Word Choice and Vocabulary Flashcards
6 cards from real Writing and Editing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Word Choice and Vocabulary flashcards as text
Which sentence uses 'assure,' 'ensure,' and 'insure' correctly?
Answer: Please ensure the accuracy of the figures before submission.
'Ensure' means to make certain something happens; 'assure' is to reassure a person; 'insure' relates to financial insurance.
What is a 'portmanteau' word?
Answer: A word formed by blending parts of two different words
A portmanteau combines the sounds and meanings of two words (e.g., 'brunch' from 'breakfast' + 'lunch').
Which sentence correctly uses 'principal' vs. 'principle'?
Answer: The principal editor reviewed the manuscript.
'Principal' means main/primary (or a school administrator); 'principle' refers to a rule or standard.
What does 'circumlocution' mean in writing?
Answer: The use of many words to express an idea that could be stated more concisely
Circumlocution is the use of roundabout or unnecessarily wordy expressions instead of direct language.
Which sentence uses 'who' vs. 'whom' correctly?
Answer: Whom should I contact about the submission?
'Whom' is correct when the pronoun functions as the object of a preposition or verb (replace with 'him/her').
What is a 'cognate' in the context of vocabulary?
Answer: A word in one language that shares the same origin and similar meaning as a word in another language
Cognates are words in different languages that share a common etymological origin, such as 'night' (English) and 'Nacht' (German).