As a frequent critiquer and avid reader, I often notice instances where a writer has mistakenly used a word that sounds like the one he needed. Whenever I recognize such an error, it takes me out of the story, which diminishes my joy in the reading experience. I suspect other readers experience similar reactions. Also, anything that takes a reader out of the story provides an opportunity to put the book down, a situation every writer would prefer to avoid.
Below, I discuss several examples of this phenomenon that I have observed:
Principle vs. Principal
Principle refers to a fundamental belief or proposition, a precept.
Principal means most important.
I have observed each of these used when the other was called for. One example is: “They sought to identify the principle cause of the problem.”
Discrete vs. Discreet (Or Discretely vs Discreetly)
Discrete means distinct or separate.
Discreet means showing good judgment in conduct or speech. It can also mean unobtrusive or unnoticeable.
The most common mistaken usage here is to say something like: “He made a discrete inquiry.” The writer usually intends to say that the inquiry was behind the scenes and not readily observed, but actually said it was a separate inquiry.
Jive vs Jibe
Jive refers to a lively style of dance popular in the 1940s and 1950s or to a type of talk common among black musicians
Jibe means to agree or be in accord.
Authors often say something like: “Those things just don’t jive.” I seriously doubt that they intended to say that they failed to dance, but rather that they don’t fit together.
Pour vs. Pore
Pour refers to causing something to flow in a stream, such as a liquid from a container.
Pore means to read or study intently.
I have seen writers say, “He poured over the contract.” If he did, he’d likely get the document wet.”
Peek vs. Peak vs. Pique
Peek is a verb meaning to look quickly or through a small space.
Peak is a noun that refers to reaching a maximum or the highest point.
Pique is most often used in the sense of arousing curiosity or catching interest.
The common error here is for the writer to use either peak or peek when someone actually piques another’s interest.
Peal vs Peel
Peal refers to a loud repeated or reverberating sound, such as a bell or thunder
Peel means to remove an outer covering
I have seen the words “a peel of thunder.” Of course, peal would have been correct.
Trooper vs. Trouper
Trooper refers to an enlisted cavalryman or a state police officer
Trouper can mean a member of a troupe, such as an actor, or a person who persists through hardship without complaint.
More often than not, I see: “She was a real trooper.” The origin of the term is in the idea, frequent among theater troupes, that the show must go on. Thus, trouper is the correct choice. However, trooper has been misused in this manner so often that some authorities consider it acceptable.
Eliminating errors in word usage will enhance your writing. Moreover, publishers who notice such errors may be less inclined to publish your work, and discriminating readers might give it less desirable reviews.
- Confusion Over Words That Sound Alike - May 1, 2026
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- The Zing of Strong Verbs - May 30, 2025