It can be so easy to misuse words when writing. Sometimes the wrong words are used because authors do not know the difference between two similar words. Other times they do know the difference between similar words, but mistakenly type a wrong, unintended, word. Sometimes such mistakes are noticed, but it can be hard for authors to spot such mistakes in their own writing. When you are working closely with a document, it can be very hard to step back and objectively identify mistakes. However, choosing the right words for your writing is very important. It can make all the difference between a reader understanding what you are saying, and them completely missing your message. In this blog I will address a common word choice error: the misuse of desert and dessert.
As a noun, desert refers to ‘a dry, sandy area’. For example, we may speak about the Sahara Desert. As a verb, desert means ‘to abandon’. We might talk about homes being deserted.
In contrast, dessert refers to a sweet dish served at the end of a meal (Note: this word is primarily used in American and Australian English. In British English, a sweet dish served at the end of a meal is often referred to as ‘pudding’. In America ‘pudding’ is a specific type of custard-like dessert.)
Even if you have a good understanding of desert and dessert, it is important to check your writing carefully to make sure you have not misused these words by accident. Their similar spelling makes it easy to mix them up.
If you are still not sure whether you have chosen the correct words for your writing, it is a good idea to submit your work to Proofread My Essay. Our professional proofreaders can help with word choice, spelling, grammar, punctuation, referencing, and formatting. Get a free sample today, and see how we can help you improve your writing
As a noun, desert refers to ‘a dry, sandy area’. For example, we may speak about the Sahara Desert. As a verb, desert means ‘to abandon’. We might talk about homes being deserted.
In contrast, dessert refers to a sweet dish served at the end of a meal (Note: this word is primarily used in American and Australian English. In British English, a sweet dish served at the end of a meal is often referred to as ‘pudding’. In America ‘pudding’ is a specific type of custard-like dessert.)
Even if you have a good understanding of desert and dessert, it is important to check your writing carefully to make sure you have not misused these words by accident. Their similar spelling makes it easy to mix them up.
If you are still not sure whether you have chosen the correct words for your writing, it is a good idea to submit your work to Proofread My Essay. Our professional proofreaders can help with word choice, spelling, grammar, punctuation, referencing, and formatting. Get a free sample today, and see how we can help you improve your writing