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Editorial Policy & Sources

Editorial Policy & Sources

CorrectOrNot exists for one reason: to answer language questions with clarity and evidence. We don’t publish “sounds right” advice. We publish writing guidance that is practical, well-researched, and easy to apply.

Some topics are simple. One spelling is correct, the other is a mistake. But some topics are messy: regional variants, evolving usage, informal vs formal tone, style-guide differences. When that happens, we don’t hide it. We explain it — clearly and honestly.

Bottom line: Our editorial standard is simple — be accurate, be clear, and be useful. If we can’t support something with reputable references or strong evidence, we don’t present it as fact.

1) What We Publish

We focus on content that helps readers make better writing decisions quickly. Most people don’t want a lecture. They want the right answer, a short explanation, and a few examples that feel real. That’s what we build.

  • Spelling comparisons (“X or Y — which is correct?”)
  • Common misspellings and why they happen
  • Confused words (sound-alikes, near-meanings, tricky pairs)
  • Usage guidance when context changes what’s best
  • Examples and quick tips you can apply immediately

We do not publish content designed only to rank. We want pages that are worth reading even if nobody ever linked to them. That’s the standard.

2) How We Research & Verify

Every article follows a consistent verification flow. The exact depth depends on the topic. For a common misspelling, the process is quick. For a nuanced usage question, it can involve multiple references and careful comparisons.

  1. Dictionaries first — spelling, definition, variants, labels like “nonstandard” or “rare.”
  2. Usage authorities next — clarity on contested or confusing cases.
  3. Style guides when needed — especially for professional and academic conventions.
  4. Usage data — to understand patterns across regions and time.
  5. Edit for clarity — then re-check key claims before publishing.

We avoid exaggerated certainty. If a question has two accepted forms, we don’t force a false “winner.” We explain what’s standard, what’s acceptable, and what’s best for most contexts.

3) Sources We Trust (and Why)

Our preferred sources are authoritative, stable, and widely used by editors, teachers, and professional writers. The internet is full of “grammar advice.” Much of it is inconsistent or unsourced. We are selective on purpose.

  • Major dictionaries (Oxford, Merriam-Webster, Cambridge, Collins)
  • Style guides (Chicago Manual of Style, AP, APA, MLA)
  • Usage references (Garner, Fowler, similar trusted works)
  • Corpora and usage tools (COCA, BNC, Ngram) when frequency matters
  • Educational writing labs and established language institutions

For a structured list of the core references we rely on most often, you can review our sources page here: Sources / References.

4) Writing Style (Human, Practical, Not Pretentious)

We aim for content that reads naturally. We mix shorter sentences with longer ones. We use emphasis when it helps. We don’t do “academic fog.” People come here to understand, not to suffer.

  • Answer early — don’t bury the correct spelling.
  • Explain clearly — one core idea per paragraph.
  • Use examples — real-world examples beat abstract rules.
  • Call out pitfalls — the exact reason people misspell something.
  • Keep it scannable — headings and structure matter.

One internal test: If a reader still isn’t confident after reading the page, we rewrite it. If the answer is correct but the explanation is confusing, the page is not finished.

5) Corrections, Feedback & Updates

We welcome corrections. Honestly, we rely on them. Careful readers improve the site. And when we update an article, the improvement stays — for everyone.

If you want to report an error or suggest an improvement, use this page: Suggest a Correction / Submit a Name. Include the article link, explain what you think is wrong, and provide a reference if you have one. Short is fine. Detailed is even better.

6) Sponsored Content & Affiliate Relationships

We may show ads or use affiliate links. This helps fund the site. However, we do not change editorial outcomes to please advertisers. If a spelling is incorrect, we say it’s incorrect. If a word is misused, we say it’s misused. That’s non-negotiable.

If we ever publish sponsored content (rare), it will be clearly labeled. Transparency is the baseline, not a bonus.

7) Legal & Responsibility Notes

Our content is educational and informational. It is not legal advice, academic publishing advice, or a replacement for a professional editor. If you need that level of certainty, we recommend consulting the relevant style guide or an editorial expert. Our disclaimer explains this in plain language: Disclaimer.

8) Contact

If you have questions about our editorial standards, sources, or update process, email us at support@correctornot.com. We read every message. We may not respond instantly. But we do respond thoughtfully.

Email the Editorial Team