Word Usage

Great resource for those of us challenged by word usage. My issue has always been spelling. I've excerpted a few examples - click on the link to see the rest of the 27 words. The Inigo Montoya Guide to 27 Commonly Misused Words — Copyblogger

Adverse / Averse
Adverse means unfavorable. Averse means reluctant.

Afterwards
Afterwards is wrong in American English. It’s afterward.

Complement / Compliment
I see this one all the time. Complement is something that adds to or supplements something else. Compliment is something nice someone says about you.

Criteria
Criteria is plural, and the singular form is criterion. If someone tells you they have only one criteria, you can quickly interject and offer that it be they get a clue.

Farther / Further
Farther is talking about a physical distance.

“How much farther is Disney World, Daddy?”

Further is talking about an extension of time or degree.

“Take your business further by reading Copyblogger.”

Fewer / Less
If you can count it, use fewer. If you can’t, use less.

“James has less incentive to do what I say.”

“Tony has fewer subscribers since he stopped blogging.”

Historic / Historical
Historic means an important event. Historical means something that happened in the past.