Language use
Spelling and generic tips
- Use South African English as first choice or British English as second choice. Use the “s” spelling of words, not the “z” spelling.
- All documents, including e-mails, must be spell-checked before being sent to the recipient. Ensure that the spelling check tool is used in the various Microsoft programmes.
- Commonly misspelt words to be aware of:
| Accommodate |
| Across |
| Recommend |
| Referring |
| Profession |
| Careful |
| Acquire |
| Empower |
| Decrease |
| Glamorous |
| Separate |
| Focuses |
- Write the following words as one word:
| Abovementioned |
| Worldwide |
| Countrywide |
| Offline |
| Online |
| Subtotal |
| Reopen |
| Reuse |
- Some words are frequently confused in business correspondence. Be sure to use the correct word or else the correspondence may be misinterpreted.
Some examples:
| Cheque |
Check |
| Advice |
Advise |
| To |
Too |
| New |
Knew |
| Who’s |
Whose |
| Dependent |
Dependant |
| Loose |
Lose |
| Weather |
Whether |
| Past |
Passed |
| Accept |
Except |
| Sight |
Site |
| Were |
Where |
| Affect |
Effect |
| Compliment |
Complement |
| Ensure |
Insure |
| Practice |
Practise |
| There |
Their |
| Of |
Off |
| Your |
You’re |
| Licence |
License |
| Inquire |
Enquire |
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