SProchnow Proofreader

06/01/2026

08/18/2025

AP's take on how to format K-9 when referring to police dogs.

Honey bee researchers at Michigan State University are enlisting a four-legged ally to sniff out a danger to the prized pollinators. (AP video: Mike Householder)

07/20/2025

Defuse of diffuse? Which should you use?

Well, do you mean “remove the fuse from or make less harmful, potent, or tense”? Use defuse.

Do you mean “cause to spread freely, extend, or scatter”? Use “diffuse.”

DEFUSE a tense situation with an apology. DEFUSE a bomb.

DIFFUSE essential oil to feel less tense.
DIFFUSE ideas across social media platforms.

Court reporters, need help zeroing in on commonly confused words or other easy-to-miss errors in your transcripts? DM me to see how I can help you turn in clear, polished, professional transcripts.

confused words

01/23/2025

In case you were wondering:

Trump’s order only carries authority within the United States. Mexico, as well as other countries and international bodies, do not have to recognize the name change.

08/26/2024

A little Monday morning inspiration from one of my favorite world leaders during the pandemic.

Who else misses Jacinda Arden?

08/04/2024

Is it "diffuse the situation" or "defuse the situation" 🤔?

Here's how I remember: A tense situation can be a little like a 💣 with a lit fuse, ready to explode, so you need to "de-fuse" that bomb.

"He was trying to defuse the situation and threw the gun away."

06/02/2024

Why, oh why, oh why?

They learned it step-by-step.
BUT
They learned it side by side.

Hyphens 🤷‍♀️.

04/04/2024

I have to admit I was stumped 🤔 yesterday when asked how to make the 🍓company name Driscoll’s possessive.
Love ❤️ ❤️ that the answer is “Do nothing”!

03/03/2024

Wait -- what? "Waitlist" is one word?

If it's a noun, it is. I have to admit I had no idea until I just looked it up this morning 😅.

AP Style tip: It's waitlist, one word, as a noun but wait-list, with a hyphen, as a verb.