tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54741736490453036252024-02-19T04:44:01.221-08:00Common English Grammar MistakesThis blog is for those who want to improve their writing skills by improving their use of the English language.
DID YOU KNOW...Of the roughly 6,912 known languages and dialects spoken in the 191 countries of the world, only 2,287 have writing systems (the others are only spoken)Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-18378601231013143392012-07-15T07:33:00.003-07:002012-07-15T07:41:47.511-07:00Tip for using a Prefix meaning "Not"Here is an easy way to remember how to use<br />the prefixes: in-, il-, ir-, im-<br /><br />Another prefix meaning "not" or "the opposite of".<br /><br />However using a prefix often changes to match the <br />first letter of the base word. This sometimes<br />results in a double letter.<br /><br />So, if we want to say the opposite of legal we say<br />"illegal" instead of "inlegal".<br /><br /> The pattern is like this:<br />*Use il- before words starting with l. <br />So not legible = illegible.<br /> <br />*Use ir- before words starting with r. <br />So not relevant = irrelevant <br /><br />*Use im- before words starting with m but also in front <br />of words starting with p.<br /> <br />So: not mature = immature not perfect = imperfect.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-19378038733863530672011-04-30T10:22:00.000-07:002011-04-30T10:23:26.438-07:00How to get more readers to your blogNo one likes to read a blog or website that contains words they have never seen or understand. So it would be best to keep them plain and simple. Just because you know these "big" words doesn't mean everyone does. It's a true fact that the easy to read blogs have the most readers.<br /> <br />Here are some tips for keeping your writing user-friendly:<br /><br /> # Keep Sentences Short.<br /> # Use words your readers are likely to understand.<br /> # Use only as many words as you really need.<br /> # Prefer the active voice.<br /> # Write as if you were talking to one person.<br /> # Use the clearest, liveliest verb to express your thoughts.<br /> # Use Vertical Lists to make complex material understandable.<br /> # Try to avoid sexist usage.<br /> # Put accurate punctuation at the heart of your writing.<br /> # Avoid being enslaved by seven writing myths. It's okay to start a sentence with And or But<br /> # Plan Before You Write.<br /> # Organize your material in a simple way.<br /> # Consider different ways of setting out your information.<br /> # Use clear layout to present your plain words. Show some white space between paragraphs.<br /> # Remember to keep it simple so everyone can read and understand what you write.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-77824009403908197082010-03-16T09:09:00.001-07:002012-04-01T15:38:54.711-07:00Among or Between<span style="font-weight:bold;">among</span>:<span style="font-style:italic;">preposition</span>; <br />in, into, or through the midst of; in association or connection with; surrounded by: He was among friends. <br /><br />b<span style="font-weight:bold;">etween</span>:<span style="font-style:italic;">preposition</span>;<br /><br />in the space separating (two points, objects, etc.): between New York and Chicago.<br /><br />intermediate to, in time, quantity, or degree: between twelve and one o'clock; between 50 and 60 apples; between pink and red.<br /><br />linking; connecting: air service between cities.<br /><br />in portions for each of (two people): splitting the profits between them. <br /><br />The simplest rule of thumb is to use "among" if there are 3 or more people, places or things and to use "between" if there are only 2 people, places or things. For example, say "James and Jerry will split the check between them, but We will divided the grocery bill among all 3 of us.<br /><br />Determine whether the places,things or people are involved in a direct relationship. If there is one-to-one correspondence, use "between" even when there are more than two people, places or things being discussed. For example, "There was many disagreements between Mary, Mark and John."Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-24212917123607845952009-10-09T08:47:00.000-07:002009-10-09T09:03:34.115-07:00Beside and BesidesTake a close look at these words and notice that one has a "s" on the end which changes the meaning. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Beside:</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">preposition</span>, near, next to, at the side of<br /><br />I will stand beside you through good times or bad.<br />She stood beside the fence gate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Besides</span>: in addition to, apart from, except<br />It was the most popular book ever written, besides the Bible.<br />Everyone besides Anna wanted to go swimming.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-41690266860413659312009-10-01T10:43:00.000-07:002009-10-01T11:12:47.818-07:00pore and pourI recently read in a newspaper that "The police poured over the data of a crime looking for clues". We all know you can't pour over something, unless you are pouring a liquid over it. What they meant was pored which means to read or study. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pore</span>: <span style="font-style:italic;">intransitive verb</span>; : to gaze intently, to read or study attentively —usually used with over,<br /> to reflect or meditate steadily. <br /><br /> She will pore over the book to get ready for the test.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pour</span>: <span style="font-style:italic;">transitive verb</span>; to cause to flow in a stream, to dispense from a container <poured drinks for everyone><br /> to supply or produce freely or copiously <poured money into the project><br /> to give full expression to : vent <poured out his feelings><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">intransitive verb</span>; to move with a continuous flow , to rain hard, to move or come continuously, stream <complaints poured in><br /> to score easily or freely (as in basketball) —used with in <poured in 30 points><br /><br />The waiter will pour drinks for the guest while we serve the food.<br /><br />Did the rain pour down hard in your area?Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-29087138173209473522009-09-22T07:57:00.000-07:002009-09-22T08:12:29.589-07:00elicit and illicitElicit and Illicit may sound the same when spoken but they have different spelling and meaning. Be careful when writing these words.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">elicit: </span> <span style="font-style:italic;">verb</span>; to obtain, coax out, draw out, prompt<br /><br />I could not elicit a response from her.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">illicit: </span><span style="font-style:italic;">adjective</span>; unlawful, forbidden, illegal<br /><br />He is in jail for smuggling illicit drugs into the country.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-54349359080928151592009-09-11T12:36:00.000-07:002009-09-11T12:39:30.860-07:00Proved vs Proven“Proved" or "proven" is another one of those sets of words journalists, writers and speakers mix up constantly. While the use or should I say the misuse of these two words will not greatly affect the lives of most people, it's the responsibility of aspiring writers and professional writers, however, to know the difference.<br /><br />Understand that both "proved and proven" are noted by some dictionaries as past participles of "prove." <br />Professional writers take a more particular view of the use of these words. But you can use whichever word sounds and works the best for you, Just be sure to use "proven" for the adjectives. <br /><br />Example: "She used a proven method."<br /><br /><br />Know that "proved" is the current choice for the past participle of the verb "prove." <br />An example: The child has proved his strengths in numbers.<br /><br /><br />You may notice that journalist use "proven" as an adjective in journalism always. <br />"Proven" is not used as a past participle in journalism.<br /><br /><br />Apply the rules for predicate adjective in a linking verb construction as well by using "proven." Use "proven" as an adjective that modifies another word as in the following example: The child's ability to add has been proven. "Proven" modifies "ability;" it is not a part of the verb.<br /><br /><br />Be a careful writer when using "proved" and/or "proven" if you are a journalist where rules reign. But for most of us, we can use either word as a past participle if it applies. But remember to use "proven" as the adjective in all cases, just to be on the safe side.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-69022616750012989922009-09-08T06:54:00.000-07:002009-09-08T07:00:49.372-07:0013 rules to using ApostrophesApostrophes<br /> <br /><br />Rule 1. Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been removed.<br />Examples: don't, isn't<br />You're right.<br />She's a great teacher.<br /><br />Rule 2. Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the s to show singular possession.<br />Examples: one boy's hat<br />one woman's hat<br />one actress's hat<br />one child's hat<br />Ms. Chang's house<br />NOTE: Although names ending in s or an s sound are not required to have the second s added in possessive form, it is preferred.<br />Mr. Jones's golf clubs<br />Texas's weather<br />Ms. Straus's daughter<br />Jose Sanchez's artwork<br />Dr. Hastings's appointment (name is Hastings)<br />Mrs. Lees's books (name is Lees)<br /><br />Rule 3. Use the apostrophe where the noun that should follow is implied.<br /> Example: This was his father's, not his, jacket.<br /><br /><br />Rule 4. To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe.<br />Examples: two boys' hats<br />two women's hats<br />two actresses' hats<br />two children's hats<br />the Changs' house<br />the Joneses' golf clubs<br />the Strauses' daughter<br />the Sanchezes' artwork<br />the Hastingses' appointment<br />the Leeses' books<br /><br />Rule 5. Do not use an apostrophe for the plural of a name.<br />Examples: We visited the Sanchezes in Los Angeles.<br />The Changs have two cats and a dog.<br /><br />Rule 6. With a singular compound noun, show possession with 's at the end of the word.<br />Example: my mother-in-law's hat<br /><br />Rule 7. If the compound noun is plural, form the plural first and then<br />use the apostrophe.<br />Example: my two brothers-in-law's hats<br /><br />Rule 8. Use the apostrophe and s after the second name only if two people possess the same item.<br />Examples: Cesar and Maribel's home is constructed of redwood.<br />Cesar's and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed<br />next year.<br />Indicates separate ownership.<br />Cesar and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed next year.<br />Indicates joint ownership of more than one contract.<br /><br />Rule 9. Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose. They already show possession so they do not require an apostrophe.<br /> <br />Examples:This book is hers, not yours.<br />Incorrect: Sincerely your's.<br /><br />Rule 10. The only time an apostrophe is used for it's is when it is a contraction for it is or it has.<br />Examples: It's a nice day.<br />It's your right to refuse the invitation.<br />It's been great getting to know you.<br /><br />Rule 11. The plurals for capital letters and numbers used as nouns are not formed with apostrophes.<br /><br />Examples:She consulted with three M.D.s.<br />BUT<br />She went to three M.D.s' offices.<br />The apostrophe is needed here to show plural possessive.<br />She learned her ABCs.<br />the 1990s not the 1990's<br />the '90s or the mid-'70s not the '90's or the mid-'70's<br /><br />She learned her times tables for 6s and 7s.<br /> Exception: Use apostrophes with capital letters and numbers when the meaning would be unclear otherwise.<br /> Examples: Please dot your i's.<br /> You don't mean is.<br /> Ted couldn't distinguish between her 6's and 0's.<br /> You don't mean Os.<br /><br />Rule 12. Use the possessive case in front of a gerund (-ing word).<br />Examples: Alex's skating was a joy to behold.<br />This does not stop Joan's inspecting of our facilities<br />next Thursday.<br /><br />Rule 13. If the gerund has a pronoun in front of it, use the possessive form<br />of that pronoun.<br />Examples: I appreciate your inviting me to dinner.<br />I appreciated his working with me to resolve the conflict.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-63400321478404349652009-08-21T08:55:00.000-07:002009-08-21T09:44:50.806-07:00Misused and Misunderstood words...Have you ever heard or read something like "That was an incredible presentation"<br />or "She gave an incredible speech" or "It was an incredible performance." Most of us have heard the word <em>incredible</em> being used as a complimentary word, when in fact it is just the opposite. <br /><strong>Incredible</strong>: <em>adjective</em> <br />1. so extraordinary as to seem impossible: incredible speed. <br />2. not credible; hard to believe; unbelievable: <br /><br />I have noticed just recently the use of <strong>"Irregardless"</strong> on some blogs. Just like the word ain't it has NOT been accepted as a standard English word. <br /><strong>Irregardless:</strong> <em>adverb</em>; originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that “there is no such word.” There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. <strong>Use regardless instead.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Invariable: </strong> <em>adjective; </em> means it never varies. It stays the same...<br />This is another word people have been misusing to mean "almost always" <br />But if it never varies it can not be almost always the same. <br />If it can change it is <em>variable</em>.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-23405295714873517652009-08-19T11:40:00.000-07:002009-08-19T12:22:19.209-07:00disc and diskDisc and disk are homophones.<br />These two words <span style="font-weight:bold;">disc and disk</span> are hard to get right when writing about CDs, CD-ROMs, floppy and/or hard drives. Seems as if all would be the same but they aren't, so be careful when writing about them.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">disc</span>: <span style="font-style:italic;">Noun; </span>1. Sound recording consisting of a disc with continuous grooves; formerly used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracked in the grooves. Compact Disc <br />2. something with a round shape like a flat circular plate.<br />3. Cushions of the spine. <br /><br />When writing about CDs, CD-ROMs and the spine the preferred spelling is disc.<br /><br /> <br />When writing about floppy and/or the hard drive the preferred spelling is disk.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Disk</span>: <span style="font-style:italic;">noun</span>;<br />1.(Computer science) a memory device consisting of a flat disk covered with a magnetic coating on which information is stored. Floppy Disk<br />2.a flat circular plate.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-84445706618088761342009-07-31T08:14:00.000-07:002009-07-31T08:18:52.778-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fjDS3Cuox8O0SyjDJYrHOuGwn4jfPxf6W8q-bzXVIt_ylDZasN61fBaRa1n9iN3Zt2M3V7n8VcqIBZoA16q6ts-0s1RGRbfhcJYl3wPOoPVaR36TA33RJuCUzYrUCWscEfTlj2yJ7yID/s1600-h/Police+pun.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fjDS3Cuox8O0SyjDJYrHOuGwn4jfPxf6W8q-bzXVIt_ylDZasN61fBaRa1n9iN3Zt2M3V7n8VcqIBZoA16q6ts-0s1RGRbfhcJYl3wPOoPVaR36TA33RJuCUzYrUCWscEfTlj2yJ7yID/s320/Police+pun.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364643969838389954" /></a><br />Sometimes what we mean to say just doesn't come out right!<br />But it's always good for a laugh...Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-92051139773783851222009-07-26T10:16:00.000-07:002009-07-26T11:11:36.561-07:00Lend and LoanThe words lend and loan are 2 commonly misused words and for some reason they are popping up more and more on websites and blogs in incorrect usage.<br />You can't loan money, you have to lend it.<br /> <br /><strong>Lend</strong>: <em>verb</em>: to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned. <br />I will <em>lend </em>you the money for that item.<br /><br /><strong>Loan</strong>: <em>noun</em>: the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)<br />I will need to get a <em>loan</em> for the car.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-39263782960990465282009-07-20T16:36:00.000-07:002009-07-23T15:43:15.066-07:00Gaffe and Gaff<strong>Gaffe:</strong> <em>noun</em> <br /><br />1. a social or diplomatic blunder <br />2. a noticeable mistake <br /><br />Obama made a gaffe in his speach.<br /><br /><strong>Gaff:</strong> <em>verb</em><br /><br />A gaff is what a fisherman uses to spear or lift a fish, what workers use to climb a telephone pole, or a spur affixed to a gamecocks leg.<br /><br />1. I tried to gaff the fish but it got away.<br />2. The rooster had large gaffs on its leg.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-86137863919168034452009-06-19T04:15:00.000-07:002009-06-19T04:51:20.918-07:00Weather or WhetherI was surprised to see just how many people got these 2 homophones mixed up when writing articles on their blog. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Weather</span>: <span style="font-style:italic;">noun</span> The short term state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including the temperature, humidity, cloud cover, precipitation, wind, etc. unpleasant or destructive atmospheric conditions, and its effects. <br /> *Homophones: wether(a castrated sheep.), whether<br /><br />The weather was warm and humid.<br /><br />The bad weather kept us from going fishing.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">whether </span> <span style="font-style:italic;">pronoun,</span> which one of the two, sometimes used in place of "if"<br /> * Homophones: weather <br /> * Homophones: wether <br /><br /> 1. Used to introduce an interrogative content clause (indirect question) that consists of multiple alternative possibilities, and indicate uncertainty between them; if.<br /><br /> He chose the correct answer, but whether by luck or by skill I don't know.<br /><br /> 2. Used to introduce a yes-or-no interrogative content clause (indirect question) that consists of a single possibility, and indicate uncertainty over it; if, whether or not.<br /><br /> Do you know whether he's coming?<br /><br /> 3. Used to introduce multiple alternative possibilities, and indicate the irrelevance of which is the case; regardless of whether, no matter whether.<br /><br /> He's coming, whether you like it or not.<br /><br /><br />"He's coming, whether you like it or not" is ungrammatical but is often used when speaking or writing.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-90135641941317031852009-06-03T07:15:00.000-07:002009-06-03T07:43:32.242-07:00heard and herdThese two words are Homophones and the word "herd" is also a Homonym because it has two meanings. <br /><br /><b>heard:</b> <span style="font-style:italic;">verb</span> perceive with the ear, listen to<br />I heard the doorbell when it rang.<br /><br /><b>herd:</b> <span style="font-style:italic;">noun</span> a number of animals, <br /><b>herd:</b> <span style="font-style:italic;">verb</span> keep together, move in a herd. <br /><br />We have a large herd of cows.<br />We will herd them through Texas.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-87043476813621760912009-05-07T07:12:00.000-07:002009-05-07T07:54:48.551-07:00New and KnewThese two words are Homophones. They sound the same when spoken but have different meanings. While visiting some blogs yesterday I noticed that "new" was being used when in fact "knew" was what should have been used. It could have been a typo and the author of the article didn't notice. Funny thing is spell check wont catch these typos because the word is spelled correctly. That's another reason you can't depend entirely on that program.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">New</span>:<span style="font-style:italic;">noun</span>; now, for the first time, in original condition, strange(being new to me)<br /><br />I wore a <span style="font-weight:bold;">new</span> dress to work today.<br />I found a <span style="font-weight:bold;">new</span> baseball card for my collection.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Knew:</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">verb;</span>(past tense of know) to be acquainted with, to know, identify, be subject to<br /><br />I <span style="font-weight:bold;">knew</span> it was the same man I saw yesterday.<br />I <span style="font-weight:bold;">knew</span> it was the wrong answer.<br />He <span style="font-weight:bold;">knew</span> it was the wrong color.<br /><br />I bought a <span style="font-weight:bold;">new</span> purse today and <span style="font-weight:bold;">knew</span> it wouldn't be big enough for everything I want to put in it.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-35538094402743383102009-05-05T10:45:00.000-07:002009-07-23T16:32:15.641-07:00What color are the words?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNh3X1B6XilsBnFT8WcCMU02WG-_YWCk9AjT_NINwKWwKQ_BcdSQe8ffNshWCphRqpnLi3ox5E7TzGA9npDCrRDvRZq6fFBD-VfDJyM_-zfzkwWmMtKQOWXx-2IS4mYZW3YDzuc_EZfRj/s1600-h/optical_illusion+words.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNh3X1B6XilsBnFT8WcCMU02WG-_YWCk9AjT_NINwKWwKQ_BcdSQe8ffNshWCphRqpnLi3ox5E7TzGA9npDCrRDvRZq6fFBD-VfDJyM_-zfzkwWmMtKQOWXx-2IS4mYZW3YDzuc_EZfRj/s320/optical_illusion+words.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361802052119982882" /></a><br />This is a mind teaser. See how fast you can say the color of the words, not what the word is!Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-72515832646833284432009-05-01T14:31:00.000-07:002009-05-06T06:38:44.721-07:00Now and KnowFor some reason I keep running across the word NOW used in place of know.<br />These words don't sound the same when spoken but when writing some people leave <br />the K off which changes the meaning of the sentence or makes it read funny. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Now</span> :<span style="font-style:italic;">noun</span>; at the present time, on this further ocassion<br />Please take the trash out now.<br />What do we do now?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">know</span> :<span style="font-style:italic;">verb</span>; have in the mind, something learned, be able to recall<br /><br />He didn't know her name.<br />Did he know a lot about fixing cars?<br />I know the answer to that question. <br /><br />I <span style="font-style:italic;">know</span> you will take the time to check your articles <span style="font-style:italic;">now</span>.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-40326825797663410602009-04-18T18:06:00.000-07:002009-04-18T18:18:40.691-07:00Role and RollThese homophones seem to be tripping up a few blog writers for some reason even though they sound alike they do have different meanings. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">role</span>: <span style="font-style:italic;">noun</span>; a character portrayed by an actor. "Ghandi" was Ben Kingsley's greatest role. "Hamlet" is a difficult role for most actors.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Roll</span> can be a <span style="font-style:italic;">verb</span> meaning to push something along the ground so that it rotates.<br /> Roll out the barrel. Roll up the carpet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Roll</span> can also be a <span style="font-style:italic;">noun</span> describing something that has been rolled up. Pass me that roll of carpet. Was it a sweet roll you baked today?Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-6345054406832001312009-03-21T17:28:00.000-07:002009-03-21T17:41:26.954-07:003 Most Common Mistakes made in English Punctuation3 Most Common Mistakes made in English Punctuation<br /><br />Punctuation marks that are not placed where they should be give a negative impression of the writer as much as bad grammar does. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Writing Sentence Fragments</span><br /><br /> Sentence fragments are not complete sentences but they can be made a part of sentences. You should avoid using them, as such. For example:<br /><br /> I would go there. If I could.<br /><br /> There should be no period before the sentence fragment “if I could”. Instead, the fragment should be made part of the sentence, so that it reads like this:<br /><br /> I would go there if I could.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Using the Comma Splice</span><br /><br /> The comma splice joins two independent clauses with a comma. Below is an example.<br /><br /> I saw the itinerary, I want to join.<br /><br /> In this sentence, a comma connects two independent clauses. To correct this, you can either put a period after the first independent clause or add a conjunction after the comma.<br /><br /> I saw the itinerary. I want to join.<br /> I saw the itinerary, and I want to join.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Putting Apostrophes for Plural Forms of Nouns</span><br /><br /> Another common mistake is adding apostrophes to plural nouns. Below are examples.<br /><br /> The orange’s are really sweet.<br /> The kid’s will be performing in a musical.<br /><br /> The apostrophes in these examples should be omitted.<br /><br /> Correct way: The oranges are really sweet.<br /> The kids will be performing in a musical. <br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-35565935102857060552008-12-19T16:01:00.000-08:002009-03-10T09:22:31.617-07:00Fewer and/or LessAgain while doing some proofreading I ran across these 2 words which seem to give people quiet a hard time in knowing their proper usage. So even though they are not homonyms nor homophones I thought they should be explained so writers would have a better understanding of the way in which to use them properly.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">fewer</span>:<span style="font-style:italic;"> /adjective/ </span> not as many as (applies only to numbers) <br /><br />Usage: In the supermarket, only people with 20 or <span style="font-weight:bold;">fewer</span> items should use the Express Lanes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">less</span>: <span style="font-style:italic;"> /adjective/ </span>,not as much as (applies to extent, degree, bulk),<br /> Usage: There is <span style="font-weight:bold;">less</span> chance of a mistake if you read the instructions.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-72823369735372176352008-07-25T10:35:00.000-07:002008-07-25T11:04:58.400-07:00"Would of " , "could of", "should of" ???Recently I have run across the use of " would of", "could of", "should of" used in a sentence, <br />when it should have been "would have", "could have", and/or "should have"<br />This seems to be a very common mistake made when speaking as well as when writing.<br />I "could of" been a better writer if I "would of" learned to use English grammar properly.<br />The right way would read...I "could HAVE" been a better writer if I "HAD" learned to use English <br />grammar properly.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-23193803483248427762008-06-06T13:12:00.000-07:002008-09-10T03:16:48.540-07:00Waste and WaistToday while reading post in forums and on some social sites I visit often I noticed <br />the word "waist" had been used in place of the word "waste" in the post. So I thought these two homophones should have a place on my blog so my readers could get a better understanding of these words.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Waist </span> <span style="font-style:italic;">/noun/</span>, a part of the human body below the <br />ribs and above the hips.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Waste </span> <span style="font-style:italic;">/verb/</span> anything of no purpose, fail to use, to wear gradually away, to use extravagantly. <br /><br /><br />The <span style="font-weight:bold;">waist</span> of the skirt was too tight.<br />The belt fit perfectly around the <span style="font-weight:bold;">waist.</span> <br /><br /><br />It was a <span style="font-weight:bold;">waste</span> of time reading that paper.<br />Don't <span style="font-weight:bold;">waste</span> your money on something you can't use.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-16431920469935644122008-05-11T18:11:00.000-07:002008-05-11T18:14:38.751-07:00Good or WellGood or Well?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">good</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">/adjective/</span> modifies nouns<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">well</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">/adverb/</span> modifies verbs, adjectives and other adverbs<br /><br />But there are exceptions to this rule. "Well" may be used when describing if something is proper, healthy or suitable. As in, "I am well today."<br /><br />When used in a sentence<br /><br />That is a good cake. (Good is modifying the noun, cake )<br />You sang the song very well. (Well is modifying the verb, sang.)<br />The lady is working well. (Well is modifying the verb,working .)<br />The car is in good shape. (Good is modifying the noun, car.)<br /><br />Exceptions<br />One exception is with the use of verbs of sensation like touch, feel, looks, hears, and smells. It would be proper to say, "The cake smells good." To say that the cake smells well would imply that the cake has a nose that can smell appropriately. So, to add more confusion, it is also correct to say, "I feel good today." Good refers to how you are physically and spiritually feeling.<br /><br />How are you feeling?<br /><br />I feel good.<br /><br />How are you?<br /><br />I am well, thank you.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5474173649045303625.post-43077642129777984212008-05-11T15:51:00.000-07:002008-05-11T16:12:39.630-07:00I or MeI or me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I </span> <span style="font-style:italic;">/pronoun/</span> used by a speaker or writer when referring to him or herself.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Me</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">/pronoun/</span> an objective case of I, also referring to oneself.<br /><br />Sometimes the pronoun I or me can be a little confusing.<br /><br />If we can get a little grammatical here, "I" should be used when it is the subject of the sentence, that is the person doing the verb. "Me" should be used for the object of the sentence either direct or indirect.<br /><br />A good test as to which one to use is to think which one would be used if the other person were not included in the sentence.<br /><br />These are the kinds of situations where there could be a problem deciding whether to use I or me.<br /><br />The situation was awful for Sherry and <span style="font-weight:bold;">me</span>. (...was awful for me.)<br /><br />John and <span style="font-weight:bold;">I</span> were out when the fire started. (I was out....)<br /><br />She asked if she could come out with Mom and <span style="font-weight:bold;">me</span>. (...come out with me.)<br /><br />Mom and <span style="font-weight:bold;">I</span> were happy to have her along. (I was happy...)<br /><br />She thought she'd seen Dad and <span style="font-weight:bold;">me</span> at the store. (...she'd seen me.)<br /><br />My best friend and <span style="font-weight:bold;">I </span>are going to the movies tonight. (I am going ...)<br /><br />Tip: Imagine that the other person or people are not included in the sentence. It should then be obvious whether to use I or me.Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497363114642006712noreply@blogger.com5