Safe vs Save: What's the Difference?

The words save and safe are often confused because they look similar. Do you know the difference?

Save means to prevent harm or difficulty when used as a verb.

Safe means not in danger; free from harm's reach when used as an adjective.

A good way to remember the difference is that save is a verb—a doing word.

Out of the two words, 'save' is the most common.

Is the correct phrase 'save your breath' or 'safe your breath'?

You should use 'save your breath'. These phrases are often confused because they look similar.

Is the correct expression 'save by the bell' or 'safe by the bell'?

You should use 'save by the bell'. These phrases are often confused because they are easy to mistype.

Which is correct 'better safe than sorry' or 'better save than sorry'?

The right phrase is 'better safe than sorry'. These phrases are often confused because they are easy to mistype.

Should it be 'safe and sound' or 'save and sound'?

The right expression is 'safe and sound'. These phrases are often confused because they have a similar spelling.

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20 Editing Tips From Professional Writers

Whether you are writing a novel, essay, article, or email, good writing is an essential part of communicating your ideas.

This guide contains the 20 most important writing tips and techniques from a wide range of professional writers.