In the last post we discussed the use of also in producing more effective technical writing. Understanding the difference between spoken English and written English can make all the difference in your writing.
For example, understanding that difference can help you to choose the right word. In English, many words with similar pronunciations can have very different meanings. Take, for instance, adapt, adept, and adopt. To adapt is a verb which means to make suitable for a new use or purpose or to become adjusted to new conditions. Adept, however, is an adjective which means very skilled and proficient. And to adopt is a verb meaning to take and use or to follow as one’s own.
Three different words. Similar spellings. Similar pronunciations. Very different meanings. The example sentence in the cropped graphic above demonstrates the correct use of each of these words.
Don’t be fooled. Similar spellings and pronunciations do not always indicate similar definitions. Adapt to the differences in adapt, adept, and adopt. You’ll make your technical writing more effective. And more effective writing will present you and your brands more effectively to your audiences.
For example, understanding that difference can help you to choose the right word. In English, many words with similar pronunciations can have very different meanings. Take, for instance, adapt, adept, and adopt. To adapt is a verb which means to make suitable for a new use or purpose or to become adjusted to new conditions. Adept, however, is an adjective which means very skilled and proficient. And to adopt is a verb meaning to take and use or to follow as one’s own.
Three different words. Similar spellings. Similar pronunciations. Very different meanings. The example sentence in the cropped graphic above demonstrates the correct use of each of these words.
Don’t be fooled. Similar spellings and pronunciations do not always indicate similar definitions. Adapt to the differences in adapt, adept, and adopt. You’ll make your technical writing more effective. And more effective writing will present you and your brands more effectively to your audiences.
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