Published on
June 27, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
Beck and call is the correct spelling of the phrase that’s part of the expression “to be at someone’s beck and call,” which means “to be ready to follow someone’s commands.”
Beckon call is a common misspelling of the phrase and should be avoided.
Examples: Beck and call or beckon call in a sentence
Damien is at the beckon call of his mom.
Damien is at the beck and call of his mom.
You don’t have to be at my beckon call.
You don’t have to be at my beck and call.
The nounbeck is related to the verbbeckon, but they have different meanings and can’t be used as synonyms. Beck is typically only used as part of the expression beck and call.
Published on
June 27, 2024
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
“Bestest” is an adjective meaning “very best.” Although it’s technically a word, it is considered nonstandard and should therefore be avoided in professional and academic contexts.
However, it’s acceptable to use the word “bestest” in informal settings, such as when you want to affectionately emphasize that someone is your most cherished friend.
Example: Bestest in a sentenceLaura is my bestest friend in the whole wide world.
Published on
June 25, 2024
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
The correct phrase is all of a sudden, which means “quickly,” “unexpectedly,” or “at once” (e.g., “All of a sudden, the dog jumped all over me”). “All of the sudden” is an increasingly common error, although there is no grammatical rule that explains why “a sudden” is preferred over “the sudden.”
Examples: All of a sudden or all of the sudden in a sentence
And then all of a sudden, everyone jumped out and screamed, “Surprise!”
And then all of the sudden, everyone jumped out and screamed, “Surprise!”
Published on
June 25, 2024
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
“I could care less” is a variant of the expression “I couldn’t care less,” which means “I’m not concerned or interested in someone or something.”
Many argue that “I could care less” is grammatically and logically incorrect because the statement conveys that one does care a bit, but it’s possible to care even less.
Despite its literal meaning, “I could care less” has been in use for a long time, and most people would understand it to indicate a lack of interest in something.
Examples: I could care less in a sentenceI could care less about where we go; I just want to eat.
She said she could care less about how the game ended because she had fun either way.
I could care less about what the reviews say; I thought it was a great book.
Published on
June 24, 2024
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
The correct spelling is always separate, not seperate.
“Separate” is a word that can function as a verb or an adjective. As a verb, its primary definition is “to divide into different parts or groups.” When used as an adjective, it describes something that is distinct or a unit by itself.
Examples: Separate as a verb
Examples: Separate as an adjective
I need to separate the donations based on where they’re getting shipped to.
These toys must go into separate compartments.
Let’s separate the students by age group.
We will take separate cars to avoid being cramped.
We separated the room by placing a curtain down the middle.
We had to buy a separate piece of furniture to complete the look.
NoteSeparate can also function as a noun that refers to individual articles of clothing that can be worn in different combinations (e.g., “She packed separates for her trip to change up her look”). However, this usage is rare.
Published on
June 13, 2024
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
Accidently is a common misspelling of “accidentally,” which means “unintentionally.”
Although “accidently” has been used for centuries and can sometimes still be found in published works, it is recommended to use “accidentally,” as the former is now typically viewed as an error. The QuillBot grammar check tool can help you catch this and other errors.
Examples: Accidently vs accidentally in a sentencePreferred: I accidentally bought the wrong brand and now I have to make a return.
Less common: I accidently bought the wrong brand and now I have to make a return.
Published on
May 31, 2024
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
Each other is the correct spelling (e.g., “They love each other very much”). Eachother (with no space) is incorrect and should be avoided in your writing.
Examples: Eachother or each other in a sentence
My brother and I always buy each other souvenirs when we travel.
My brother and I always buy eachother souvenirs when we travel.
Published on
May 25, 2024
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
November 4, 2025
The correct spelling of vacuum includes one “c,” two “u’s,” and ends with an “m.” That means “vacume,” “vaccum,” and “vaccuum” are incorrect spellings. As a noun, “vacuum” refers to a space devoid of matter or a device used for cleaning. As a verb, it refers to the act of using this device.
Examples: Vacuum in a sentenceAs an aspiring astronaut, I’m fascinated by the vacuum of space.
I’m going to the store to buy a new vacuum cleaner.
My mom asked me to vacuum the house before the guests arrive.
