How To Become Published – Grammar Exercises, etc.
Grammar Grabbers
Imagine you are a literary agent or an editor at a publishing company. Upon returning from one of those famous New York three-hour lunches at a fancy restaurant, you sit behind a desk and stare at the three-foot-tall stack of query letters and book proposals your assistant has delivered. Before she did so, any manuscripts received from unpublished authors or poets have been thrown in the trash bin since you do not have time to read a four-hundred-page novel or a fifty-page collection of poetry.
Armed with a full tummy of sushi and hot sake, you begin to scan the query letters and book proposals. You are impressed that these aspiring authors and poets have done their homework by checking the guidelines presented in Book Report; Poetry Report; The Guide to Literary Agents; Writer’s Market; Poet’s Market; Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market, and other credible self-help books that are a writer’s best friends.
Selecting one book proposal with the title, The Day the Earth Moved, you begin to read the accompanying query letter. Per your guidelines and industry standards, it is one page in length, single-spaced. Immediately, the first line grabs your attention since it presents a “what-if” scenario. Your emotions stir as you think, “Hey, maybe this is just the novel I have been looking for,” but then your face reddens as you notice several glaring grammatical errors. First, the author has used “there” where it should be “their,” and next “I” where it should be “me.”
Pressed for time, your glee in discovering a good “what-if” scenario dissipates, and you toss the query letter and proposal into the bin marked “Return to Sender.” This writers’ graveyard is the dead end for aspiring authors or poets since they have not been judged on the merit of the book idea, but disqualified because of grammatical errors.
To ensure query letters and book proposals will be considered on their merits, make certain the text is error-free. To aid your effort, listed below are fifty quick tips designed to provide a working knowledge of proper grammar usage. Presented in a question-and-answer format, they are designed to aid your efforts in submitting a mistake-free book idea to interested agents and publishers. You have thus optimized your opportunity to become published – the ultimate goal of any aspiring writer.
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1. Stephen King said, “The adverb is not your friend.” What did he mean?
King and many other writing experts believe that if you have to use an adverb to assist the meaning of the verb, use another verb. Before submitting text, whether it is a query letter, a book proposal, or any manuscript, consider adverb surgery. Eliminate as many as possible. This impresses readers since it says to them that you understand good word usage and don’t need a crutch to lean on.
Examples:
The cat raced quickly to avoid the oncoming dump truck. (no)
The cat raced to avoid the oncoming dump truck. (yes)
Alex thoroughly searched for the missing paper clips. (no)
Alex searched two hours for the missing paper clips. (yes)
Polly was really excited to receive the award. (no)
Notes:
2. Does Stephen King hate adjectives as well? Don’t adjectives add flavor?
Once in a while, yes; every other word, no. Nouns are precious commodities. They are the foundation for sentences and should be explosive. As pillars of text, they must stand alone without the need for a fancy friend whose purpose is to tell you how great the noun is. Instead, search for nouns that leap off the page into readers’ brains. Inspect your writing to discover if you present the best ones possible. Don’t forget that when a query letter, a book proposal, a manuscript, or a collection of poetry is being read, it is tantamount to your having a conversation with the reader, but you are not there. To ensure your writing is visual, uncover the best noun available and you will clip unnecessary adjectives from the text.
Examples:
The flashy, self-absorbed, spent-looking woman entered the seedy
brothel. (no)
The loquacious madam sauntered into the brothel. (yes)
Wilbur attended the race with his perky, fun-loving, cheerful
sister. (no)
Wilbur attended the race with his gregarious sister. (yes)
Notes:
3. What is wrong with using clichés?
Those who live by the cliché die by the cliché. This “hybrid cliché” suggests that those writers who rely on overused phrases signal their inability to create fresh words to provide description. Whether it is a query letter or book proposal outlining non-fiction, fiction or verses of poetry, a collection of short stories, an essay, or a novel or non-fiction manuscript, don’t fall into the “cliché trap.” Show (don’t tell) readers you possess a vivid imagination and are a professional who takes the time to find the best words to trigger emotion, information, or inspiration.
Examples:
Charles rolled with the punches when Stan berated his
behavior. (no)
He was the cat’s meow when he hit the dance floor. (no)
Sally was concerned about Dan when he talked of his pie-in-
the-sky dreams. (no)
Dan likened Alice’s eyes to the color of sycamore leaves. (yes)
Carl decided Rex was meaner than a dog whose tail had been stepped on. (yes)
Notes:
4. I love using metaphors and similes. What’s wrong with them?
Metaphor, like simile, can be the author’s or poet’s friend, as long as it is not too close a friend. Use of multiple metaphors to compare two seemingly different concepts overwhelms readers, leaving them to wonder why the author or poet leans on this lazy crutch when fresh words are available. To impress literary agents and publishers, writers must be unique and present a creative style and use of the language that sets them apart from the multitude of writers submitting material for publishing consideration.
Examples:
Sally ran like the wind to win the race. (no)
Sally sprinted to the lead and never looked back. (yes)
John kept his mouth shut knowing silence is the most powerful
message. (yes)
Notes:
Similes can describe two potentially abstract ideas as well. They can be located by watching for words such as “like” and “as.” Be careful not to overuse them.
Examples:
The man in the hat decided he would run like there was no tomorrow. (no)
Peter grabbed the pole like it was his best friend. (yes)
She was as eager as a coon dog on a chase. (yes)
Trip swam like a porpoise in heat. (yes)
Notes:
5. Is there a general rule for the use of “a” and “an”?
Use “a” before consonant sounds and “an” before vowel sounds. To test your use, say the sentence out loud. Many times you can “feel” what is proper from the tone of the words being spoken.
Examples:
Donna ate a apple a day. (no)
Polly was an only child. (yes)
An orange a day will keep doctor bills to a minimum. (yes)
Prince is an exciting artist and a lover of many varieties of music. (yes)
Notes:
6. I like to use the word “that” as a descriptive word in my text. Am I being unprofessional?
Writers should conduct “that” searches to locate text locations where the word is not required. It is amazing how many can be eliminated without losing any sense of meaning. Be careful, though: non-use of the word where it is required can be as bad as using it too often.
Examples:
Robert thought that the orchestra was playing a bit flat. (no)
Robert thought the orchestra was playing a bit flat. (yes)
Rex chose to stay, a decision that provided him an opportunity to study art. (no)
Rex chose to stay, a decision providing him an opportunity to study art. (yes)
Notes:
7. When I have a character speak, do I need to use “he said,” or “she said,” all the time?
No, you do not, but be careful to be clear about who is speaking. Also – you do not need to use explanations in your verbiage such as “he said emphatically,” or “she told him excitedly.” Your words should do the talking. If they don’t, draft new words.
Examples:
“I’m concerned about Ted,” Alice said grumblingly. (no)
“Let’s go to the beach!” Wilbur shouted to everyone. (yes)
“Are you going to meet me in the morning?” Silowan asked. (yes)
Notes:
8. When do I use “important,” vs. “importantly”?
There appears to be no consensus of opinion regarding the correct usage. Using “important” may be preferable, but use of “importantly” won’t earn you a trip to the grammar doghouse.
Examples:
More importantly, he was an above average student at Duke. (yes)
More important, he was an above average student at Duke. (yes)
Notes:
9. Whether to use “all right” or “alright” is difficult to know. What is proper?
Actually, purists believe that the proper usage is “all right,” but modern times appear to favor the use of “alright.” Watch how the word is being used. This can be a deciding factor.
Examples:
Oprah said it was alright for me to kiss Fred. (yes)
My answers on the quiz were all right. (meaning answers were all correct)
My answers on the quiz were alright. (meaning answers were satisfactory)
Richard donned his jacket and said, “Alright, I’m ready to
go.” (yes)
Notes:
10.Deciding whether to use “sit” or “set” causes me to break out in hives. What is proper?
General rule: Sit is only used in the context of sitting down. Set is used in the context of positioning or placing something. Keep this rule in mind and you will never go wrong even though people will tell you there is a better rule.
Examples:
“Alex said to Sid, “Set down and talk to me.” (no)
Rover decided he had to sit on my lap and drool. (yes)
Oscar set the plates and saucers beside the table. (yes)
Sit down and take a break. (yes)
Notes:
11. Are “lie” and “lay” interchangeable?
Don’t spend much time trying to figure out which of these words, or their derivatives, is proper since you will end up in a mental institution. A common way of thinking about them is to say, “I use ‘lay’ when I am going to put something somewhere.” Otherwise you “lie” as in “I am going to lie down.”
Examples:
“Lie the Bible down on the table,” Pete said. (no)
“Lie down Abe,” Paul said, “or you will be tired for the rest of the day. (yes)
Lay the music by the piano and begin your singing lessons. (yes)
He laid the brick on the doorstep before returning to his car. (yes)
Sylvia was lying in the shade of an oak tree. (yes)
Notes:
12. Is it proper to write, “Can I cut the grass?”
Use “can” in the context of ability to do something while “may” is used in the context of requesting permission.
Examples:
“Can I have the roast beef sandwich?” Troy asked. (no)
George asked, “May I escort Olivia to the prom?” (yes)
He may go to the store, but we’ll wait to see if he can behave himself. (yes)
Notes:
13. I hear people say “among” and “amongst.” Which is correct?
Both forms are considered acceptable, but “among” is the better of the two since it is shorter and more informal. The same thing is true regarding “amid” and “amidst.”
Examples:
Don’t run amongst the bulls or you will get stomped. (no)
Jonah and Alice were among friends when they entered the pool hall. (yes)
The robbers decided to split the money among the four boys. (yes)
He was stronger amid the rest of the men. (yes)
Notes:
14. I get the use of “who,” who’s,” and “whose” mixed up. What is appropriate?
When deciding whether to use “who’s” or “whose,” read aloud the sentence you are contemplating. Since “who’s” is the contraction for “who is,” you will be able to tell if the two words fit with the meaning of the sentence or whether the use of “whose,” a pronoun, will be proper.
Examples:
Who’s baseball bat is this and why is it laying here? (no)
The real question he had was, “Who’s on first?” (yes)
Johnny was a lonely boy whose father had abandoned him. (yes)
Who’s going to the basketball game with Sally and Linda? (yes)
Notes:
15. When do I use “nor” and when is “or” appropriate?
“Neither/nor” is a tag team to watch for. “Nor” may be proper without “neither,” but seldom.
Examples:
Neither Abbott or Costello was in attendance. (no)
Neither Melvin nor Mark was tall. (yes)
Fred cannot speak nor can he hear. (yes)
The young boy was neither bright nor industrious. (yes)
She was not on time, nor was she willing to hurry. (yes)
Notes:
16. Use of “shall” and “will” confuses me. What is proper?
“Shall” is normally used with first-person writing and “will” with second- and third-person text.
Examples:
Sheila shall run across the yard. (no)
I shall overcome my tendencies to become angry. (yes)
Sylvia will leave the church and become a missionary. (yes)
The umpire will be leaving the game but I shall never forget his
ineptness. (yes)
Notes:
17. The words assure, insure, and ensure drive me batty. What is correct?
If you want to “make sure,” use ensure. Assure means you are attempting to tell someone everything will be okay. Stick with insure when you are dealing with insurance matters.
Examples:
He ensured his car for twenty-five thousand dollars. (no)
Colin assured the nation he would not run for president. (yes)
To ensure a stable future, Eric attended Harvard business
school. (yes)
I told him to insure the house for $100,000. (yes)
Notes:
18. “Convince” and “persuade” appear to be interchangeable. Are they?
No. If you are attempting to convince someone, it normally deals with the thought process. On the other hand, persuade involves action; attempting to cause someone to do something.
Examples:
Alexander tried to persuade Solomon he was a saint. (no)
Alexander attempted to convince Solomon he was a saint. (yes)
To persuade him to try out for the debate team, she read him the rules. (yes)
Persuade her to stay and I will bake a raspberry pie. (yes)
Notes:
19. How can I tell when it is proper to use “among” or “between”?
A good general rule is to use “among” when discussing more than two things or persons unless they are being considered individually.
Examples:
Between the brothers, he was the fastest. (no)
The shortstop position would be decided among four
players. (yes)
Why can’t you stop bickering among yourselves? (yes)
The debate was between Claude, Helga, and their professor. (yes)
Notes:
20. I’ve been criticized for my use of the word “they” when I’m describing action by a character. What is the problem?
Disagreement between nouns and pronouns – mixing singular and plural – is looked upon with disfavor. Be careful not to describe the work of an organization or other entity as “they” when “it” is proper.
Examples:
The Police Athletic League is a terrific organization and they help
officers. (no)
Each clown puts on their own makeup. (no)
Each clown puts on his or her own makeup. (yes)
A good writer watches his or her punctuation usage. (yes)
Authors and poets are talented and they deserve applause for their
efforts. (yes)
Notes:
21. I often have trouble deciding whether to use “which” or “that.” What is proper?
“Which” is used when adding information about an object already identified. Use of “that” narrows a category or identifies a subject being discussed. “Which” is often preceded by a comma, parentheses or a dash.
Examples:
The shoes which are in the closet are quite comfortable. (yes)
The shoes, which are in the closet, need polishing. (yes)
I heard a song that reminded me of my high school prom. (yes)
Notes:
22. Should I write in first person, second person, third person, or may I combine them?
Writing in first person means the narrator is participating in the action. Writing in second person is normally restricted to instructional books when the author speaks directly to readers. Writing in third person permits the narrator to observe the action. Any of these written communications is proper, but do not mix them without careful thought.
Examples:
(1st person) From behind the haystack, I watched the enemy soldiers.
(2nd person) When you decide to write, make sure you use proper grammar.
(3rd person) Frederick avoided the stare of the lovely woman and walked away.
Notes:
23. I’m confused about tenses. How do I decide what would be most interesting to the reader?
Text may be written in present, past or future tense. Present tense involves action taking place currently. Past tense deals with action that has already occurred. Future tense is action that will happen. The key is not to confuse readers by mixing them.
Examples:
Lenore called her on the telephone and she picks it up on the third ring. (no)
Lenore called her on the telephone and she picked it up on the third ring. (yes)
Frankie was an addict and his drug of choice is speed. (no)
Frankie was an addict and his choice of drug was speed. (yes)
I will call my mom because I was going to tell her a secret. (no)
I will call my mom and tell her a secret. (yes)
Notes:
24. Is it permissible to use “But” or “And” at the start of a sentence?
There is a difference of opinion regarding its use, but it is proper. Be careful not to overuse this word choice or to present a fragmented sentence.
Examples:
Pam ran to the store. But before the rain fell. (no – fragment)
Pam ran to the store, but before the rain fell. (yes)
Art practiced diving in the lap pool. But he left before the competition. (yes)
The truth was apparent to Tom. But recent developments left him
puzzled. (yes)
Johnny saw the cat. And then turned around when he heard a
hiss. (yes)
Notes:
25. When is it proper to use the word “etc.” to indicate more is intended?
“Etc.” means there are more examples or there is something more the subject said, but you are not going to provide that information. Avoid if possible, and instead use “including,” or ”such as.”
Examples:
Paul was left with many choices, etc. etc. etc. (no)
The rain was accompanied by lightning, thunder, hail, etc. (no)
Jim wondered if Arnie was angry, anxious, or just grouchy. (yes)
Pat packed many items such as raincoats, socks, boots, and
hats. (yes)
Notes:
26. Deciding when to use “further” and “farther” causes me severe headaches. What is the distinction?
When designating distance, use “farther.” “Further” is best used to denote quantities or abstract concepts or notions.
Examples:
James was further from the goal than Pistol Pete. (no)
Suspicious, Owen decided to look into the matter further. (yes)
Jupiter is farther from the earth than the moon. (yes)
The farther the golf ball traveled, the less it stayed in
bounds. (yes)
Notes:
27. Is it wrong to use “however” in my writing?
Words such as “however,” “nevertheless,” and “fortunately” are overused. I call these words “interrupt words” because writers often use them as filler.
Examples:
Johnnie ran to the cleaners, however, he was late. (no)
Johnnie ran to the cleaners. He was late. (yes)
Fortunately, Rex loved Debbie for her looks not her money. (no)
Rex loved Debbie for her looks and not her money. (yes)
Notes:
28. Is there such a word as “irregardless?”
No. The proper word is “regardless.”
Examples:
Irregardless of the weather, he paddled in the surf. (no)
Regardless of the outcome, the championship fight was a
success. (yes)
The teacher liked John regardless of his tendency to be late for class. (yes)
Notes:
29. “Is it proper to use “as per” in a sentence?
It is only proper if you don’t ever want to write anything professionally in your life. Always use “per.”
Examples:
As per your instructions, I will be leaving the fort at five
o’clock. (no)
Per your instructions, I will be leaving the fort at five
o’clock. (yes)
John decided to attend the soccer game per the note in his
locker. (yes)
Notes:
30. I’m a lover of the words “very” and “really.” Is it okay to use them for emphasis?
“Very” and “really” are unnecessary most of the time. Use strong, visual words and they can stand alone.
Examples:
Sal was very interested in becoming a professor at the
university. (no)
Sal was committed to becoming a professor at the university. (yes)
Steve was so interested in becoming tenured he made a pact
with the devil. (yes)
Notes:
31. How do I know whether to use “him” or “he?”
Reading the text out loud assists your choice. To test usage, try replacing “him” with “me,” and see if the sentence flows. For example, in the following sentence, “Paula danced with him and his brother,” replacing “him” with “me” fits. But “Paula danced with I and his brother sounds incorrect, so “he” is not the right choice. If the action is performed by the subject, use subjective pronouns I, he, she, or they. If the action is done to the subject, use objective pronouns, me, him/her, or them.
Examples:
Charlie left with he and Margaret for the movies. (no)
I wanted to know him better before we dated. (yes)
After all, it was he who called to see if I was feeling better. (yes)
If the choice is clear, Alex will be with him and not Rex. (yes)
Notes:
32. What about use of “her” or “she?”
Use the same rules as above. Speak the words and see what fits. Test your usage by leaving out one subject. The pronoun should stand alone. In the final example, if you left out “Marlene,” it would only sound correct to say “Tony asked her,” not “Tony asked she.”
Examples:
Bob took Sheila and she to the movies. (no)
Bob took Sheila and her to the movies. (yes)
I left she at the gate, and traveled the distance on foot. (no)
I left her at the gate, and traveled the distance on foot. (yes)
Tony asked her and Marlene for the truth. (yes)
Notes:
33. When to use “who” and “whom” is a tough decision. What are my options?
A good general rule to remember: Use “whom” when denoting the recipient and not the subject of the action. To test usage, replace “whom” with “him” and “he.” If “he” sounds better, use “who.” If “him” sounds better, use “whom.”
Examples:
To who am I am speaking? (no)
To whom am I speaking? (yes)
Fred, whom is calling me? (no)
Fred, who is calling me? (yes)
Lucy, who is the head cook, brought me a piece of cake. (yes)
Notes:
34. Use of “I” or “me” in a sentence is confusing. Is there a set standard?
Usually “I” denotes the one in action while “me” is the object of an action. If there are two subjects or objects of the action, test usage by
leaving out one subject to see what sounds right on its own.
Examples:
Claudia loves Sharon and I. (no) [Claudia loves me.]
Alfred and me attended the opera opening. (no) [I attended the opera…]
Abe called out to Sid and me. (yes)
[“Abe called out to I” sounds wrong. “Me” in the above sentence is correct.]
Notes:
35. Whether to use “one another” or “each other” drives me crazy. How can I decide what is correct?
Your sanity is saved. The term “each other” refers to two people while “one another” is used to denote three or more people. Enough said.
Examples:
The five boys and I said to each other, “should we go
fishing?” (no)
The three girls hung around one another like they were
sisters. (yes)
“We love each other,” John said to Arlene. (yes)
Why don’t you and Fred and the twins see one another
in September. (yes)
Notes:
36. Is bestseller one word or two? How about the same question for such words as work week, schoolyear, and website?
Internet spell-checks can be helpful, but the dictionary is a remarkable resource. If you can’t find a word in the dictionary, ask an editor or proofreader.
Examples:
The book was a bestseller on the New York Times list. (preferred)
He endured a sixty-hour workweek. (yes)
The school year lasted two hundred sixty days. (yes)
Dorothy worked online to prepare her thesis. (preferred)
Notes:
37. I like to use abbreviations in my text. Is this alright?
Our fast-food society has adopted coined terms to describe nearly every aspect of life. We thus say paper instead of newspaper, photo instead of photograph, and worse than worse, phone instead of telephone. While this is acceptable if you are using a colloquial voice, professional authors and poets using the formal voice do not accede to this lazy way of writing. Instead they use the proper word in their text. This is impressive to literary agents and publishers who value the written word.
Examples:
Improper: Proper:
TV Television
Ad Advertisement
Notes:
38. Does the above information apply to use of names like doctor, lieutenant, mister, and reverend?
Abbreviations are proper for certain designations like those stated above unless they are used before a name in direct quotations.
Examples:
Flashbulbs blinded Doctor Lind as he walked up the courthouse steps. (no)
Flashbulbs blinded Dr. Lind as he walked up the courthouse
steps. (yes)
Lt. Johnson carried himself well. (yes)
The lieutenant walked with a limp. (yes)
He loved the play, “Doctor Doolittle.” (yes)
Notes:
39. When do I use “who” or “that” when describing the actions of a character?
Use “who” when you are dealing with humans and “that” otherwise. This rule should pull you through.
Examples:
There was a story by a newspaper reporter that loved the
written word. (no)
There was a story by a newspaper reporter who loved the
written word. (yes)
The corporation executives who stole the money should be
in prison. (yes)
Notes:
40. I write sentence fragments. Is there an easy way to fix them?
I’m pleased you asked. To effectively turn dastardly fragments into complete sentences, writers should understand that there are two types of clauses combined to create different types of sentences. First, there is the independent clause, the subject and predicate structure that forms the backbone of sentences. They include a noun and a verb. The clause is “independent” since it can stand on its own. A dependent clause that does not contain the noun/verb pairing cannot stand alone.
Examples:
Because Claude had no money. (no).
Because he had no money, Claude left the store. (yes)
Peter brought them tissues, they were sneezing. (no)
Peter brought them tissues because they were sneezing. (yes)
Notes:
41. All of the sentences I write look the same. How can I vary the structure?
To vary the sentence structure, try using simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences. Each sentence utilizes different combinations of independent and dependent clauses.
Examples:
Simple: Antonio Banderas walked to the movie set.
Compound: Antonio Banderas drove to the movie and ran into a mailbox.
Complex: Antonio Banderas walked the dog before it rained.
Compound-Complex: Before it rained, Antonio Banderas walked to the movie set and was joined by his wife and pet chicken.
Notes:
42. When there are mistakes in a quote I am using, should I correct them?
Regardless of the text, a quote should be repeated accurately. If you are quoting someone from an interview you have conducted and wish to alter the wording for grammatical purposes so the person will not be embarrassed, you must receive the interviewee’s permission. If you decide to use part of the quoted material, and feel that doing so might be objectionable, consult with him or her.
Examples:
Hugh told me, “Golf is a young man’s sport and they love it.” (no)
Hugh told me, “Golf is a young man’s sport and he loves it.” (yes)
Frederick said, “I never seen anyone prettier than her.” (yes – direct quote)
Notes:
43. I’m dumbfounded regarding when to capitalize “Dad,” “Father,” “Mom” and “Mother,” and when to not do so.
Relax your worried mind. Remember – capitalize when used as proper noun or title. Always use lower case when using “my,” “him, or “her.”
Examples:
I love my Mother more than anyone. (no)
After the film, Mom and I wept. (yes)
I love my mother more than anything. (yes)
My dad and I decided to shop in the mall. (yes)
He saw Fred’s mother walking to the market. (yes)
Dad, watch out! (yes)
Notes:
44. Are “ask” and “asked” interchangeable?
No, they are not and if you mix them up, membership in the Grammar Society of America is forsaken. “Ask” is a present tense word while “asked’ deals with past tense. Watch usage since this is a telltale sign of unprofessional conduct for a writer who does not do his homework.
Examples:
I asked you, “Does he understand what I am saying?” (no)
I ask you, “Does he understand what I am saying?” (yes)
The preacher has ask that you parishioners quiet down during prayer. (no)
The preacher has asked that you parishioners quiet down during prayer. (yes)
Notes:
45. Is it proper to say Mr. and Mrs. Sally Anne Barker?
No, you have created Mr. Sally Barker. He will object to this.
Examples:
The president intends to invite Mr. and Mrs. John Barker. (yes)
Mrs. Sally Ann Baker is married to John. (yes)
Where is the invitation for the Canganys, John and Alice? (yes)
Notes:
46. Is it alright to use the words “the fact that”?
Curse the day you do so. Edit them out since there are other words that will accomplish your intended mission.
Examples:
The fact is that he was an awful man and I’m pleased he
failed. (no)
He was an awful man and I’m pleased he failed. (yes)
In spite of the fact that Aubrey drank whiskey every day, he was okay. (no)
Aubrey drank whiskey every day, but he was okay. (yes)
Notes:
47. I like to use contractions since they are more conversational. What is proper?
Scattered use is acceptable, but don’t overuse contractions. Read your words out loud to see if a contraction is really required.
Examples:
They’d be better off dead. (Better – They would be better
off dead.)
I have never seen a woman like Rosy. (yes)
Who would have ever believed he’d be a famous ballplayer? (yes)
Notes:
48. I confuse use of “because” and “since.” Is there an easy way to tell when to use them?
Grammatically, there is no real difference between “because” and “since,” but “since” is used to relay a sense of time while “because” is used with a cause/effect relationship.
Examples:
Because she was born, Sally has loved to play in the yard with
the dog. (no)
Since she lost her hearing, Sally has loved to play in the yard with the dog. (yes)
Because I left the opera early, I missed the finale. (yes)
Since the last time I saw Clem, I fell in love with Rex. (yes)
Notes:
49. Is there a handy-dandy rule to follow regarding subject and pronoun agreement?
Don’t use “their” when the subject is singular. Pronouns such as everybody, everyone, either, neither, somebody and anyone may sound plural, but they are usually treated as singular, and require singular corresponding pronouns and verbs.
Examples:
Each writer wanted their books back. (no)
He and she wanted their books back. (yes)
Each writer wanted his or her book back. (yes: each is singular)
Everyone wants to be noticed for their academic
achievements. no)
Everyone wants to be noticed for his or her academic achievements. (yes)
It’s great to have a dog like Black Sox who entertains
themselves. (no)
It’s great to have a dog like Black Sox who entertains
himself. (yes)
Notes:
50. I know misspellings are careless and confusing one word for another is a no-no, but are there tips you can give me to spot common mistakes in this area?
Pleased you asked! Computer spell-check is good for catching some misspellings, but not for finding incorrect words used. Here are lists of commonly misspelled words as well as those that appear to be misused on a regular basis:
List of Commonly Misspelled Words
Correct Spelling Frequently Misspelled As:
accidentally accidently
acknowledgment acknowledgement
a lot alot
desperate desparate
development developement
embarrass embarass
harassment harrassment
independent independant
indispensable indispensible
irresistible irresistable
irritable irritible
memento momento
millennium millenium
privilege privelige
repetition repitition
sacrilegious sacreligious
seize sieze
separate seperate
yield yield
Notes
Homonyms, Homophones,
and
Other Confusing Words
Note: These words sound alike or look similar, but they can have vastly differing meanings. If you aren’t certain which the correct one is, become familiar with their meanings and spellings. Even the best spellers can slip up and use the wrong word because it “sounds” right. But using the wrong word causes readers to stumble, making the writer look careless or lazy – or unintelligent.
accept, except Notes:
ad, add
affect, effect
aid, aide, ade
air, heir, err
altar, alter
any way, anyway
backyard, back yard
bare, bear
born, borne
break, brake
burned, burnt
buy, by, bye
carat, carrot, caret, karat
cent, scent, sent
cite, site, sight
compliment, complement
core, corps
counsel, council
course, coarse
dammed, damned
depend, deepened, deep end Notes:
die, dye
discrete, discreet
elicit, illicit
everyday, every day
fair, fare
faze, phase
feat, feet
flare, flair
flour, flower
for, fore, four
forth, fourth
forward, foreword
gorilla, guerilla
hale, hail
hangar, hanger
hay, hey
hear, here
heroin, heroine
incite, insight
inquire, enquire
its, it’s
lead, led
lessen, lesson
lightning, lightening
loan, lone
loose, lose
manner, manor
marry, merry Notes:
meat, meet, mete
medal, meddle
metal, mettle
moose, mousse
naval, navel
one, won
pair, pare, pear
palate, pallet, palette
passed, past
peace, piece
prays, preys, praise
principal, principle
profit, prophet
rain, rein, reign
raise, raze, rays
real, reel
recreate, re-create
regimen, regiment
right, rite, write
road, rode, rowed
root, route
rye, wry
savor, saver
seam, seem
shear, sheer
slight, sleight
so, sew, sow
sole, soul Notes:
sore, soar
spade, spayed
stake, steak
stationary, stationery
steal, steel
sweet, suite
tail, tale
taut, taught
team, teem
teas, tease, tees
then, than
they’re, there, their
threw, through
tic, tick
to, too, two
toad, towed, toed
tracked, tract
vain, vein
vary, very
verses, versus
vice, vise
ware, where, wear
waste, waist
weather, whether
whale, wail
whined, wined, wind
whole, hole
whose, who’s Notes:
won’t, wont
yoke, yolk
