WRITAMINS™

These writing supplements from WORKTALK will boost your ability to write more quickly and concisely.

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The only way to “get something off your conscious” is to let someone conk you on the head so that you will become unconscious. The only way to tell someone “your welcome” is as part of a statement like “Your welcome was so friendly that I almost forgot about our past arguments.” The only way to ride a “stationery bicycle” is to build it out of very sturdy paper. If these distinctions are obvious to you, be grateful that you are not among the oblivious.

Conscience versus Conscious

Conscience (noun) is the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one’s conduct or motives, impelling one toward right actions; an inhibiting sense of what is prudent.

Conscious (adjective) means aware of one’s existence, sensations, thoughts, and surroundings; fully aware of or sensitive to something.

He could learn to behave decently, if only he were conscious that he lacks a conscience.

Stationery versus Stationary

Stationery (noun) refers to writing paper and envelopes.

Stationary (adjective) means standing still.

Keep your stationery stationary when you write. If you move the paper, your writing will be messy.

Frightful versus Fearful

Frightful (adjective) means such as to cause fright; dreadful, terrible or alarming; horrible, shocking or revolting. Fright refers to sudden and extreme fear or terror.

Fearful (adjective) means causing or apt to cause fear; frightening; feeling fear, dread, or apprehension. Fear refers to a distressing feeling of impending danger, evil, or pain.

The frightful events of September 11 have left many people fearful about the future.

Your versus You’re

Your is a possessive pronoun meaning “belonging to you.”

You’re is a contraction of the words “you are”

I’m a little embarrassed to have to mention this word pair, but I see them used incorrectly too often. Please note that the proper response to “Thank you” is “You’re welcome” as in “You are welcome.” Please do not write “your welcome” unless you are referring to a welcome that belongs to that person.

You’re welcome to come and visit us any time. You have been very hospitable to us, and we would love to reciprocate your welcome.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL from Liz Danziger and WORKTALK

© 2008 Elizabeth Danziger All rights reserved.

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