I saw this in an official communication from the number-two executive at the world’s largest telecommunications company.
Problem:
An apostrophe is missing.
Explanation:
The singular noun “world” requires a possessive apostrophe followed by an “s” to indicate the possession of the “best communications company” by the world. Another way to write this phrase is “Building the best communications company in the world …”.
Solution:
“Building the world’s best communications company …”
I saw this on a needle-disposal box in a medical clinic.
Problem:
The verb “assure” is incorrect for this sentence.
Explanation:
The verb “assure” essentially means to set the mind at rest. Use “assure” when you want to say that you are setting someone’s mind at rest. The verb “insure” essentially means to guarantee against risk. Use “insure” when you want to say that you are protecting people or property against risk. The verb “ensure” essentially means to make sure. Use “ensure” when you want to say that you are making certain that something will happen or that something is true.
Solution:
“Lift to ensure disposal.”
Misuse of these two words is rare, but they’re worth a second look.
Problem:
The prepositions “toward” and “to” are not synonyms.
Explanation:
The primary definition of the preposition “toward” is in the direction of. For example, flying toward Houston would be appropriate.
Aside:
You might wonder whether “toward” and “towards” mean the same thing. To most people, they do. The distinction is a dialectical one. “Toward” is more common in American English; “towards” is more common in British English.
Solution:
Use “toward” when you want to indicate in the direction of; use “to” otherwise.