Dear Editor,
The uncertainty that engulfed the country since the passage of the NCM has since been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and the post-election complications. Not surprisingly, in speaking about these uncertain times, many of us have aptly reached for the word “uncharted” in such word combinations as uncharted waters and uncharted territory. Unfortunately, on several occasions, we hear and read the word “unchartered” instead. This is a mistake, one that appeared twice in a single local newspaper edition a few days ago. While uncharted means unknown, unchartered means unauthorized or unregulated. In all the cases in question, unknown (uncharted) is what was meant. The similarity in spelling makes the error understandable, but it should not be hard to avoid. And, yes, we all make spelling mistakes.
Yours faithfully,
Sherwood Lowe
