Even if your copy is on message and reads well, small errors can sink you.
Every month, our team — led by proofreader Sarah Muench — shares a proofreading tip or two to help you strengthen your content, one detail at a time.
Pique, Peak or Peek?
Although they have identical pronunciation, "peak," "peek" and "pique" mean different things: Peek is related to sight. As a noun, it means a brief or furtive look. As a verb, it means to take a [...]
Tips for Writing about People with Disabilities
The terms “disabilities” and “disabled” span a broad range of physical, psychological, developmental and intellectual conditions. Some of these conditions are visible; others we cannot see. It’s important to remember that disabled individuals use diverse [...]
Writing Relevant Racial Terms: Black and African American
February is Black History Month, so let’s brush up on how to write some key terms that may appear in your content. First, when describing someone's race, ask the person their preference. In 2020, the [...]
Gray vs. Grey
Is it grey or gray? It's really just a matter of vowels. No difference exists in meaning between these two versions of the same word, whether used as a noun, adjective or verb. Grey is [...]
Whether vs. whether or not
“Whether” is a useful word to distinguish between two different scenarios, categories and more. But using "or not" with it can be redundant and a waste of space. For example: I wonder whether it will [...]
When to use “penultimate”
When else could you present a monthly grammar lesson on the word penultimate? See what we did there? If not, don't worry: Penultimate is just a fancy way of saying "next to last." Examples: November [...]
When to Use However, Although and Though
Let's start with the definitions of each of these words: However can mean: In whatever manner or way | Example: "I will support you however I can." To whatever degree or extent | Example: "The [...]
Which vs. That
Which do you use? That one! The answer is simple: In a defining clause, use "that." In a non-defining clause, use "which." In other words, "which" and what comes after it is disposable. If you [...]
Prepositions at the End of a Sentence
Prepositions at the end of a sentence: Is this still wrong? Yes! No! There's quite a bit of disagreement here at Active Voice, but that's because prepositions are a matter of preference. For example: Who [...]
Gender-Neutral “They,” “Them” and “Their”
As the world becomes more cognizant of gender identity and fluidity, so, too, must our copy. Traditional grammar rules lay out subject-verb agreement, but what happens when you're referring to someone who uses they/them/their as [...]