More Details of the Craft

One of my favorite things to look up are "versus" concepts. I told you about further versus farther the other day. I've come across a few more worth sharing.

As if versus As though. The best answer I've found says as if refers to a more hypothetical situation where as though is more plausible.

Along those same lines, we have were versus was. Were refers to the hypothetical while was refers to the more plausible. And it has such a pretty name...subjunctive verb. Sounds like a stifled sneeze.

Purposely versus purposefully has also tripped me up. Purposely means on purpose or intentionally. Purposefully means with determination. It's such a slight nuance, they are often used interchangeably. But I like knowing the difference.

These little details are intriguing, no? It's all about refinement. So go forth, and refine! And if you have any other little tips you'd like to share, leave a comment!