A typical error: Abhorrent vs. aberrant

Writing Prompt: Observe your thoughts Editing tip: Has it been done before?

A typical error: Abhorrent vs. aberrant

The number of writers who confuse these two adjectives is frightening.

Abhorrent is something that is horrifying, that would cause you to at least jump back because you’re startled. To wit, She found the dead cockroach floating in her soup absolutely abhorrent.

Aberrant, however, is something that is a little weird. For example, The culmination of her aberrant behavior came with the wearing of a long, trailing wedding dress to the funeral.

Now that you know the difference between these two words, readers of your books never should have to shudder or recoil in horror over their misuse.

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