When I worked for a newspaper, the staff met each week to discuss all the mistakes that slipped past our editors’ notice. Alert and well-rested, we were always amazed at how many glaring errors reared their ugly heads in the light of day. Just the night before, our words had looked so perfect. The staff at The New York Times has a similar meeting, and some of their conversations end up in the column After Deadline. Last week, they discussed the errors spell-check can’t find, like using “forego” (to go before) instead of “forgo” (to give up). 

Accept or except? Altogether or altogether? Just for fun, you can test yourself on frequently confused words at the Gaylord College of Journalism.