Creative Editing
Chapter 3
Note: Exercises 5 through 12 are based on the material on correct word usage in this chapter, as well as on the list of frequently misused words in the Appendix.
Exercise 12
12. Delete the incorrect choices in the following sentences.
a. The veterinarian suggested that the dog be [spade, spayed].
b. The barber used a [strap, strop] to sharpen the razor.
c. She ordered new [stationary, stationery] for the company.
d. Magicians engage in [sleight, slight] of hand.
e. Police erected a [stationary, stationery] barrier.
f. She is a [tackful, tactful] person.
g. It was a [tenant, tenet] that guided him in his business dealings.
h. It was a [tort, torte] that could have been avoided with careful copy editing.
i. Stained-glass windows are [transparent, translucent].
j. She wore a [shear, sheer] blouse.
k. Bob Hope is a [trooper, trouper].
l. She hoped to join the state highway patrol as a [trooper, trouper].
m. Here is the book [which, that] she ordered.
n. This version of the computer program will [supercede, supersede] the one issued two years ago.
o. Unexpected expenses will [wreak, wreck] havoc on my budget.
p. Her argument was [tortuous, torturous].
q. He used a special batter to make shrimp [tempura, tempra].
r. He said it was a [venal, venial] sin.
s. It is a [viral, virile] disease.
t. Having gone without food for two days, the hunters had [veracious, voracious] appetites.
u. He said he would [wangle, wrangle] an invitation.
v. Let's not [wangle, wrangle] about this matter.
w. The recipe called for three egg [yokes, yolks].
End of Chapter 3 Exercises
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