Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse writers. I have found the following to be among them:
EEK / EKE
The word eek is an exclamation used to show surprise or horror. The verb eke, usually followed by the adverb out, means to make, accomplish, or extend with difficulty or just barely as in eke out a living or eke out a victory.
INCORRECT: Eke! I just saw a mouse! How am I supposed to eek out a living in this rodent-infested environment?
CORRECT: Eek! I just saw a mouse! How am I supposed to eke out a living in this rodent-infested environment?
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