Commonly misused/misspelled words and phrases (Part 27)

To continue the series, here are some more words that writers often misuse:

Tact vs. tack vs. tactic

Wrong: I’m going to take a different tact on this problem.
Right: I’m going to take a different tack on this problem.
Right: I’m going to try a different tactic on this problem.

The phrase “taking a different tack” comes from nautical terminology. It means a course run obliquely against the wind in a zigzag fashion. So, taking a different tack means to try another approach. Tact, on the other hand, is a sense of what’s appropriate or a skill with delicate situations. A tactic is a plan or procedure to attain a goal. A person of tact, then, might try a different tack as a tactic for achieving victory.

Allude vs. refer

Wrong: She kept alluding to the particulars of the annual report.
Right: She kept referring to the particulars of the annual report.

You refer to something directly or allude to it indirectly.

More words next time.

Mark.