Zealous or jealous - Mixed messages and misused words from A to Z

Zealous or jealous - Mixed messages and misused words from A to Z

Zeal for correctness dictates that we finish this A to Z series with this pair of all-to-often mixed-up words.

What’s the difference between zealous and jealous?

Zealous describes someone who is extremely enthusiastic, devoted, impassioned, or dedicated to something or someone. Jealous characterizes one who may be overly possessive, envious, coveting, or fearful of losing another’s affection.

Here’s an example of appropriate usage of zealous and jealous in a sentence.

Buster, a zealous Chicago Cubs fan, grew a bit jealous when his girlfriend began trumpeting the praises of the good-looking rookie outfielder.

 

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Yore, your, or you’re - Mixed messages and misused words from A to Z

Yore, your, or you’re - Mixed messages and misused words from A to Z

You know what? Plenty of people confuse your, you’re and yore. 

Don’t do it!

Yore refers to history, long-ago times, and days gone by. This is simple to remember, as yore rhymes with lore, which points to long-held traditions and legends.

Your is a possessive term, claiming something belongs to you. Your stuff is yours. And you’re is a contraction of you and are. The apostrophe replaces the “a.”

Let’s see how this looks in proper usage.

As days of yore, your choice of words reveals whether or not you’re clear on correct grammar and spelling.

Yoo-hoo and yo-ho-ho! You’ve got it.

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eXcept or accept - Mixed messages and misused words from A to Z

The English language abounds with exceptions. Nearly every rule of grammar or spelling may be transgressed legitimately by certain examples. (You don't have to be a foreign deity, or even a feisty science whiz with codeine, to see the weirdness of this not-so-hard-and-fast rule.)

Except and accept are not exceptions to standard English, though.

To accept means to agree, assent, take on, or willingly cooperate. Except pertains to exclusions, omissions, or rejections.

Examine this example of accept and except.

The university would have accepted the student’s application, except that he neglected to submit his paperwork before the deadline. He’d hoped to accept a hearty scholarship offer, but the school offered no exceptions.

Exactly!

The English language abounds with exceptions. Nearly every rule of grammar or spelling may be transgressed legitimately by certain examples.

Except and accept are not exceptions.

To accept means to agree, assent, take on, or willingly cooperate. Except pertains to exclusions, omissions, or rejections.

Examine this example of accept and except.

The university would have accepted the student’s application, except that he neglected to submit his paperwork before the deadline. He’d hoped to accept a hearty scholarship offer, but the school offered no exceptions.

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Misused word pair

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 Abused and misused word graphics

adapted from public domain artwork

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Exactly!