12 unforgivable writing mistakes

Avoid this dirty dozen at all costs.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

Though the casual tone of blogging has allowed us to be less formal with the written word, it doesn’t mean we can simply ignore the fundamental rules of writing and grammar. The occasional typo can be brushed off as an innocent oversight, but there are some writing errors that are just plain unforgivable.

These blunders can ruin your credibility as a writer.

1. Fewer versus less

Unforgivable: There are less days in February than in March.
Correct: There are fewer days in February than in March.

Use fewer when referring to things that can be counted. For example, “She ate fewer cupcakes tonight than she did last night.” Use less when referring to volumes or to things that cannot be counted: “The cupcakes had less frosting yesterday.”

2. Affect versus effect

Unforgivable: Our services will have a positive affect on your business.
Correct: Our services will have a positive effect on your business.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.