One Word or Two Words?

It's easy to get confused by compounds that look similar but mean very different things. A good example of this is the common mistake of using the compound word "nevermind" in writing when when we really mean "never mind."

Nevermind is an old-fashioned noun meaning attention or notice. It is used in the negative sense, in weird and grandparent-sounding sentences like: Pay no nevermind to his odd behavior.

If you want to tell somebody to disregard or ignore something, the correct version to use is the two-word "never mind."

By learning the correct use of certain compound words and phrases, you'll improve your grammar and write more impressive papers. That means you'll improve your essay scores, too!