protected].
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