Usage Tip: disperse vs. disburse

This one actually caught me by surprise--I came across it in a white paper I was reading and almost didn't catch it!

Disperse means to spread out or distribute. Dispersal refers to the process of distributing or spreading out.

Disburse means to pay for something out of an account. A disbursement is a payment from an account, and disbursal is the act of paying from an account.

Incorrect:

• I need to call my IRA company to arrange for a dispersement from my account.  
• I am responsible for dispersing funds from our organization's accounts.
• We need to disburse the experts among the different teams.
• Plants use a wide variety of methods for seed disbursal.

Correct:

• There is a place on your tax form to record any disbursements from your retirement funds.
• As soon as I have approval from the head accountant I can disburse the funds.
• The internet has allowed the widespread dispersal of ideas across the world.
•  Once we get to the park, you can all disperse and explore wherever you want.
  

Usage tip: Insight vs. incite

Here's another one I've seen popping up in workplace messages recently.

Incite is a verb. It means to encourage, prompt, or instigate, especially violent or chaotic events. 

Insight is a noun. It refers to knowledge, understanding, or intuition, especially that achieved through personal experience or involvement with a group or concept.

Incorrect:

• I am writing an article about [group], and I wanted to get your incite since I know you have worked closely with them before.
• Can you provide any incite into this issue?
• He didn't intend to insight violence with his words.

Correct:

• Freedom of speech generally does not apply to speech that incites violence. 
• When people are stressed and desperate, it doesn't take much to incite a riot.
• I've lived in New England most of my life, so I can provide some insight into the regional culture.
• Many people respect spiritual leaders when they can provide deep insight into the human condition.