Sometimes, we move so fast with things we need to write that we let silly mistakes slip through the cracks–errors we kick ourselves for when someone else points them out to us. A perfect example recently was when a friend of mine mistakenly used the word "role" in a sentence when he clearly meant to say "roll."
Do you know when to use these words? Most people immediately say yes, and I'm sure my buddy would include himself in that group. Unfortunately, homophones–words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings–like these trip up quite a few people.
I did a grammar lesson about roll and role several years ago, and here's the refresher.
Roll refers to movement or when someone or something turns over and over on itself. It can also refer to a delicious food item we all love so much and a document that includes a list of members of a group or class.
* The two men rolled down the hill.
* Don't be late for roll call.
* Leslie had a dinner roll with her steak.
* Damon made the honor roll at school.
Role refers to a part in a play or movie. It can also refer to someone's job on a team, at work, or in society.
* He doesn't have a big role in the show.
* Tom Hanks played the role of Forrest Gump.
* Jake was given the starring role.
* His promotion includes a bigger role.
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It's fun to tease friends for grammar mistakes or point out other errors in written copy. But any spelling or grammar error in business writing – brochures, website copy, blog posts, press releases, newsletters, etc. – wreaks 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.
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STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This®, a writing and editing services company in Denton, TX. He is also the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion For The Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.