Precision in language produces more effective technical writing. To that end, we’ve been addressing some specific examples, like the differences between notable and noticeable two posts ago. In the last post we examined why first should always be used and firstly never used. In this post, we’re keeping that precision in language theme by highlighting the distinctions between canvas and canvass.
Visually, the two words appear to differ by only a single letter s. But what differences the presence or absence of that single letter indicates! Canvas is a noun meaning strong, coarse unbleached cloth. Canvass is a verb meaning to secure someone’s vote or opinion. Although they look almost identical, canvas and canvass are two very different words.
The most common misuse of these words lies in misspelling, which no spell checker will detect. Spell checkers simply compare each word you type with a list. Every word on the list gets passed and every word not on the list gets marked. Both of these words are in that list, but the proper spelling of canvas and canvass depends on context — something spell checkers don't check.
That’s why understanding the differences here is important. Consider the cropped graphic above. Based on its function in the sentence, the word intended here is the noun, not the verb. The verb has one more s than the noun, so the more effective sentence would read like this:
Visually, the two words appear to differ by only a single letter s. But what differences the presence or absence of that single letter indicates! Canvas is a noun meaning strong, coarse unbleached cloth. Canvass is a verb meaning to secure someone’s vote or opinion. Although they look almost identical, canvas and canvass are two very different words.
The most common misuse of these words lies in misspelling, which no spell checker will detect. Spell checkers simply compare each word you type with a list. Every word on the list gets passed and every word not on the list gets marked. Both of these words are in that list, but the proper spelling of canvas and canvass depends on context — something spell checkers don't check.
That’s why understanding the differences here is important. Consider the cropped graphic above. Based on its function in the sentence, the word intended here is the noun, not the verb. The verb has one more s than the noun, so the more effective sentence would read like this:
The canvas used to make the sails passed every strength test.
Don’t rely on a computer to ensure precision in language. Understand the differences between canvas and canvass so you can ensure that yourself. To get cloth, withhold the extra s. To get opinions, be sure to canvass an extra s. Precision in language produces more effective technical writing. And that will more effectively represent both you and your brands to your audience.
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