Tips from the Proofreading Department 5/1/09

1. Professional Development Tips
May 1, 2009
Soundalikes
allusion = a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either
directly or by implication
elusion = the act or an instance of eluding or escaping; evasion
illusion = something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of
reality
elicit = to draw or bring out or forth; educe; evoke
illicit = not legally permitted or authorized; unlicensed; unlawful
courtesy = excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior
curtesy = the life tenure that by common law is held by a man over the property of his
deceased wife if children with rights of inheritance were born during the marriage
curtsy = a respectful bow made by women and girls, consisting of bending the knees
and lowering the body
The following are not soundalikes in the true sense of the term, but their usage can be
confused:
accelerate = 1. to reduce the time required for (a course of study) by intensifying the work,
eliminating detail, etc. 2. to move or go faster; increase in speed
excel = to surpass others or be superior in some respect or area; do extremely well

2. Here are the four sets of words used in a sentence to differentiate between the
meanings:
There is an allusion to Cleopatra in the Bible.
We admired his elusion of the boring meeting by hiding in the mens' room.
They have the mistaken illusion that I'm very wealthy.
Yelling and screaming at someone does not elicit positive reinforcement.
Ernie was caught for selling illicit drugs to minors.
It is common courtesy to say please and thank you.
The legal term curtesy refers to a man’s portion of an estate he is entitled to upon his spouse’s
death, on the other hand, dower refers to the portion that the surviving wife is entitled.
The director reminded the little girls to curtsy at the end of the school play.
My friend is in the accelerated class; therefore, she will complete her degree in less time.
Joey has always excelled in mathematics.
Definitions on the first page are taken from www.dictionary.com.
Prepared by: Melissa Hebrank
Supervisor of Proofreading
Veritext Corporate Office