How to write: avoid getting into a dilemma

Writing to a set style is not always easy. Every publication or outlet has its own style guide, many of them endless lists of words and spellings that make for laboured reading.

It is not always easy or practical to remember how every single word in your company's guide is spelled or in what context it should be used.

I remember there was a time in the newspaper I worked for that even the sub-editors, the supposed guardians of style, had become weary of ensuring we were right every time. It seemed we were changing every day. I once asked a colleague: "What is our style for 'fufill' [one 'l' or two]?" He sighed and replied: "Today ... it's two."

Despite this, I am a big fan of style guides because, when followed, it brings consistency to a publication and enhances its identity. Whether it is American or British style does not really matter (I use British, mostly). The main thing is that there must be consistency across all media platforms.

Today, I'm starting a series on style. This is not really about spellings or meanings, it is mostly about words that are often misused. I get riled when I see words, phrases or even suffixes used wrongly when journalists and copywriters, above all people, should know better.

Before I start, however, a word about bastardisation. This is the process in which a word is misused so often for so long that even the protectors of the language, whoever they may be, have resigned themselves to its new meaning.

An example is the word "awful". This word is derived from "awe". However, awful these days is something negative whereas it was originally a word that expressed admiration for something.

English is a living, breathing and evolving language and some of the words I highlight may already have been bastardised. But I don't care. I'm a traditionalist!

Anyway, the first word in the annoying list is ... dilemma.You see it all the time. For example: He faces a dilemma on whether he should go to Harvard or Yale. Many writers think that if a person has two choices or more, it is referred to as a dilemma. I've also read dilemma being written as synonymous with problems.

Actually, dilemma is when you have only TWO choices and both are UNDESIRABLE. So, if you have to choose between walking through a pit full of venomous snakes or a river full of hungry crocodiles, you are in a dilemma.

If you have a choice between a promotion in your job or more money with another offer, then this is not a dilemma because both paths are attractive.

Stay tuned for the next annoying writing habit. Your comments are welcome.