Both words speak of the past, and they are often used interchangeably. However, these words have different meanings. Ago carries the mind from the present to the past. Since carries the mind from the past to the present.

Correct:

• It was almost 25 years ago that they were married.
• It is (or has been) almost 25 years since they got married.

Since vs. Because

Since is related to time. Because is related to cause.

Incorrect:

• Since the Dodgers are so far behind, we are leaving the game early.

Correct:

• Because the Dodgers are so far behind, we are leaving the game early.

Even Better:

• We are leaving the game early because the Dodgers are so far behind.

Compare to vs. Compare with

"Compare to" is used to liken two things or to put them in the same category.

• The economy can be compared to a stallion charging at the gate.

"Compare with" is used to place two things side by side for the purpose of examining their similarities or differences.

• The American economy can be compared with the European economy to note how military history impacts future economics.

Among vs. Between

Between is used correctly when there are two items involved. Among means in the midst of countable things. When the things are not countable, the correct word is "amid" or "amidst".

Incorrect:

• She is standing among the boys.
• Masked firemen groped among the wreckage hours later. Note that "wreckage" is not countable.

Correct:

• She is standing between the boys.
• Masked firemen groped amidst the wreckage hours later.

Note about Between

A single noun that follows "between" becomes plural. Consider the following: The product is currently between first and second releases.

Comprise

Comprise means to contain, embrace, or include. So, the whole comprises the parts — not the reverse.

Incorrect:

• Parts A, B, and C comprise the product.

Correct:

• The product comprises Parts A, B, and C.

Disinterested vs. Uninterested

Disinterested means one is neutral and has no personal interest in the outcome of a situation. Uninterested means one is lacking interest. The key to using these words correctly is asking "does the party have a selfish interest in the outcome, where or not he is interested?" If he does, "uninterested" is the correct word to use.

Correct:

• Up to now, the Sales team has been uninterested in the revenue figures because the Accounting group has been reworking the compensation packages.

In Order To

Generally this prepositional phrase can be eliminated. Consider the following sentences:

• She wants to go to college in order to become a teacher.
• She wants to go to college to become a teacher.

Quote vs. Quotation

Quote is a verb. Quotation is a noun. Nevertheless, it is now quite commonplace to use the word "quote" as both a noun and a verb.

Incorrect:

• The VP of Sales and Marketing gave a quote to the press . . .

Correct:

• The reporter quoted the VP of Sales and Marketing . . .