Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. In today's blog entry, let's discuss the difference between Dessert vs. Desert. Do you know when to use each one?
Most people will say they do know the difference. And yet, I see this mistake time and again in written copy ranging from school papers and published articles to blogs and social media posts. It's OK. I'm not here to poke fun. I have to stop and think about this one, too!
So, let's talk about it a little bit. And maybe by the end of this, we'll all be less confused.
Dessert (with the double "s") is a sweet, delectable treat to eat – usually after dinner. I do know people who like their cake, pie, cookies, etc., before dinner, though.
* Ice cream is the best dessert.
* That dessert tray is tempting.
* We had cherry pie for dessert.
Desert (with one "s") as a noun refers to a hot, dry, and arid place like the Sahara. But when used as a verb, it sounds the same as dessert and means to leave someone high and dry.
* He was stranded in the desert.
* You're just going to desert us?
* The Sahara Desert is a nasty place.
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It's fun to tease friends on Facebook for grammar mistakes or point out errors in other written copy. But any spelling or grammar error in business writing – brochures, website copy, blog posts, press releases, newsletters, etc. – wreak havoc on your company's image. Studies show that when choosing between two companies, customers prefer the one with clear and error-free written communication.
We hope you enjoyed today's blog on Dessert vs. Desert. If you're interested in having Edit This handle your company's content writing and editing needs, give us a call today! We can write copy from scratch or spruce up what you've already written. When it comes to grammar, everyone could use an extra set of eyes.
*STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This, a writing and editing services company located in Denton, TX. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.