Every week I will demonstrate an example of poor English where a different word is used from the one intended. Sometimes this creates a grammatically incorrect sentence. Unfortunately, the mistake is usually so pervasive that we all do it and such errors are usually made by those who should know better – journalists working for national or global media outlets such as newspapers and television

Peaked / Piqued / Peeked

This is one that I’ve seen in a few self-published books over the last year (usually confusing peaked with piqued, rarely is peeked confused). I’m surprised that so many don’t know the difference – or perhaps it is a typo that is easily overlooked? What do you think?

Peaked: To reach the pinnacle (of a mountain or a career). Rebecca Adlington would say that she had a successful London 2012 but others suggest she peaked in 2008

Piqued: To have your attention / interest drawn to something. My interest in the sport section of the news piqued last night when I heard that Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by Olympiakos

Peeked: To have a look at something. The wrapping on the Christmas present was slightly torn so of course the child peeked

I found another website with a useful pointer on how to remember the difference:

• You have to reach to gain the peak.
• If you’re piqued about something, there’s usually a question in your mind about it.
• If you peer at something, you are peeking.

I found that here