Loath, Loathe – English editing.
Loath and loathe are often confused in writing. Loath is an adjective meaning ‘reluctant or unwilling’, as in I was loath to leave, whereas loathe is a verb meaning ‘feel…
Literally – English editing.
In one of its meanings, literally is used to show that a metaphor or idiom is to be interpreted in its real, physical meaning, as in literally too tired to…
(-Like) – English editing.
When writing words ending in -like which are well established, such as childlike, businesslike, dreamlike, and ladylike, it is correct not to use a hyphen, even though you may come…
Lightning – English editing.
The form lightning developed as a contracted form of lightening (the old spelling light’ning shows this process), but the two forms are now distinct words. In the meaning of thunder…
Light – English editing.
This is one of a small group of verbs which have alternative forms for the past tense and past participle. Both lighted and lit can be used in all varieties…
Licence, License – English editing.
It is easy to get confused about when to write licence and when license. Which spelling you choose depends on whether you are using the word as a noun or…
Libel – English editing.
Libel refers to a written untrue statement that is damaging to someone’s reputation, while slander refers to the spoken expression of similar sentiments. Though the two are often used interchangeably…
Lest – English editing.
Lest remains one of the very few words in English with which (in good style) the subjunctive is used, as in she was worrying lest he be attacked (not lest…