Don't Get Your Rights Wrong

By Colleen Walsh Fong

Right!

Or is it write? Or rite? Well, that depends upon how you’re using the word. Take my recent experiences for example.

“What’s your book called?” I’ve been asked this question a lot this past week since my new book got published. (I know. I’m flinging shameless plugs about everywhere.)

“Write to Grow” I answer. Some of the follow-up questions have been interesting.

“Is it about the right to grow medicinal marijuana?” one guy asked.

I said, “No, it’s write with a “w.” But if you read it and pick up a few tips you could WRITE a compelling letter to your congressperson to say how you feel about it.”

“You mean there’s a rite to help you grow?” asked a young woman holding her toddler’s hand.

“No, it’s WRITE with a “w,” I said, “but you can get some tips on helping develop intellectual growth from my book.”

An enlightened “Oh!” as in “Oh, I get it,” followed my explanations. And I sold 2 books.

But the process reminded me of how crazy the English language is. And at the risk of becoming the Homonym Lady, (way better than the Hymn Lady, as my Autocorrect tried to make me--catching that mistake is a true blessing to anyone who has heard me sing,) I can’t help offering a short guide to the 3 forms of the word in question.

Which Rite is the Right One To Write?

Write is a verb. It means to record something on paper or electronically. Word of warning: if you’re writing electronically be vigilant in checking your autocorrect and don’t expect Spellcheck to catch misused homonyms.

Right as an adjective means either an affirmation that you are correct or a direction opposite of left.

As a noun it means a legal guarantee or entitlement such as the right to free speech.

Rite is a noun, as in:

· A ritual such as a morning coffee break;

· A religious sect such as Scottish Rite;

· A ceremonial act such as the rite of baptism;

· A clever pharmacy name such as Rite Aid.

Most of us know the difference when we see it in writing. But hearing the word may call for some clarification. I’ve learned my lesson.

Now when I’m asked “What’s your book called?” I answer “Write to Grow-- the W-R-I-T-E--kind.”

Colleen produces custom copywriting and content for branding businesses of all sizes.