41|Spelling
For a list of commonly confused homonyms, see 26 and section D in the Quick Editing Guide.
English spelling so often defies the rules that many writers wonder if, indeed, there are rules. How, then, are you to cope? You can proofread carefully and use your spell checker. You can refer to lists of commonly misspelled words and of homonyms, words that sound the same, or almost the same, but are spelled differently.
You can also use several tactics to teach yourself to be a better speller.
Use mnemonics. To make spellings stick in your memory, invent associations. Using such mnemonic devices (tricks to aid memory) may help you. Weird behaves weirdly. Rise again, Britain! Separate has a rate. Why isn’t mathematics like athletics? You write a letter on stationery. Any silly phrase or sentence will do, as long as it helps.
Keep a record of words you misspell. Buy a notebook for listing words that trip you up. Each time you proofread a paper or receive one back from your instructor, add words you’ve misspelled. Then practice pronouncing, writing, and spelling them out loud until they stick.
Check any questionable spelling by referring to your dictionary. Check words as you find them and double-check them as you proofread and edit. If you originally learned British English, a good dictionary will distinguish American and British spellings (color, colour; terrorize, terrorise).
Learn commonly misspelled words. If you’re likely to confuse words that sound alike, turn to the list of Commonly Confused Homonyms and the Glossary of Troublemakers in the Quick Editing Guide. Spell every troublesome word out loud; write it ten times. Spend a few minutes each day going over them. Do the same with any common problem words that your spell checker routinely catches, such as nucular for nuclear or exercize for exercise. Your spelling will improve rapidly.