Due to its diverse influences, the English language is full of seemingly illogical constructions and rules. However, correct usage of language should be an editor’s forte and attempting to understand some of these rules helps in correct application of these rules, and consequently, error-free editing.
A well-known idiom says that great minds think alike. It’s what we say when two people think of the same great idea at the same time. Note the usages of the words “alike” and “same”—they are similar but not the same. Let’s look at some other words that are commonly confused.