 |
 |
|
 |
| |
    
|
|
Which is correct: while away hours, or to wile away hours?
I was asked this
question recently and thought others may be puzzling
the same question. |
The Macquarie dictionary defines ‘while
away’ as to cause time to pass, especially in
some easy or pleasant manner, so ‘while away’ is
correct in this context.
‘Wile’ means to beguile,
lure or entice, so to ‘wile away’ could mean something
entirely different, but the actual answer is that
both are correct.
See these examples: while away,
to cause (time) to pass, especially in some easy
or pleasant manner (usually followed by away);
wile away, to spend or pass (time), especially
in a leisurely or pleasurable fashion.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
| |
| Examples
of common manuscript errors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Incorrect |
The young
man was effected by the alcohol and unable to affect a three-point turn. |
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Correct |
The young man was affected
by the alcohol and unable to effect a three-point
turn. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Incorrect |
There unlikely
to find they´re shoes over their . |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Correct |
They´re unlikely
to find their shoes over there . |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Incorrect |
I wander how long its been there. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Correct |
I wonder
how long it´s been there. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Incorrect |
There were
plenty of ships in the harbor to form the guard of
honor. (correct in US English) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Correct |
There were
plenty of ships in the harbour to form the guard of
honour . |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Incorrect |
At first
I didnt´ recognize him
and then I realized it was Annie's brother. (last
two correct in US English) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Correct |
At first I
didn´t recognise him and then I realised it was Annie's
brother. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Incorrect |
"I saw your
mother at the shops´ . She said. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Correct |
´I saw your mother at the shops,´ she said. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Incorrect |
‘What did you bring for the picnic? I bought sandwiches I made at home.' |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Correct |
‘What did
you bring for the picnic? I brought sandwiches I made
at home.' |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
For
more hints and tips, go to our blog: http://authorsally.wordpress.com/ |
 |
|
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
