NEW YEAR - NEW LOOK
When I resume this blog on Monday, January 7, 2008, there will be a new look. I hope you enjoy it and that you continue to log on.
Please tell your friends about the blog and please offer any comments on any entry.
Mike
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
NEXT POSTING
The next posting on this blog will be on Monday, January 7, 2007.
If you need a vocabulary refresher, a grammar fix, a sentence structure or word usage lesson, visit the "BLOG ARCHIVE". There are 225 postings and you can have a field day going cross-eyed reading them all.
Feel free to include your own comments by clicking on "COMMENT" at the end of each posted entry.
Michael Lyons
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
NEXT POSTING
The next posting on this blog will be on Monday, January 7, 2007.
If you need a vocabulary refresher, a grammar fix, a sentence structure or word usage lesson, visit the "BLOG ARCHIVE". There are 225 postings and you can have a field day going cross-eyed reading them all.
Feel free to include your own comments by clicking on "COMMENT" at the end of each posted entry.
Michael Lyons
Sunday, December 23, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - December 23, 2007.
Below are the corrections and explanations for last week’s postings.
Monday
Correct the errors and give reasons for your choices.
All are incomplete thoughts. None can stand as a principal clause.
“The man who took on the union at the wheel.
Remove “who” and there is a complete thought.
“The man took on the union at the wheel.
The man who took on the owners riding shotgun.”
Remove “who” and there is a complete thought.
The man took on the owners riding shotgun.”
“Both on and off the ice.”
A subject and a verb must be inserted.
“They competed fiercely both on and off the ice.”
“The only way both men believe it should be played – with the utmost of passion and while skating along a thin line between the laws of the game and the laws of the street.”
Reword the sentence by inserting a subject and a verb to create a principal clause.
“Both men played the game the only way they knew how – with the utmost of passion and while skating along a thin line between the laws of the game and the laws of the street.”
Tuesday
PRESUME/ASSUME
“Presume” means to suppose or take for granted beforehand without prior knowledge or without direct truth. One is “presumed” innocent by the law without proof of guilt.
“Assume” means to take up or on oneself or to take for granted. The noun form is “assumption”. A person can assume office either rightfully or wrongfully. So too, he can arrogantly assume he is always right.
Wednesday
Determine the errors in the sentence below.
"And anything they do for the rest of their life is somehow referenced in that instant as they make their way up the ice, carrying the puck, and the respect of everybody in that town."
“They” do not have one “life”. “They” are individuals who have “lives”.
I, also, suggest there should not be a comma after the word “puck”. Some will argue the point, but I prefer the traditional way.
"And anything they do for the rest of their lives is somehow referenced in that instant as they make their way up the ice, carrying the puck, and the respect of everybody in that town."
Thursday
Below are a few examples of poor, sloppy or incorrect diction and incomplete sentence construction. Can you identify and correct the errors?
"Lawson loaned the track $1 million and the other two each put in $500,000."
“Loan” is a noun, not a verb. The past tense of “lend” is “lent” and must be used.
"Lawson lent the track $1 million and the other two each put in $500,000."
"Those of you that live in the county, do you have [anything to add]?"
“Who” must be used when referring to people. “That” refers to a “thing”.
"Those of you who live in the county, do you have [anything to add]?"
"Traffic time brought to you by [PRODUCT]."
This is not a sentence nor is it a headline. A verb must be added.
"Traffic time is brought to you by [PRODUCT]."
"Drew Dilkens is anxious to hear what they have to say."
“Anxious” comes from “anxiety”. “Anxiety” is not what was intended by the context and is the wrong word.
"Drew Dilkens is eager to hear what they have to say."
Friday
AGGRAVATE/IRRITATE
“Aggravate” means to make worse.
“Irritate” means to exasperate or inflame.
THE WEEK’S WORDS
“Melange" (n.) means a hodgepodge, odds and ends or a motley assortment of things
“Aphorism" (n.) is a short instructive saying, a pithy statement of a truth.
“Moue" (n.) is a pout, a grimace or a wry facial expression.
“Slovenly" (adj.) means slatternly, sluttish, shaggy, slipshod or untidy.
“Rhapsodic" (adj.) means elated, ecstatic, gleeful or joyful.
A GOOD THOUGHT
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."
Socrates
Monday
Correct the errors and give reasons for your choices.
All are incomplete thoughts. None can stand as a principal clause.
“The man who took on the union at the wheel.
Remove “who” and there is a complete thought.
“The man took on the union at the wheel.
The man who took on the owners riding shotgun.”
Remove “who” and there is a complete thought.
The man took on the owners riding shotgun.”
“Both on and off the ice.”
A subject and a verb must be inserted.
“They competed fiercely both on and off the ice.”
“The only way both men believe it should be played – with the utmost of passion and while skating along a thin line between the laws of the game and the laws of the street.”
Reword the sentence by inserting a subject and a verb to create a principal clause.
“Both men played the game the only way they knew how – with the utmost of passion and while skating along a thin line between the laws of the game and the laws of the street.”
Tuesday
PRESUME/ASSUME
“Presume” means to suppose or take for granted beforehand without prior knowledge or without direct truth. One is “presumed” innocent by the law without proof of guilt.
“Assume” means to take up or on oneself or to take for granted. The noun form is “assumption”. A person can assume office either rightfully or wrongfully. So too, he can arrogantly assume he is always right.
Wednesday
Determine the errors in the sentence below.
"And anything they do for the rest of their life is somehow referenced in that instant as they make their way up the ice, carrying the puck, and the respect of everybody in that town."
“They” do not have one “life”. “They” are individuals who have “lives”.
I, also, suggest there should not be a comma after the word “puck”. Some will argue the point, but I prefer the traditional way.
"And anything they do for the rest of their lives is somehow referenced in that instant as they make their way up the ice, carrying the puck, and the respect of everybody in that town."
Thursday
Below are a few examples of poor, sloppy or incorrect diction and incomplete sentence construction. Can you identify and correct the errors?
"Lawson loaned the track $1 million and the other two each put in $500,000."
“Loan” is a noun, not a verb. The past tense of “lend” is “lent” and must be used.
"Lawson lent the track $1 million and the other two each put in $500,000."
"Those of you that live in the county, do you have [anything to add]?"
“Who” must be used when referring to people. “That” refers to a “thing”.
"Those of you who live in the county, do you have [anything to add]?"
"Traffic time brought to you by [PRODUCT]."
This is not a sentence nor is it a headline. A verb must be added.
"Traffic time is brought to you by [PRODUCT]."
"Drew Dilkens is anxious to hear what they have to say."
“Anxious” comes from “anxiety”. “Anxiety” is not what was intended by the context and is the wrong word.
"Drew Dilkens is eager to hear what they have to say."
Friday
AGGRAVATE/IRRITATE
“Aggravate” means to make worse.
“Irritate” means to exasperate or inflame.
THE WEEK’S WORDS
“Melange" (n.) means a hodgepodge, odds and ends or a motley assortment of things
“Aphorism" (n.) is a short instructive saying, a pithy statement of a truth.
“Moue" (n.) is a pout, a grimace or a wry facial expression.
“Slovenly" (adj.) means slatternly, sluttish, shaggy, slipshod or untidy.
“Rhapsodic" (adj.) means elated, ecstatic, gleeful or joyful.
A GOOD THOUGHT
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."
Socrates
Friday, December 21, 2007
THIS & THAT
NOTICE
It's time for a break.
There will be no new postings between Monday, January 24, 2007 and Sunday, January 8, 2008.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.
If that offends you, try having a good holiday season.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted on Sunday.
AGGRAVATE/IRRITATE - AN INTERESTING ONE
What is the difference between "aggravate" and "irritate"?
Use the words in sentences that clearly show their meanings.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "rhapsodic".
Define "rhapsodic" and use it in a seasonal sentence.
It's time for a break.
There will be no new postings between Monday, January 24, 2007 and Sunday, January 8, 2008.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.
If that offends you, try having a good holiday season.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted on Sunday.
AGGRAVATE/IRRITATE - AN INTERESTING ONE
What is the difference between "aggravate" and "irritate"?
Use the words in sentences that clearly show their meanings.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "rhapsodic".
Define "rhapsodic" and use it in a seasonal sentence.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
MEDIA MUSH
HEADLINE SPEAK
Below are a few examples of poor, sloppy or incorrect diction and incomplete sentence construction. Can you identify and correct the errors?
"Lawson loaned the track $1 million and the other two each put in $500,000."
Dan Lajoie, "former raceway lawyer wins "380,000 judgment", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 20, 2007.
"Those of you that live in the county, do you have [anything to add]?"
Lynn Martin, CKLW AM800, program promotion, 8:15 am, Thursday, December 20, 2007.
"Traffic time brought to you by [PRODUCT]."
Lynn Martin, CKLW AM800, commercial lead-in, Thursday, December 20, 2007.
"Drew Dilkens is anxious to hear what they have to say."
Peter Straw, CKLW AM800 News, Thursday, December 20, 2007, 9:32 m.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "slovenly".
Define "slovenly" and use it in a sentence.
Below are a few examples of poor, sloppy or incorrect diction and incomplete sentence construction. Can you identify and correct the errors?
"Lawson loaned the track $1 million and the other two each put in $500,000."
Dan Lajoie, "former raceway lawyer wins "380,000 judgment", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 20, 2007.
"Those of you that live in the county, do you have [anything to add]?"
Lynn Martin, CKLW AM800, program promotion, 8:15 am, Thursday, December 20, 2007.
"Traffic time brought to you by [PRODUCT]."
Lynn Martin, CKLW AM800, commercial lead-in, Thursday, December 20, 2007.
"Drew Dilkens is anxious to hear what they have to say."
Peter Straw, CKLW AM800 News, Thursday, December 20, 2007, 9:32 m.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "slovenly".
Define "slovenly" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
MID-WEEK MUSINGS
ANY ERRORS?
Read the sentence below and determine if there are any errors in it. Explain your choices.
"And anything they do for the rest of their life is somehow referenced in that instant as they make their way up the ice, carrying the puck, and the respect of everybody in that town."
Marty Gervais, "Hockey dreams in a small town", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, December 19, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "moue".
Define "moue" and use it in a sentence.
Read the sentence below and determine if there are any errors in it. Explain your choices.
"And anything they do for the rest of their life is somehow referenced in that instant as they make their way up the ice, carrying the puck, and the respect of everybody in that town."
Marty Gervais, "Hockey dreams in a small town", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, December 19, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "moue".
Define "moue" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
TUESDAY'S TEASERS
PRESUME/ASSUME
Explain the difference between "presume" and "assume".
A GOOD THOUGHT
Identify the author of the following. Do you agree? Think about it.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "aphorism".
Define "aphorism" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the difference between "presume" and "assume".
A GOOD THOUGHT
Identify the author of the following. Do you agree? Think about it.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "aphorism".
Define "aphorism" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, December 17, 2007
MONDAY'S SNOWY OFFERINGS
POT POURRI
The following pieces are in one article. Correct the errors and give reasons for your choices.
“The man who took on the union at the wheel. The man who took on the owners riding shotgun.”
“Both on and off the ice.”
“The only way both men believe it should be played – with the utmost of passion and while skating along a thin line between the laws of the game and the laws of the street.”
Bob Duff, “Chelios, Lindsay in step”, The Windsor Star, Saturday, December, 15, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "melange".
Define "melange" and use it in a sentence.
The following pieces are in one article. Correct the errors and give reasons for your choices.
“The man who took on the union at the wheel. The man who took on the owners riding shotgun.”
“Both on and off the ice.”
“The only way both men believe it should be played – with the utmost of passion and while skating along a thin line between the laws of the game and the laws of the street.”
Bob Duff, “Chelios, Lindsay in step”, The Windsor Star, Saturday, December, 15, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "melange".
Define "melange" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - December 16, 2007
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
ORDINANCE/ORDNANCE
A law is an ordinance or rule.
A gun is a piece of ordnance or a military supply.
SETUP/SET UP
“Setup” is a noun meaning a device such as in "check the setup”.
“Set up” is a verb meaning to found or to launch such as in "set up the experiment”.
Tuesday
Identify and correct the errors in the following:
"Because the members of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation licence plate review committee seem like a dour bunch with too much time on their hands and not enough sense in their heads."
This is an incomplete thought. “Because” makes the clause subordinate or incomplete and should be removed.
"The members of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation licence plate review committee seem like a dour bunch with too much time on their hands and not enough sense in their heads."
"Hopefully, this panel will have a sense of humour. And some restraint."
“And some restraint” is an incomplete thought. The punctuation in the middle should be removed.
"Hopefully, this panel will have a sense of humour and some restraint."
Wednesday
BROOCH/BROACH
“Brooch” is a noun meaning a decorative pin.
“Broach” is a verb meaning to bring up or introduce a topic.
The two are not interchangeable but are pronounced the same.
Thursday
Identify and correct the errors in the following:
"...with myself, Arms Bumanlag at Radio 800 CKLW..."
“Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and cannot be used as the object of a preposition. Replace “myself” with “me”.
"...with me, Arms Bumanlag at Radio 800 CKLW..."
"There were a bunch there."
“Bunch” is a collective singular noun and demands a singular verb.
"There was a bunch there."
"A crash at Lincoln and Wyandotte has now cleared."
How can a crash clear itself? This is poor word construction and does not make sense.
"A crash at Lincoln and Wyandotte has now been cleared."
Friday
CAN/MAY
This is only about the verb forms of “can” and “may”. The noun meanings of these words are not relevant here.
“Can” is a verb meaning the ability to do something.
“May” is a verb meaning being allowed to do something.
“He can do the job because he is strong but he may not be allowed to do it without permission from his boss.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Confluence" (n.) means a place where things come together, a junction or a flowing together.
“Mordant" (adj.) means grimly humourous, sardonic or biting.
“Inveterate" (adj.) means chronic, habitual or long-standing.
“Simulacrum" (n.) means a vague or insubstantial semblance such as a sculpture of a person.
“Anomaly" (n.) means a deviation from the normal, an oddity or mutation from the usual.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
Who is the author of the following quotation?
"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else."
Will Rogers, Illiterate Digest (1924).
Monday
ORDINANCE/ORDNANCE
A law is an ordinance or rule.
A gun is a piece of ordnance or a military supply.
SETUP/SET UP
“Setup” is a noun meaning a device such as in "check the setup”.
“Set up” is a verb meaning to found or to launch such as in "set up the experiment”.
Tuesday
Identify and correct the errors in the following:
"Because the members of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation licence plate review committee seem like a dour bunch with too much time on their hands and not enough sense in their heads."
This is an incomplete thought. “Because” makes the clause subordinate or incomplete and should be removed.
"The members of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation licence plate review committee seem like a dour bunch with too much time on their hands and not enough sense in their heads."
"Hopefully, this panel will have a sense of humour. And some restraint."
“And some restraint” is an incomplete thought. The punctuation in the middle should be removed.
"Hopefully, this panel will have a sense of humour and some restraint."
Wednesday
BROOCH/BROACH
“Brooch” is a noun meaning a decorative pin.
“Broach” is a verb meaning to bring up or introduce a topic.
The two are not interchangeable but are pronounced the same.
Thursday
Identify and correct the errors in the following:
"...with myself, Arms Bumanlag at Radio 800 CKLW..."
“Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and cannot be used as the object of a preposition. Replace “myself” with “me”.
"...with me, Arms Bumanlag at Radio 800 CKLW..."
"There were a bunch there."
“Bunch” is a collective singular noun and demands a singular verb.
"There was a bunch there."
"A crash at Lincoln and Wyandotte has now cleared."
How can a crash clear itself? This is poor word construction and does not make sense.
"A crash at Lincoln and Wyandotte has now been cleared."
Friday
CAN/MAY
This is only about the verb forms of “can” and “may”. The noun meanings of these words are not relevant here.
“Can” is a verb meaning the ability to do something.
“May” is a verb meaning being allowed to do something.
“He can do the job because he is strong but he may not be allowed to do it without permission from his boss.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Confluence" (n.) means a place where things come together, a junction or a flowing together.
“Mordant" (adj.) means grimly humourous, sardonic or biting.
“Inveterate" (adj.) means chronic, habitual or long-standing.
“Simulacrum" (n.) means a vague or insubstantial semblance such as a sculpture of a person.
“Anomaly" (n.) means a deviation from the normal, an oddity or mutation from the usual.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
Who is the author of the following quotation?
"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else."
Will Rogers, Illiterate Digest (1924).
Friday, December 14, 2007
SIMPLE BUT NECESSARY
CAN/MAY
I am appalled that I should even have to consider this one, but it is a problem that has to be noted.
What is the difference in meaning and usage in the words "may" and "can"?
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "anomaly".
Define "anomaly" and use it in your speech today.
CORRECTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's postings will be published Sunday.
I am appalled that I should even have to consider this one, but it is a problem that has to be noted.
What is the difference in meaning and usage in the words "may" and "can"?
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "anomaly".
Define "anomaly" and use it in your speech today.
CORRECTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's postings will be published Sunday.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
SOME RADIO EFFORTS
TRY THIS ONE
I am paraphrasing this one, but I almost swallowed my teeth when I happened to hear this. What is the error? Do not consider that it is an incomplete thought.
"...with myself, Arms Bumanlag at Radio 800 CKLW..."
Arms Bumanlag, CKLW Morning Show, Thursday, December 13, 2007.
HERE'S ANOTHER
What is the error is this sentence?
"There were a bunch there."
Lisa Williams, The Morning Drive, AM 800 CKLW, Wednesday, December 12, 2007, 7:35 am.
AND YET ANOTHER!
What is wrong in the sentence below?
"A crash at Lincoln and Wyandotte has now cleared."
Peter Straw, AM 800 CKLW News, Thursday, December 13, 2007, 9:00 am.
TODAY'S WORD
I like this one.
The word for today is "simulacrum".
Define "simulacrum" and use it in a sentence.
I am paraphrasing this one, but I almost swallowed my teeth when I happened to hear this. What is the error? Do not consider that it is an incomplete thought.
"...with myself, Arms Bumanlag at Radio 800 CKLW..."
Arms Bumanlag, CKLW Morning Show, Thursday, December 13, 2007.
HERE'S ANOTHER
What is the error is this sentence?
"There were a bunch there."
Lisa Williams, The Morning Drive, AM 800 CKLW, Wednesday, December 12, 2007, 7:35 am.
AND YET ANOTHER!
What is wrong in the sentence below?
"A crash at Lincoln and Wyandotte has now cleared."
Peter Straw, AM 800 CKLW News, Thursday, December 13, 2007, 9:00 am.
TODAY'S WORD
I like this one.
The word for today is "simulacrum".
Define "simulacrum" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
SEMI-TOUGH
BROOCH/BROACH
What is the difference in meaning between "brooch" and "broach"?
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for the day is "inveterate".
Define "inveterate" and use it in a sentence.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
Who is the author of the following quotation?
"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else."
What is the difference in meaning between "brooch" and "broach"?
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for the day is "inveterate".
Define "inveterate" and use it in a sentence.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
Who is the author of the following quotation?
"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else."
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
TSK! TSK!
TWO FOR ONE! A GREAT DEAL!
Identify and correct the errors in the following:
"Because the members of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation licence plate review committee seem like a dour bunch with too much time on their hands and not enough sense in their heads."
Lead Editorial, "Vanity Plates", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, December 11, 2007.
"Hopefully, this panel will have a sense of humour. And some restraint."
Lead Editorial, "Vanity Plates", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, December 11, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "mordant".
Define "mordant" and use it in a sentence.
Identify and correct the errors in the following:
"Because the members of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation licence plate review committee seem like a dour bunch with too much time on their hands and not enough sense in their heads."
Lead Editorial, "Vanity Plates", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, December 11, 2007.
"Hopefully, this panel will have a sense of humour. And some restraint."
Lead Editorial, "Vanity Plates", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, December 11, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "mordant".
Define "mordant" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, December 10, 2007
EASY START
MONDAY EYE OPENERS
ORDINANCE/ORDNANCE
What is the difference between "ordinance" and "ordnance"?
SETUP/SET UP
Which is correct: "setup" or "set up"?
Explain your choices.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "confluence".
Define "confluence" and use it in a sentence.
ORDINANCE/ORDNANCE
What is the difference between "ordinance" and "ordnance"?
SETUP/SET UP
Which is correct: "setup" or "set up"?
Explain your choices.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "confluence".
Define "confluence" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - December 9, 2007
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
CANDELABRUM
“Candelabrum” is a branched ornament containing lights.
The root is the Latin “candela” meaning branched candle.
“Candelabra” is the plural form. “Candelabrums” is incorrect.
The confusion is in the “branching” concept of the item because a candelabrum has multiple arms.
Tuesday
What are the errors in the sentences below? (Hint: check punctuation also.)
Before that, she says to me, "Keep still."
“She says” is incorrect and unacceptable.
The terminal period should be outside the final quotation mark.
Before that, she said to me, "Keep still".
Set down on this couch.
“Set down” demands an object. The context demands “sit”.
Sit down on this couch.
Sit the money on the counter.
The action is performed on something so “Set” must be used.
Set the money on the counter.
The child felt kind of lonely.
“Kind of” is not acceptable. “Of” should have an object because it is a preposition, such as in, “This is a kind of (meaning type) orange”.
The child felt rather lonely.
Wednesday
BURST/BUST/BUSTED
“Bust”, meaning "blow up, burst or explode" and “busted” are nonstandard and unacceptable; use “burst” in this context.
“Burst” is the same in the present, past and past participle forms.
Thursday
How many errors can you find in the sentence below?
"Paint isn't the only way lead gets in toys."
Paint doesn’t “get into” something; it is incapable of action so the structure is inane.
“In” is incorrect; it should be “into”.
The sentence should be reworded to make proper sense.
"Paint isn't the only way toys can be contaminated with lead."
Friday
Identify the errors in the following; be sure to give supporting reasons:
1. She asked Natalie and I to be guardians.
“I” cannot be used as an object; “me” must be used.
She asked Natalie and me to be guardians.
2. He implied from her stare that she was angry at him.
“Imply” means to suggest indirectly. “Infer” means to conclude or solve by guessing. In this sentence “he” is deducing a conclusion, so “infer” must be used.
He inferred from her stare that she was angry at him.
3. She wrote him a love letter and he responded back.
“Respond means to answer; therefore “back” is redundant and must be dropped.
She wrote him a love letter and he responded.
4. Snowfalls are reoccuring events in Canada's north.
There is no such word as “reoccuring”. Even if there were, it would be misspelled.
Snowfalls are recurring events in Canada's north.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Expository" (adj.) means to expose, clarify, set forth or elucidate.
“Rationale" (n.) means an explanation, a principle or a statement of reasons.
“Sanctimonious" (adj.) means self-righteous or excessively or hypocritically pious.
“Chicanery" (n.) means guile, trickery or deceptiveness.
“Cogent" (adj.) means persuasive, effective or forceful, as in a forceful or thoughtful presentation.
LITERARY LEGEND
Identify the author, work and speaker of the following; be really clever and explain the reason for the statement:
"It is a far, far, better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.
This last line of the novel was said by Sydney Carton who had taken the place of another to be executed by guillotine during the French Revolution. It completed the resurrection theme of giving one’s life for another.
Monday
CANDELABRUM
“Candelabrum” is a branched ornament containing lights.
The root is the Latin “candela” meaning branched candle.
“Candelabra” is the plural form. “Candelabrums” is incorrect.
The confusion is in the “branching” concept of the item because a candelabrum has multiple arms.
Tuesday
What are the errors in the sentences below? (Hint: check punctuation also.)
Before that, she says to me, "Keep still."
“She says” is incorrect and unacceptable.
The terminal period should be outside the final quotation mark.
Before that, she said to me, "Keep still".
Set down on this couch.
“Set down” demands an object. The context demands “sit”.
Sit down on this couch.
Sit the money on the counter.
The action is performed on something so “Set” must be used.
Set the money on the counter.
The child felt kind of lonely.
“Kind of” is not acceptable. “Of” should have an object because it is a preposition, such as in, “This is a kind of (meaning type) orange”.
The child felt rather lonely.
Wednesday
BURST/BUST/BUSTED
“Bust”, meaning "blow up, burst or explode" and “busted” are nonstandard and unacceptable; use “burst” in this context.
“Burst” is the same in the present, past and past participle forms.
Thursday
How many errors can you find in the sentence below?
"Paint isn't the only way lead gets in toys."
Paint doesn’t “get into” something; it is incapable of action so the structure is inane.
“In” is incorrect; it should be “into”.
The sentence should be reworded to make proper sense.
"Paint isn't the only way toys can be contaminated with lead."
Friday
Identify the errors in the following; be sure to give supporting reasons:
1. She asked Natalie and I to be guardians.
“I” cannot be used as an object; “me” must be used.
She asked Natalie and me to be guardians.
2. He implied from her stare that she was angry at him.
“Imply” means to suggest indirectly. “Infer” means to conclude or solve by guessing. In this sentence “he” is deducing a conclusion, so “infer” must be used.
He inferred from her stare that she was angry at him.
3. She wrote him a love letter and he responded back.
“Respond means to answer; therefore “back” is redundant and must be dropped.
She wrote him a love letter and he responded.
4. Snowfalls are reoccuring events in Canada's north.
There is no such word as “reoccuring”. Even if there were, it would be misspelled.
Snowfalls are recurring events in Canada's north.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Expository" (adj.) means to expose, clarify, set forth or elucidate.
“Rationale" (n.) means an explanation, a principle or a statement of reasons.
“Sanctimonious" (adj.) means self-righteous or excessively or hypocritically pious.
“Chicanery" (n.) means guile, trickery or deceptiveness.
“Cogent" (adj.) means persuasive, effective or forceful, as in a forceful or thoughtful presentation.
LITERARY LEGEND
Identify the author, work and speaker of the following; be really clever and explain the reason for the statement:
"It is a far, far, better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.
This last line of the novel was said by Sydney Carton who had taken the place of another to be executed by guillotine during the French Revolution. It completed the resurrection theme of giving one’s life for another.
Friday, December 7, 2007
TEST TIME
A LITTLE TEST FOR FRIDAY
Identify the errors in the following; be sure to give supporting reasons:
1. She asked Natalie and I to be guardians.
2. He implied from her stare that she was angry at him.
3. She wrote him a love letter and he responded back.
4. Snowfalls are reoccuring events in Canada's north.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "cogent".
Define "cogent" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations will be posted Sunday.
Identify the errors in the following; be sure to give supporting reasons:
1. She asked Natalie and I to be guardians.
2. He implied from her stare that she was angry at him.
3. She wrote him a love letter and he responded back.
4. Snowfalls are reoccuring events in Canada's north.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "cogent".
Define "cogent" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
SIMPLE & CARELESS
TODAY'S NEWS ITEM
How many errors can you find in the sentence below?
"Paint isn't the only way lead gets in toys."
Nancy Wilson, CBC Morning News, Wednesday, December 6, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "chicanery".
Define "chicanery" and use it in a sentence.
How many errors can you find in the sentence below?
"Paint isn't the only way lead gets in toys."
Nancy Wilson, CBC Morning News, Wednesday, December 6, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "chicanery".
Define "chicanery" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
INTERESTING CHALLENGES
BURST/BUST/BUSTED
What is the acceptable use of each of the following words: "burst", "bust" and "busted"? (Don't be crude.)
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sanctimonious".
Define "sanctimonious" and use it in a sentence.
LITERARY LEGEND
Identify the author, work and speaker of the following; be really clever and explain the reason for the statement:
"It is a far, far, better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."
What is the acceptable use of each of the following words: "burst", "bust" and "busted"? (Don't be crude.)
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sanctimonious".
Define "sanctimonious" and use it in a sentence.
LITERARY LEGEND
Identify the author, work and speaker of the following; be really clever and explain the reason for the statement:
"It is a far, far, better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
TUESDAY TEASERS
LOOK CLOSELY
What are the errors in the sentences below? (Hint: check punctuation also.)
Before that, she says to me, "Keep still."
Set down on this couch.
Sit the money on the counter.
The child felt kind of lonely.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "rationale".
Define "rationale" and use it in a sentence.
ADVERTISING POLICY
If you wish to advertise on this blog contact me to negotiate a price. All unsolicited ads will be rejected.
What are the errors in the sentences below? (Hint: check punctuation also.)
Before that, she says to me, "Keep still."
Set down on this couch.
Sit the money on the counter.
The child felt kind of lonely.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "rationale".
Define "rationale" and use it in a sentence.
ADVERTISING POLICY
If you wish to advertise on this blog contact me to negotiate a price. All unsolicited ads will be rejected.
Monday, December 3, 2007
A DIFFERENT START
DEAR "ANONYMOUS"
Please check the Blog Archives for the entry, "A Day to Remember", from Monday, November 12, 2007 for answers to your query regarding "palate", "pallet" and "palette".
CANDELABRUM
What is a "candelabrum"? What is its plural form? What is its root? Why is this word so confusing?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "expository".
Define "expository" and use it in a sentence.
Please check the Blog Archives for the entry, "A Day to Remember", from Monday, November 12, 2007 for answers to your query regarding "palate", "pallet" and "palette".
CANDELABRUM
What is a "candelabrum"? What is its plural form? What is its root? Why is this word so confusing?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "expository".
Define "expository" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - December 2, 2007
Below are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
RAISE/RISE
"Raise" means "to make higher," "build" or "nurture and cause to grow". It is normally transitive.
"Rise" means "to get up" or "become elevated". It is never transitive.
Tuesday
Read the following sentences and choose the correct verb form:
The subjects are all plural and demand plural verbs.
1. The girls (have, has) prepared a lunch.
The girls have prepared a lunch.
2. Many of the neighbours (has, have) gone to the picnic.
Many of the neighbours have gone to the picnic.
3. At the door (sit, sits) Dick and Tom.
At the door sit Dick and Tom.
4. Hail and frost often (injure, injures) the fruit crops.
Hail and frost often injure the fruit crops.
INTENT vs MEANING
Read the sentence below. Try to determine what the author intended. Explain whether or not he used the correct wording. If you think it is incorrect, fix it.
"I don't know about you, but I'm anxious as hell to hear the reasons for the university's alleged thumbs-down on downtown."
I suggest there is no anxiety in wanting the reasons but, instead, keenness to hear the results. Therefore, “anxious” is the wrong word.
"I don't know about you, but I'm eager as hell to hear the reasons for the university's alleged thumbs-down on downtown."
Wednesday
BETWEEN/AMONG
“Between” is with two people or things. Never use “to” with “between”.
“Among” is used when discussing three or more people or things.
He travelled between New York and Toronto.
His choice of teams was among the Tigers, the Yankees and the Blue Jays.
Thursday
AMOUNT/NUMBER
Use the word “amount” with quantities that cannot be counted and “number” with quantities that could be counted one-by-one.
“He had a small amount of money left.”
“He had a small number of bills in his pocket.”
Friday
1. She is a very unique personality.
“Unique” means “one of a kind”. It is an absolute and cannot be compared.
She is a unique personality.
2. He drew an extremely straight line on the page.
“Straight” means “without bending”. It is an absolute and cannot be qualified.
He drew an extremely straight line on the page.
3. They were very overwhelmed with emotion.
Either one is “overwhelmed” (overtaken) or one is not. It is an absolute and cannot be qualified.
They were overwhelmed with emotion.
4. "You are so right!"
Either one is “right” or one is “wrong”. There is no in between. It is an absolute and cannot be qualified.
"You are right!"
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Emasculate" (v.) means to deprive of strength, vigour or masculinity, to be made effeminate.
“Exactitude" (n.) means accuracy or correctness.
“Depravity" (n.) means impairment of virtue or morals, depraved or morally perverted.
“Lugubrious" (adj.) means anguished, excessively mournful or suffering.
“Sylvan" (adj.) means shady, woody or inhabiting the woods.
SHAKESPEAREAN KNOWLEDGE
All the world ’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.”
As You Like It, Jacques, Act II. Sc. Vii. (Get a copy of the play if you want the rest.)
Monday
RAISE/RISE
"Raise" means "to make higher," "build" or "nurture and cause to grow". It is normally transitive.
"Rise" means "to get up" or "become elevated". It is never transitive.
Tuesday
Read the following sentences and choose the correct verb form:
The subjects are all plural and demand plural verbs.
1. The girls (have, has) prepared a lunch.
The girls have prepared a lunch.
2. Many of the neighbours (has, have) gone to the picnic.
Many of the neighbours have gone to the picnic.
3. At the door (sit, sits) Dick and Tom.
At the door sit Dick and Tom.
4. Hail and frost often (injure, injures) the fruit crops.
Hail and frost often injure the fruit crops.
INTENT vs MEANING
Read the sentence below. Try to determine what the author intended. Explain whether or not he used the correct wording. If you think it is incorrect, fix it.
"I don't know about you, but I'm anxious as hell to hear the reasons for the university's alleged thumbs-down on downtown."
I suggest there is no anxiety in wanting the reasons but, instead, keenness to hear the results. Therefore, “anxious” is the wrong word.
"I don't know about you, but I'm eager as hell to hear the reasons for the university's alleged thumbs-down on downtown."
Wednesday
BETWEEN/AMONG
“Between” is with two people or things. Never use “to” with “between”.
“Among” is used when discussing three or more people or things.
He travelled between New York and Toronto.
His choice of teams was among the Tigers, the Yankees and the Blue Jays.
Thursday
AMOUNT/NUMBER
Use the word “amount” with quantities that cannot be counted and “number” with quantities that could be counted one-by-one.
“He had a small amount of money left.”
“He had a small number of bills in his pocket.”
Friday
1. She is a very unique personality.
“Unique” means “one of a kind”. It is an absolute and cannot be compared.
She is a unique personality.
2. He drew an extremely straight line on the page.
“Straight” means “without bending”. It is an absolute and cannot be qualified.
He drew an extremely straight line on the page.
3. They were very overwhelmed with emotion.
Either one is “overwhelmed” (overtaken) or one is not. It is an absolute and cannot be qualified.
They were overwhelmed with emotion.
4. "You are so right!"
Either one is “right” or one is “wrong”. There is no in between. It is an absolute and cannot be qualified.
"You are right!"
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Emasculate" (v.) means to deprive of strength, vigour or masculinity, to be made effeminate.
“Exactitude" (n.) means accuracy or correctness.
“Depravity" (n.) means impairment of virtue or morals, depraved or morally perverted.
“Lugubrious" (adj.) means anguished, excessively mournful or suffering.
“Sylvan" (adj.) means shady, woody or inhabiting the woods.
SHAKESPEAREAN KNOWLEDGE
All the world ’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.”
As You Like It, Jacques, Act II. Sc. Vii. (Get a copy of the play if you want the rest.)
Friday, November 30, 2007
FRIDAY CHALLENGE
COMMON MISUSES
Each of the following has an error in it. What is the error? What is the common link of all the errors?
1. She is a very unique personality.
2. He drew an extremely straight line on the page.
3. They were very overwhelmed with emotion.
4. "You are so right!"
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sylvan".
Define "sylvan" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Each of the following has an error in it. What is the error? What is the common link of all the errors?
1. She is a very unique personality.
2. He drew an extremely straight line on the page.
3. They were very overwhelmed with emotion.
4. "You are so right!"
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sylvan".
Define "sylvan" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
THURSDAY'S CHALLENGE
AMOUNT/NUMBER
What is the difference in usage of the words "amount" and "number".
(This is very similar to the use of the words "fewer" and "less".)
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "lugubrious".
("Lugubrious" is not a common word. I just like the sound of it; it reminds me of the accents in the Sopranos TV series.)
Define "lugubrious" and try to use it in a sentence.
What is the difference in usage of the words "amount" and "number".
(This is very similar to the use of the words "fewer" and "less".)
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "lugubrious".
("Lugubrious" is not a common word. I just like the sound of it; it reminds me of the accents in the Sopranos TV series.)
Define "lugubrious" and try to use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
HOW SHARP ARE YOU?
BETWEEN/AMONG
What is the difference in usage with the words "between" and "among"?
SHAKESPEAREAN KNOWLEDGE
"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players."
What is the next line?
What is the play? Who is the speaker?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "depravity".
Define "depravity" and use it in a sentence.
What is the difference in usage with the words "between" and "among"?
SHAKESPEAREAN KNOWLEDGE
"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players."
What is the next line?
What is the play? Who is the speaker?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "depravity".
Define "depravity" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
TEST TIME
YOUR CHOICE
Read the following sentences and choose the correct verb form:
1. The girls (have, has) prepared a lunch.
2. Many of the neighbours (has, have) gone to the picnic.
3. At the door (sit, sits) Dick and Tom.
4. Hail and frost often (injure, injures) the fruit crops.
INTENT vs MEANING
Read the sentence below. Try to determine what the author intended. Explain whether or not he used the correct wording. If you think it is incorrect, fix it.
"I don't know about you, but I'm anxious as hell to hear the reasons for the university's alleged thumbs-down on downtown."
Gord Henderson, "The ivy ghetto", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 27, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "exactitude".
Define "exactitude" and use it in a sentence.
Read the following sentences and choose the correct verb form:
1. The girls (have, has) prepared a lunch.
2. Many of the neighbours (has, have) gone to the picnic.
3. At the door (sit, sits) Dick and Tom.
4. Hail and frost often (injure, injures) the fruit crops.
INTENT vs MEANING
Read the sentence below. Try to determine what the author intended. Explain whether or not he used the correct wording. If you think it is incorrect, fix it.
"I don't know about you, but I'm anxious as hell to hear the reasons for the university's alleged thumbs-down on downtown."
Gord Henderson, "The ivy ghetto", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 27, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "exactitude".
Define "exactitude" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, November 26, 2007
MONDAY HELP
CLARIFICATION - LESS/FEWER
“Fewer” is used with objects that can be counted one-by-one.
“Less” is used with objects or quantities that cannot be counted individually.
Correct:
“There are fewer cars on the road after three am.” "Cars" can be counted individually.
"There was less water in the bucket." "Water" cannot be counted individually.
RAISE/RISE
What is the difference between "raise" and "rise"?
Try to use the words in sentences and in various tenses.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "emasculate".
Define "emasculate" and use it in a sentence.
“Fewer” is used with objects that can be counted one-by-one.
“Less” is used with objects or quantities that cannot be counted individually.
Correct:
“There are fewer cars on the road after three am.” "Cars" can be counted individually.
"There was less water in the bucket." "Water" cannot be counted individually.
RAISE/RISE
What is the difference between "raise" and "rise"?
Try to use the words in sentences and in various tenses.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "emasculate".
Define "emasculate" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 25, 2007
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
FEWER/LESS
This is a repeat but it needs reemphasis.
“Fewer” is used with objects that can be counted one-by-one.
“There are fewer cars on the road after three am.”
“Less” is used with objects or quantities that cannot be counted individually.
“She worked fewer hours than I did last week.”
Tuesday
"The highest number of deaths were cancer related."
The subject of the sentence is “number” and it is singular. It demands the singular verb “was”.
"The highest number of deaths was cancer related."
"The biggest story on the weather front are the weather maps."
The subject of the sentence is “story” and it is singular. It demands the singular verb “is”. It is, also, poorly worded.
"The biggest story on the weather front is the weather maps."
Wednesday
"Brace yourself Windsor. Because the worst is yet to come."
“Because the worst is yet to come” is a subordinate clause and cannot stand by itself; it must be attached to a principal clause to be complete. I do not accept that newspaper writing is allowed such poetic licence.
"Brace yourself Windsor because the worst is yet to come."
Thursday
MEDIUM/MEDIA
I will limit this discussion to “medium” and “media” as “vehicles of communication”.
“Medium” is singular and refers to one form of communication such as radio.
“Media” is plural and refers to all forms of communication collectively.
Therefore, to refer to TV as media is incorrect; it is only one medium of communication.
Friday
"The westbound SUV lost control and went into the eastbound lane..."
The error here is a diction error: the SUV did not lose control; the driver lost control. The sentence should be reworded.
"The driver of the westbound SUV lost control and the vehicle went into the eastbound lane..."
"The Leamington couple were pronounced dead at the scene."
This is another subject-verb agreement problem.
"The Leamington couple was pronounced dead at the scene."
"The crash site is one of several sections of 401 that don't have barriers."
“One” is the subject and is singular. The verb must also be singular.
"The crash site is one of several sections of 401 that doesn't have barriers."
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Vitiate" (v.) means to corrupt morally, deprave or debase.
It is pronounced “vish- i-ate”.
“Perturbation" (n.) means discomposure, agitation or an unhappy or worried state of mind.
The root is “perturb”.
“Scurrilous" (adj.) means expressing abusive, insulting contemptuous or scornful reproach.
“Cataclysm" (n.) means a sudden violent change in the earth’s surface, a major upheaval in a social or political nature, a catastrophe.
“Mundane" (adj.) means unremarkable, routine, mediocre or pedestrian in nature.
THE POSERS
"Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.”
Macbeth, William Shakespeare, The Three Sisters, IV. I.
“...the law is a ass, a idiot.”
Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens, Mr. Bumble.
Monday
FEWER/LESS
This is a repeat but it needs reemphasis.
“Fewer” is used with objects that can be counted one-by-one.
“There are fewer cars on the road after three am.”
“Less” is used with objects or quantities that cannot be counted individually.
“She worked fewer hours than I did last week.”
Tuesday
"The highest number of deaths were cancer related."
The subject of the sentence is “number” and it is singular. It demands the singular verb “was”.
"The highest number of deaths was cancer related."
"The biggest story on the weather front are the weather maps."
The subject of the sentence is “story” and it is singular. It demands the singular verb “is”. It is, also, poorly worded.
"The biggest story on the weather front is the weather maps."
Wednesday
"Brace yourself Windsor. Because the worst is yet to come."
“Because the worst is yet to come” is a subordinate clause and cannot stand by itself; it must be attached to a principal clause to be complete. I do not accept that newspaper writing is allowed such poetic licence.
"Brace yourself Windsor because the worst is yet to come."
Thursday
MEDIUM/MEDIA
I will limit this discussion to “medium” and “media” as “vehicles of communication”.
“Medium” is singular and refers to one form of communication such as radio.
“Media” is plural and refers to all forms of communication collectively.
Therefore, to refer to TV as media is incorrect; it is only one medium of communication.
Friday
"The westbound SUV lost control and went into the eastbound lane..."
The error here is a diction error: the SUV did not lose control; the driver lost control. The sentence should be reworded.
"The driver of the westbound SUV lost control and the vehicle went into the eastbound lane..."
"The Leamington couple were pronounced dead at the scene."
This is another subject-verb agreement problem.
"The Leamington couple was pronounced dead at the scene."
"The crash site is one of several sections of 401 that don't have barriers."
“One” is the subject and is singular. The verb must also be singular.
"The crash site is one of several sections of 401 that doesn't have barriers."
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Vitiate" (v.) means to corrupt morally, deprave or debase.
It is pronounced “vish- i-ate”.
“Perturbation" (n.) means discomposure, agitation or an unhappy or worried state of mind.
The root is “perturb”.
“Scurrilous" (adj.) means expressing abusive, insulting contemptuous or scornful reproach.
“Cataclysm" (n.) means a sudden violent change in the earth’s surface, a major upheaval in a social or political nature, a catastrophe.
“Mundane" (adj.) means unremarkable, routine, mediocre or pedestrian in nature.
THE POSERS
"Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.”
Macbeth, William Shakespeare, The Three Sisters, IV. I.
“...the law is a ass, a idiot.”
Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens, Mr. Bumble.
Friday, November 23, 2007
LET US THINK...
TRIPLE HEADER
Check the following sentences and correct the errors in each.
"The westbound SUV lost control and went into the eastbound lane..."
"The Leamington couple were pronounced dead at the scene."
"The crash site is one of several sections of 401 that don't have barriers."
Sarah McGrath, "Double Fatality on 401", A-Channel News, 11 pm, Thursday, November 22, 2007.
TODAY'S POSER
Identify the author and work of the following quote. (Googling is not allowed.)
“...the law is a ass, a idiot.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "mundane".
Define "mundane" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted on Sunday.
Check the following sentences and correct the errors in each.
"The westbound SUV lost control and went into the eastbound lane..."
"The Leamington couple were pronounced dead at the scene."
"The crash site is one of several sections of 401 that don't have barriers."
Sarah McGrath, "Double Fatality on 401", A-Channel News, 11 pm, Thursday, November 22, 2007.
TODAY'S POSER
Identify the author and work of the following quote. (Googling is not allowed.)
“...the law is a ass, a idiot.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "mundane".
Define "mundane" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted on Sunday.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
PROFESSIONAL CORRECTNESS
POLICY
A comment came to me yesterday criticizing some poor grammar and spelling in the "Letters to the Editor" section of The Windsor Star. The criticism was correct, but I make it a policy of this blog to never select errors from non-professionals for criticism or correction.
I do not expect The Windsor Star to correct errors in letters that the public submits. That is not the job of the editors.
I try to limit my crusade for correct English usage to newspaper writers and editors and TV copy writers and newscasters who are paid to write or deliver newscasts and reports. They are the professionals and, as such, have an obligation to be absolutely correct.
In a spirit of fairness though, I think many "Letters to the Editor writers" could do a better job proofing their own submissions.
The result, I hope, is better English usage by all.
POOR CONSTRUCTION? POETIC LICENCE?
Is there any error below? What is it?
(If you cite my spelling of "licence", read my blog entry for November 7, 2007.)
"Brace yourself Windsor. Because the worst is yet to come."
Gord Henderson, "Worst yet to come", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 22, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "scurrilous".
Define "scurrilous" and use it in a sentence.
A comment came to me yesterday criticizing some poor grammar and spelling in the "Letters to the Editor" section of The Windsor Star. The criticism was correct, but I make it a policy of this blog to never select errors from non-professionals for criticism or correction.
I do not expect The Windsor Star to correct errors in letters that the public submits. That is not the job of the editors.
I try to limit my crusade for correct English usage to newspaper writers and editors and TV copy writers and newscasters who are paid to write or deliver newscasts and reports. They are the professionals and, as such, have an obligation to be absolutely correct.
In a spirit of fairness though, I think many "Letters to the Editor writers" could do a better job proofing their own submissions.
The result, I hope, is better English usage by all.
POOR CONSTRUCTION? POETIC LICENCE?
Is there any error below? What is it?
(If you cite my spelling of "licence", read my blog entry for November 7, 2007.)
"Brace yourself Windsor. Because the worst is yet to come."
Gord Henderson, "Worst yet to come", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 22, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "scurrilous".
Define "scurrilous" and use it in a sentence.
EASY! EASY!
MEDIUM/MEDIA
"Medium" and "media" are overused and often misused. What is the difference between the two?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "cataclysm".
Define "cataclysm" and use it in a sentence.
TIP OF THE DAY
When defining a word, using the same word to define the word is not allowed; for example, "perturbation is the state of being perturbed," does not honestly define the word.
"Medium" and "media" are overused and often misused. What is the difference between the two?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "cataclysm".
Define "cataclysm" and use it in a sentence.
TIP OF THE DAY
When defining a word, using the same word to define the word is not allowed; for example, "perturbation is the state of being perturbed," does not honestly define the word.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
TODAY'S WINNERS ARE...
SOMETHING NEW
"Double, double, toil and trouble..."
What is the next line?
What is the source of this line? (Be specific)
DOUBLE TROUBLE
What errors occur in the lines below?
"The highest number of deaths were cancer related."
Anna Vlachos, A-Channel News, Monday, November 19, 2007, 6:07 pm.
"The biggest story on the weather front are the weather maps."
Jay Campbell, A-Channel Weather, Monday, November 19, 2007, 6:15 pm.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "perturbation".
Define "perturbation" and use it in a sentence.
(It is not a difficult word if you look at the root.)
COMMENTS
To leave a comment on this blog, click on "Comment" at the end of each entry and make your offering. Your comment will then be attached to the blog entry you are accessing. All comments that are accepted are numbered in the "Comment" section.
TO COMMENTER IAN
Check the explanation of the posting you corrected; you missed the principal error.
"Double, double, toil and trouble..."
What is the next line?
What is the source of this line? (Be specific)
DOUBLE TROUBLE
What errors occur in the lines below?
"The highest number of deaths were cancer related."
Anna Vlachos, A-Channel News, Monday, November 19, 2007, 6:07 pm.
"The biggest story on the weather front are the weather maps."
Jay Campbell, A-Channel Weather, Monday, November 19, 2007, 6:15 pm.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "perturbation".
Define "perturbation" and use it in a sentence.
(It is not a difficult word if you look at the root.)
COMMENTS
To leave a comment on this blog, click on "Comment" at the end of each entry and make your offering. Your comment will then be attached to the blog entry you are accessing. All comments that are accepted are numbered in the "Comment" section.
TO COMMENTER IAN
Check the explanation of the posting you corrected; you missed the principal error.
Monday, November 19, 2007
EASY START
FEWER/LESS
(This is a simple one that is abused far too often.)
Explain the difference between the usage of "fewer" and "less"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "vitiate".
Define "vitiate" and use it in a sentence.
How is "vitiate" pronounced?
(This is a simple one that is abused far too often.)
Explain the difference between the usage of "fewer" and "less"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "vitiate".
Define "vitiate" and use it in a sentence.
How is "vitiate" pronounced?
Sunday, November 18, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 18, 2007
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
PALATE/PALETTE/PALLET
“Palate” is the roof of the mouth or one’s sense of taste.
“Palette” is the board on which paints are mixed or a range of colours.
“Pallet” is a bed or a flat platform for carrying loads.
Tuesday
Are there errors below? (Hint: look for two.)
"The city and trustees should review their respective positions and consider whether a compromise can be reached that would allow both of them to save a little face while saving the historic theatre. Because if this dispute goes to court while the theatre remains closed, everyone loses no matter which side wins."
In this sentence, “whether” means “regardless of whether” and must be followed by “or not” because a comparison is presented.
The clause, “Because if...side wins,” is an incomplete thought and should be reworded.
"The city and trustees should review their respective positions and consider whether or not a compromise can be reached that would allow both of them to save a little face while saving the historic theatre. If this dispute goes to court while the theatre remains closed, everyone loses no matter which side wins."
MYSTIC/MYSTIQUE
“Mystic” (n.) refers to a prophet, a religious leader or a believer and is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable.
“Mystique" (n.) refers to a personal magnetism, a heightened aura about a person or a charisma and is pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Wednesday
ORIENT/ORIENTATE
“Orient”, as a noun, means east and may be capitalized.
“Orient”, as a verb, means to give or find direction.
“Orientation” is the noun form of orient.
“Orientation”, as a verb is outdated, pompous and should not be used.
Thursday
"[We will be affected by winds] coming off of Lake Michigan and off of Lake Huron."
“Off of” is never acceptable. Both words are prepositions which are words that begin phrases such as “off the wall” or “of the brain”. Phrases are not begun with two prepositions together.
"[We will be affected by winds] coming off Lake Michigan and off Lake Huron."
Friday
PRONUNCIATION
The indefinite article “a” is pronounced as in the word “act”. “A”, as in “hayseed”, is incorrect or, at best, regional.
“An” is used in front of words beginning with vowels.
The definite article “the” is not the pronoun “thee”. The closest word I can use to indicate pronunciation is the vowel in “up”. Any other pronunciation suggestions will be considered.
THE WEEKLY WORDS
“Panegyric" (n.) means paean or eulogy or song of praise.
“Elucidation" (n.) is a clarifying interpretation or elimination of ambiguity.
“Elucidate” is the verb form.
“Nexus" (n.) is a tie or link or means of connection.
“Recumbent" (adj.) means lying in a comfortable position or reclining.
“Asperity" (n.) means grimness, harshness or rigourous.
Monday
PALATE/PALETTE/PALLET
“Palate” is the roof of the mouth or one’s sense of taste.
“Palette” is the board on which paints are mixed or a range of colours.
“Pallet” is a bed or a flat platform for carrying loads.
Tuesday
Are there errors below? (Hint: look for two.)
"The city and trustees should review their respective positions and consider whether a compromise can be reached that would allow both of them to save a little face while saving the historic theatre. Because if this dispute goes to court while the theatre remains closed, everyone loses no matter which side wins."
In this sentence, “whether” means “regardless of whether” and must be followed by “or not” because a comparison is presented.
The clause, “Because if...side wins,” is an incomplete thought and should be reworded.
"The city and trustees should review their respective positions and consider whether or not a compromise can be reached that would allow both of them to save a little face while saving the historic theatre. If this dispute goes to court while the theatre remains closed, everyone loses no matter which side wins."
MYSTIC/MYSTIQUE
“Mystic” (n.) refers to a prophet, a religious leader or a believer and is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable.
“Mystique" (n.) refers to a personal magnetism, a heightened aura about a person or a charisma and is pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Wednesday
ORIENT/ORIENTATE
“Orient”, as a noun, means east and may be capitalized.
“Orient”, as a verb, means to give or find direction.
“Orientation” is the noun form of orient.
“Orientation”, as a verb is outdated, pompous and should not be used.
Thursday
"[We will be affected by winds] coming off of Lake Michigan and off of Lake Huron."
“Off of” is never acceptable. Both words are prepositions which are words that begin phrases such as “off the wall” or “of the brain”. Phrases are not begun with two prepositions together.
"[We will be affected by winds] coming off Lake Michigan and off Lake Huron."
Friday
PRONUNCIATION
The indefinite article “a” is pronounced as in the word “act”. “A”, as in “hayseed”, is incorrect or, at best, regional.
“An” is used in front of words beginning with vowels.
The definite article “the” is not the pronoun “thee”. The closest word I can use to indicate pronunciation is the vowel in “up”. Any other pronunciation suggestions will be considered.
THE WEEKLY WORDS
“Panegyric" (n.) means paean or eulogy or song of praise.
“Elucidation" (n.) is a clarifying interpretation or elimination of ambiguity.
“Elucidate” is the verb form.
“Nexus" (n.) is a tie or link or means of connection.
“Recumbent" (adj.) means lying in a comfortable position or reclining.
“Asperity" (n.) means grimness, harshness or rigourous.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
SATURDAY SPECIAL
HA!HA! DEAR COMMENTER
Try again! On both counts! I told you not to use George Bush as your mentor. (Note the poetic sentence structure I used.)
All corrections and explanations will be posted tomorrow.
Try again! On both counts! I told you not to use George Bush as your mentor. (Note the poetic sentence structure I used.)
All corrections and explanations will be posted tomorrow.
Friday, November 16, 2007
FRIDAY CORRECTNESS
PRONUNCIATION
What is the correct pronunciation of the indefinite article "a" and of the definite article "the"?
(Hint: don't use George Bush as your example.)
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "asperity".
Define "asperity" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday morning.
What is the correct pronunciation of the indefinite article "a" and of the definite article "the"?
(Hint: don't use George Bush as your example.)
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "asperity".
Define "asperity" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday morning.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
THURSDAY THINK
CARELESS ERROR
"[We will be affected by winds] coming off of Lake Michigan and off of Lake Huron."
Paraphrase: Julie Atchison, A Channel Weather, 11:14 pm, Wednesday, November 14, 2007.
What is the error? More importantly, why is it an error?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "recumbent".
Define "recumbent" and use it in a sentence.
"[We will be affected by winds] coming off of Lake Michigan and off of Lake Huron."
Paraphrase: Julie Atchison, A Channel Weather, 11:14 pm, Wednesday, November 14, 2007.
What is the error? More importantly, why is it an error?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "recumbent".
Define "recumbent" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
EASY WEDNESDAY
ORIENT/ORIENTATE
What are the meanings of "orient" and "orientate"? What is the correct usage of each word?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "nexus".
Define "nexux" and use it in some fashion in your speech today.
What are the meanings of "orient" and "orientate"? What is the correct usage of each word?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "nexus".
Define "nexux" and use it in some fashion in your speech today.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
TUESDAY TEASERS
A PERIOD PIECE
Are there errors below? (Hint: look for two.)
"The city and trustees should review their respective positions and consider whether a compromise can be reached that would allow both of them to save a little face while saving the historic theatre. Because if this dispute goes to court while the theatre remains closed, everyone loses no matter which side wins."
Lead Editorial, "The Capitol", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 12, 2007.
MYSTIC/MYSTIQUE
What is the difference between "mystic" and "mystique" both in meaning and pronunciation?
(Compliments of Merrick Sutherland, A Channel Sports, 6:45 pm, Monday, November 11, 2007.)
YESTERDAY'S TRIBUTE
Read the comment analysing my brief Remembrance Day Tribute on November 11. Do you agree with the comment?
If you disagree with my spelling of "analysing", check a non-American dictionary.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "elucidation".
Define "elucidation' and use it in a sentence. What is the verb form of the word?
Are there errors below? (Hint: look for two.)
"The city and trustees should review their respective positions and consider whether a compromise can be reached that would allow both of them to save a little face while saving the historic theatre. Because if this dispute goes to court while the theatre remains closed, everyone loses no matter which side wins."
Lead Editorial, "The Capitol", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 12, 2007.
MYSTIC/MYSTIQUE
What is the difference between "mystic" and "mystique" both in meaning and pronunciation?
(Compliments of Merrick Sutherland, A Channel Sports, 6:45 pm, Monday, November 11, 2007.)
YESTERDAY'S TRIBUTE
Read the comment analysing my brief Remembrance Day Tribute on November 11. Do you agree with the comment?
If you disagree with my spelling of "analysing", check a non-American dictionary.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "elucidation".
Define "elucidation' and use it in a sentence. What is the verb form of the word?
Monday, November 12, 2007
A DAY TO REMEMBER
PLEASE REMEMBER
Please, do not ever forget the sacrifices of life and limb made to give us our freedoms.
PALATE/PALETTE/PALLET
What is the difference in meaning for "palate", "palette" and "pallet"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "panegyric".
This is an uncommon word but is appropriate.
Define "panegyric" and use it in a sentence.
Please, do not ever forget the sacrifices of life and limb made to give us our freedoms.
PALATE/PALETTE/PALLET
What is the difference in meaning for "palate", "palette" and "pallet"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "panegyric".
This is an uncommon word but is appropriate.
Define "panegyric" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 11, 2007
Monday
HOW SHARP ARE YOU?
"The gang of boys are abusing the rest of the children that are in the playground."
“Gang” is the subject of the sentence; it is singular and needs a singular verb.
“Children” are people, so a personal pronoun, “who” is needed in referring to them.
"The gang of boys is abusing the rest of the children who are in the playground."
"Tom, Harold and myself are going to go skating this afternoon."
“Myself" is a reflexive pronoun and cannot be used as the subject of a sentence.
"Tom, Harold and I are going to go skating this afternoon."
"Mary was recently named as the new Director of Personal."
“Personal” refers to a particular person or to his private affairs.
“Personnel” refers to a group of people and must be used.
"Mary was recently named as the new Director of Personnel."
"The premiere of the film occurred last night."
This is a correct sentence.
Tuesday
"Surprisingly, the staffing levels at these similar-sized municipalities varies greatly, with some having twice as many staff as others."
“Levels” is plural and as subject of the sentence it demands a plural verb.
"Surprisingly, the staffing levels at these similar-sized municipalities vary greatly, with some having twice as many staff as others."
"Under cross-examination by hospital lawyer Patrick Ducharme, Rose said Hotel Dieu managers had been "very reponsive" to Dupont. For example, they offered her a more secure parking spot."
The punctuation is incorrect. There must be a semi-colon after “Dupont” and “for example” is not capitalized. A period before “for example” is incorrect. You may argue this if you want, but I do not accept that “for example” can start an independent sentence.
"Under cross-examination by hospital lawyer Patrick Ducharme, Rose said Hotel Dieu managers had been "very reponsive" to Dupont; for example, they offered her a more secure parking spot."
Wednesday
PRONUNCIATION - "ACCESSORIES"
“Accessories” is pronounced “Ack-sessories”. Saying the two “Cs” as “S” is wrong.
PRACTICE/PRACTISE
“Practice”is a noun in British spelling and means training by multiple uses or the exercise of a profession.
“Practise” is the verb form in British spelling and means to learn by repetition or to do a job.
“Practise” is used for both the noun and the verb in the US.
I prefer the British usage.
LICENCE/LICENSE
“Licence”is a noun in British spelling and means permission or leave to do something.
“License” is the verb form in British spelling and means to authorize officially
“License” is used for both the noun and the verb in the US.
I prefer the British usage.
Thursday
How many errors can you find in the following?
"When pigeons roost on people's roofs they pick away at the shingles, the droppings on patios or decks are incredible."
This is a perfect example of a comma splice. A period or a semi-colon is needed. (# 1)
"When pigeons roost on people's roofs they pick away at the shingles; the droppings on patios or decks are incredible."
"People get affected when you have a neighbour literally spreading bags full of bird feed across their lawn."
People do not “get” affected; they “are” affected. Think of the sense of the words. (# 2)
“You” brings a second person point of view in a third person point of view sentence. It is unacceptable to mix these two points of view. (#3)
“People” is a plural noun. Therefore, “people” must have more than one “lawn”. This is reinforced by the word “their”.
"People are affected when they have a neighbour literally spreading bags full of bird feed across their lawns." (#4)
"But enforcement may be a problem, especially if a large number of complaints are received, according to the council report.
“Number” is singular and demands a singular verb.
"But enforcement may be a problem, especially if a large number of complaints is received, according to the council report. (# 5)
Friday
If this blog peaks your interest, please tell a friend or twelve about it.
“Peaks” is incorrect. The sense of the sentence implies “piques”.
If this blog piques your interest, please tell a friend or twelve about it.
I should have went to the store yesterday because the sale is not on today.
This is an unacceptable formation of the present perfect tense.
I should have gone to the store yesterday because the sale is not on today.
People are in such a hurry they don't hardly ever read newspapers any more.
This is an unacceptable double negative.
People are in such a hurry they hardly ever read newspapers any more.
Where did you get that at?
“Where” designates the place; “at” is not needed and is a dangling infinitive.
Where did you get that?
He successfully moderated the conference titled "Growing Your Business".
You do not “grow your business” any more than “your grow your hair”. This is a complete misuse of the meaning of the word.
He successfully moderated the conference titled "Developing Your Business".
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Supercilious" (adj.) means having an arrogant superiority, haughty or self-important.
“Collusion" (n.) means a secret agreement or arrangement.
“Libertine" (n.) means a person who is morally unrestrained or corrupt, a degenerate or a profligate.
“Laconic" (adj.) means crisp, effectively concise, brief or terse.
“Maladroit" (adj.) means awkward or not dexterous.
HOW SHARP ARE YOU?
"The gang of boys are abusing the rest of the children that are in the playground."
“Gang” is the subject of the sentence; it is singular and needs a singular verb.
“Children” are people, so a personal pronoun, “who” is needed in referring to them.
"The gang of boys is abusing the rest of the children who are in the playground."
"Tom, Harold and myself are going to go skating this afternoon."
“Myself" is a reflexive pronoun and cannot be used as the subject of a sentence.
"Tom, Harold and I are going to go skating this afternoon."
"Mary was recently named as the new Director of Personal."
“Personal” refers to a particular person or to his private affairs.
“Personnel” refers to a group of people and must be used.
"Mary was recently named as the new Director of Personnel."
"The premiere of the film occurred last night."
This is a correct sentence.
Tuesday
"Surprisingly, the staffing levels at these similar-sized municipalities varies greatly, with some having twice as many staff as others."
“Levels” is plural and as subject of the sentence it demands a plural verb.
"Surprisingly, the staffing levels at these similar-sized municipalities vary greatly, with some having twice as many staff as others."
"Under cross-examination by hospital lawyer Patrick Ducharme, Rose said Hotel Dieu managers had been "very reponsive" to Dupont. For example, they offered her a more secure parking spot."
The punctuation is incorrect. There must be a semi-colon after “Dupont” and “for example” is not capitalized. A period before “for example” is incorrect. You may argue this if you want, but I do not accept that “for example” can start an independent sentence.
"Under cross-examination by hospital lawyer Patrick Ducharme, Rose said Hotel Dieu managers had been "very reponsive" to Dupont; for example, they offered her a more secure parking spot."
Wednesday
PRONUNCIATION - "ACCESSORIES"
“Accessories” is pronounced “Ack-sessories”. Saying the two “Cs” as “S” is wrong.
PRACTICE/PRACTISE
“Practice”is a noun in British spelling and means training by multiple uses or the exercise of a profession.
“Practise” is the verb form in British spelling and means to learn by repetition or to do a job.
“Practise” is used for both the noun and the verb in the US.
I prefer the British usage.
LICENCE/LICENSE
“Licence”is a noun in British spelling and means permission or leave to do something.
“License” is the verb form in British spelling and means to authorize officially
“License” is used for both the noun and the verb in the US.
I prefer the British usage.
Thursday
How many errors can you find in the following?
"When pigeons roost on people's roofs they pick away at the shingles, the droppings on patios or decks are incredible."
This is a perfect example of a comma splice. A period or a semi-colon is needed. (# 1)
"When pigeons roost on people's roofs they pick away at the shingles; the droppings on patios or decks are incredible."
"People get affected when you have a neighbour literally spreading bags full of bird feed across their lawn."
People do not “get” affected; they “are” affected. Think of the sense of the words. (# 2)
“You” brings a second person point of view in a third person point of view sentence. It is unacceptable to mix these two points of view. (#3)
“People” is a plural noun. Therefore, “people” must have more than one “lawn”. This is reinforced by the word “their”.
"People are affected when they have a neighbour literally spreading bags full of bird feed across their lawns." (#4)
"But enforcement may be a problem, especially if a large number of complaints are received, according to the council report.
“Number” is singular and demands a singular verb.
"But enforcement may be a problem, especially if a large number of complaints is received, according to the council report. (# 5)
Friday
If this blog peaks your interest, please tell a friend or twelve about it.
“Peaks” is incorrect. The sense of the sentence implies “piques”.
If this blog piques your interest, please tell a friend or twelve about it.
I should have went to the store yesterday because the sale is not on today.
This is an unacceptable formation of the present perfect tense.
I should have gone to the store yesterday because the sale is not on today.
People are in such a hurry they don't hardly ever read newspapers any more.
This is an unacceptable double negative.
People are in such a hurry they hardly ever read newspapers any more.
Where did you get that at?
“Where” designates the place; “at” is not needed and is a dangling infinitive.
Where did you get that?
He successfully moderated the conference titled "Growing Your Business".
You do not “grow your business” any more than “your grow your hair”. This is a complete misuse of the meaning of the word.
He successfully moderated the conference titled "Developing Your Business".
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Supercilious" (adj.) means having an arrogant superiority, haughty or self-important.
“Collusion" (n.) means a secret agreement or arrangement.
“Libertine" (n.) means a person who is morally unrestrained or corrupt, a degenerate or a profligate.
“Laconic" (adj.) means crisp, effectively concise, brief or terse.
“Maladroit" (adj.) means awkward or not dexterous.
Friday, November 9, 2007
FRIDAY FUN
FYI
If this blog piques your interest, please tell a friend or twelve about it.
Feel free to make suggestions to post. I am always trying to find new, fun material.
If you have the inclination, read the various comments posted, especially those that offer corrections. The corrections are not always correct and they present, in themselves, some new challenges.
Corrections and Explanations will be published Sunday.
A GOOD STEP
Congratulations to the Windsor Star writers. There were no errors in the stories I read today. Bravo! Now, we go to Act II.
A SIMPLE TEST
Correct the errors, if there are any, in the sentences below.
I should have went to the store yesterday because the sale is not on today.
People are in such a hurry they don't hardly ever read newspapers any more.
Where did you get that at?
He successfully moderated the conference titled "Growing Your Business".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "maladroit".
Define "maladroit" and use it in a sentence.
If this blog piques your interest, please tell a friend or twelve about it.
Feel free to make suggestions to post. I am always trying to find new, fun material.
If you have the inclination, read the various comments posted, especially those that offer corrections. The corrections are not always correct and they present, in themselves, some new challenges.
Corrections and Explanations will be published Sunday.
A GOOD STEP
Congratulations to the Windsor Star writers. There were no errors in the stories I read today. Bravo! Now, we go to Act II.
A SIMPLE TEST
Correct the errors, if there are any, in the sentences below.
I should have went to the store yesterday because the sale is not on today.
People are in such a hurry they don't hardly ever read newspapers any more.
Where did you get that at?
He successfully moderated the conference titled "Growing Your Business".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "maladroit".
Define "maladroit" and use it in a sentence.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
MAKE MY DAY!
ONE STORY - MUCH FODDER
How many errors can you find in the following? What are they? (Hint: four is good; a real purist would say there are five.)
"When pigeons roost on people's roofs they pick away at the shingles, the droppings on patios or decks are incredible."
Dave Battagello, "City targets nuisance feeding", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 8, 2007.
"People get affected when you have a neighbour literally spreading bags full of bird feed across their lawn."
Dave Battagello quoting Fulvio Valentinis in "City targets nuisance feeding", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 8, 2007.
"But enforcement may be a problem, especially if a large number of complaints are received, according to the council report.
Dave Battagello, "City targets nuisance feeding", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 8, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "laconic".
Define "laconic" and use it in a sentence.
How many errors can you find in the following? What are they? (Hint: four is good; a real purist would say there are five.)
"When pigeons roost on people's roofs they pick away at the shingles, the droppings on patios or decks are incredible."
Dave Battagello, "City targets nuisance feeding", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 8, 2007.
"People get affected when you have a neighbour literally spreading bags full of bird feed across their lawn."
Dave Battagello quoting Fulvio Valentinis in "City targets nuisance feeding", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 8, 2007.
"But enforcement may be a problem, especially if a large number of complaints are received, according to the council report.
Dave Battagello, "City targets nuisance feeding", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 8, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "laconic".
Define "laconic" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
COMMENT FEEDBACK
GOOD JOB
Check the comments from the last few days and you will see that people are checking my entries and finding errors. That is great; it challenges me to follow my own guidelines which I will try to do.
Just so I don't have to create a new apology every day let us say that any time I make an error it is intended to make you read more closely. That way I will always accomplish my objective.
What is really good is that people are becoming aware. Bravo!
THREE REQUESTS
PRONUNCIATION DILEMMA - ACCESSORIES
(Heard on a Radio 800 CKLW pronunciation by an anonymous commenter)
How should the word "accessories" be pronounced?
PRACTICE/PRACTISE
What is the difference between "practice" and "practise" and what is acceptable usage of these words?
LICENCE/LICENSE
What is the difference between "licence" and "license" and what is acceptable usage of these words?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "libertine".
Define "libertine" and use it in a sentence.
Check the comments from the last few days and you will see that people are checking my entries and finding errors. That is great; it challenges me to follow my own guidelines which I will try to do.
Just so I don't have to create a new apology every day let us say that any time I make an error it is intended to make you read more closely. That way I will always accomplish my objective.
What is really good is that people are becoming aware. Bravo!
THREE REQUESTS
PRONUNCIATION DILEMMA - ACCESSORIES
(Heard on a Radio 800 CKLW pronunciation by an anonymous commenter)
How should the word "accessories" be pronounced?
PRACTICE/PRACTISE
What is the difference between "practice" and "practise" and what is acceptable usage of these words?
LICENCE/LICENSE
What is the difference between "licence" and "license" and what is acceptable usage of these words?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "libertine".
Define "libertine" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
CAMPAIGN CONTINUES
MY MISTAKE
What is fun about this blog is that you can find my mistakes as "Anonymous" did with my explanation for one error in the entry "Monday Musings". I was careless and did not think out my explanation correctly. The comment is legitimate; I was in error and I will eat some humble pie. Mea culpa!
THE USUAL
Identify and correct any errors you can find in the following:
"Surprisingly,the staffing levels at these similar-sized municipalities varies greatly, with some having twice as many staffas others."
Gary Rennie, "Municipal Mergers Costly", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 6, 2007.
THIS ONE IS A POSER
Some may think there is no error in the entry below. I suggest there is. What is your opinion?
"Under cross-examination by hospital lawyer Patrick Ducharme, Rose said Hotel Dieu managers had been "very reponsive" to Dupont. For example, they offered her a more secure parking spot."
Doug Schmidt, "Hospital expert condemn's Dieu's inaction", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 6, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "collusion".
Define "collusion" and use it in a sentence.
What is fun about this blog is that you can find my mistakes as "Anonymous" did with my explanation for one error in the entry "Monday Musings". I was careless and did not think out my explanation correctly. The comment is legitimate; I was in error and I will eat some humble pie. Mea culpa!
THE USUAL
Identify and correct any errors you can find in the following:
"Surprisingly,the staffing levels at these similar-sized municipalities varies greatly, with some having twice as many staffas others."
Gary Rennie, "Municipal Mergers Costly", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 6, 2007.
THIS ONE IS A POSER
Some may think there is no error in the entry below. I suggest there is. What is your opinion?
"Under cross-examination by hospital lawyer Patrick Ducharme, Rose said Hotel Dieu managers had been "very reponsive" to Dupont. For example, they offered her a more secure parking spot."
Doug Schmidt, "Hospital expert condemn's Dieu's inaction", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 6, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "collusion".
Define "collusion" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, November 5, 2007
LATE MONDAY ENTRY
THANKS
I thank Monica Wolfson for the article she wrote about this blog in today's Windsor Star. I appreciate the tone because it captures the essence of the blog mandate.
I also appreciate the publicity and hope it generates some interest in all of us bettering our skills in the use of the English language.
HOW SHARP ARE YOU?
Are there any errors in the following sentences? There may, or may not, be errors and you are expected to defend whichever side you choose.
"The gang of boys are abusing the rest of the children that are in the playground."
"Tom, Harold and myself are going to go skating this afternoon."
"Mary was recently named as the new Director of Personal."
"The premiere of the film occurred last night."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "supercilious".
Define "supercilious" and use it in a sentence.
FYI
If you sent me a comment and it is not offensive, I publish it. Your comment is then inserted in the "Comment" section of the day to which it refers.
If you ask for an opinion, I will try to answer you the next day. Certainly, I will respond by the end of the week.
Thanks for your patronage and patience.
I thank Monica Wolfson for the article she wrote about this blog in today's Windsor Star. I appreciate the tone because it captures the essence of the blog mandate.
I also appreciate the publicity and hope it generates some interest in all of us bettering our skills in the use of the English language.
HOW SHARP ARE YOU?
Are there any errors in the following sentences? There may, or may not, be errors and you are expected to defend whichever side you choose.
"The gang of boys are abusing the rest of the children that are in the playground."
"Tom, Harold and myself are going to go skating this afternoon."
"Mary was recently named as the new Director of Personal."
"The premiere of the film occurred last night."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "supercilious".
Define "supercilious" and use it in a sentence.
FYI
If you sent me a comment and it is not offensive, I publish it. Your comment is then inserted in the "Comment" section of the day to which it refers.
If you ask for an opinion, I will try to answer you the next day. Certainly, I will respond by the end of the week.
Thanks for your patronage and patience.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 4, 2007
Below are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
LOATH/LOATHE
“Loath” (adj.) is pronounced “lōth” as in “both” and means averse , reluctant or unwilling to do something.
“He was loath to take on extra duties because of his already full schedule.”
“Loathe” (v.) uses the long “th” and means to feel hatred or a physical disgust for something.
“I loathe the use of the word ‘guys’ by anyone talking to a group that has females in it.”
Tuesday
BLOND/BLONDE
“Blond” (adj.) means any person having light hair or skin. In France, it refers to males and “blonde” refers to females.
“Blonde” (adj.) refers to females of light hair or skin and should not be used when talking of males.
Wednesday
HYPOCRITICAL/HYPERCRITICAL
“Hypocritical” (adj.) means being two-faced, false, insincere or devious.
“Hypercritical” (adj.) means being overly critical, or judging too severely.
Thursday
EXOTERIC/ESOTERIC
“Exoteric” (adj.) means suitable for the general public or accessible.
“Esoteric” (Adj.) means confined or limited to only a few or understood only by a select group.
Friday
BLATANT/FLAGRANT
“Blatant” (adj.) means an open disregard for, conspicuous, or without any attempt at concealment
“Flagrant”(adj.) means conspicuously bad, detestable, obscene, offensive or reprehensible.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Threnody" (n.) is a song or hymn of mourning, a memorial to the dead.
“The funeral mass had a threnody that brought tears to the eyes of the mourners.”
“Expiation" (n.) means to make amends or to atone for sin or wrongdoing.
Other forms of the word are “expiate” (v.) and “expiatory” (adj.).
“The contrite thief made atonement for his wrongs by putting many hours of help for the poor.”
"Histrionic" (adj.) means melodramatic or showy in attitude or gesture as in affected stage performances.
"The orator was booed by the audience for his histrionic gesturing and ranting.”
“Egregious" (adj.) refers to a flagrant violation of human rights, offensive or repugnant.
“The egregious politician openly flaunted his willingness to listen to any lobbyist who had money.”
"Harlequin" (n.) is a clown or buffoon. It is a character taken, originally, from old Italian comedy who dressed in motley who was droll and carried a wooden sword or wand.
“Commedia dell‘arte uses many stock characters in its improvisational works, one of which is the buffoon, Harlequin.”
Monday
LOATH/LOATHE
“Loath” (adj.) is pronounced “lōth” as in “both” and means averse , reluctant or unwilling to do something.
“He was loath to take on extra duties because of his already full schedule.”
“Loathe” (v.) uses the long “th” and means to feel hatred or a physical disgust for something.
“I loathe the use of the word ‘guys’ by anyone talking to a group that has females in it.”
Tuesday
BLOND/BLONDE
“Blond” (adj.) means any person having light hair or skin. In France, it refers to males and “blonde” refers to females.
“Blonde” (adj.) refers to females of light hair or skin and should not be used when talking of males.
Wednesday
HYPOCRITICAL/HYPERCRITICAL
“Hypocritical” (adj.) means being two-faced, false, insincere or devious.
“Hypercritical” (adj.) means being overly critical, or judging too severely.
Thursday
EXOTERIC/ESOTERIC
“Exoteric” (adj.) means suitable for the general public or accessible.
“Esoteric” (Adj.) means confined or limited to only a few or understood only by a select group.
Friday
BLATANT/FLAGRANT
“Blatant” (adj.) means an open disregard for, conspicuous, or without any attempt at concealment
“Flagrant”(adj.) means conspicuously bad, detestable, obscene, offensive or reprehensible.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Threnody" (n.) is a song or hymn of mourning, a memorial to the dead.
“The funeral mass had a threnody that brought tears to the eyes of the mourners.”
“Expiation" (n.) means to make amends or to atone for sin or wrongdoing.
Other forms of the word are “expiate” (v.) and “expiatory” (adj.).
“The contrite thief made atonement for his wrongs by putting many hours of help for the poor.”
"Histrionic" (adj.) means melodramatic or showy in attitude or gesture as in affected stage performances.
"The orator was booed by the audience for his histrionic gesturing and ranting.”
“Egregious" (adj.) refers to a flagrant violation of human rights, offensive or repugnant.
“The egregious politician openly flaunted his willingness to listen to any lobbyist who had money.”
"Harlequin" (n.) is a clown or buffoon. It is a character taken, originally, from old Italian comedy who dressed in motley who was droll and carried a wooden sword or wand.
“Commedia dell‘arte uses many stock characters in its improvisational works, one of which is the buffoon, Harlequin.”
Saturday, November 3, 2007
OOPS!
SORRY!
I have fixed the typo from yesterday's entry.
You missed it?
Oh well...you will have to be more perceptive.
I will be more diligent in the future.
I have fixed the typo from yesterday's entry.
You missed it?
Oh well...you will have to be more perceptive.
I will be more diligent in the future.
Friday, November 2, 2007
FRIDAY FUN
BLATANT/FLAGRANT
What is the difference between "blatant" and "flagrant"?
FRIDAY'S WORD
The word for today is "Harlequin".
What is a "Harlequin"? What is the root of Harlequin? What is the historical background of a Harlequin?
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted on Sunday.
What is the difference between "blatant" and "flagrant"?
FRIDAY'S WORD
The word for today is "Harlequin".
What is a "Harlequin"? What is the root of Harlequin? What is the historical background of a Harlequin?
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted on Sunday.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
SHORT & SWEET
EXOTERIC/ESOTERIC
What is the difference between "exoteric" and "esoteric"?
Use both words in sentences.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "egregious".
Define "egregious" and use it in a sentence.
What is the difference between "exoteric" and "esoteric"?
Use both words in sentences.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "egregious".
Define "egregious" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
HALLOWEEN HYPE
HYPOCRITICAL/HYPERCRITICAL
The theme is "H".
How are "hypocritical" and "hypercritical" different in meaning?
TODAY'S WORD
"Histrionic" is Halloween's word for the day.
Define "histrionic" and use it in a sentence.
The theme is "H".
How are "hypocritical" and "hypercritical" different in meaning?
TODAY'S WORD
"Histrionic" is Halloween's word for the day.
Define "histrionic" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
TUESDAY TEST
BLOND/BLONDE
I don't want to insult anyone, but do you know the difference between "blond" and "blonde"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "expiation".
Define "expiation" and use it, in any of its forms, in some fashion today.
I don't want to insult anyone, but do you know the difference between "blond" and "blonde"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "expiation".
Define "expiation" and use it, in any of its forms, in some fashion today.
Monday, October 29, 2007
MONDAY MUSINGS
REMINDER
This blog was started on April 7, 2007 which means there are nearly six months of postings.
Why not review some of the postings by clicking on any of the dates listed in the column to the right.
A lot of material has been posted and you might find some interesting words or concepts that challenge you to expand your vocabulary and/or your grammar and writing skills.
LOATH/LOATHE
What is the difference in meaning and pronunciation between "loath" and "loathe"?
Use these words in sentences?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "threnody".
This is not a common word but it has a good feel when spoken.
Define "threnody" and use it in a sentence.
This blog was started on April 7, 2007 which means there are nearly six months of postings.
Why not review some of the postings by clicking on any of the dates listed in the column to the right.
A lot of material has been posted and you might find some interesting words or concepts that challenge you to expand your vocabulary and/or your grammar and writing skills.
LOATH/LOATHE
What is the difference in meaning and pronunciation between "loath" and "loathe"?
Use these words in sentences?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "threnody".
This is not a common word but it has a good feel when spoken.
Define "threnody" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - October 28, 2007
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
HEIGHTH/HEIGHT
“Heighth” is not an acceptable word. The only correct form is “height”.
“So check your height today to see if you have grown.”
Tuesday
WHAT'S WRONG?
Explain the errors in the sentences below?
“He wants out of the contract.”
“The cat wants in.”
“Want” cannot be followed by a preposition or adverb indicating direction. The sentences have to be rewritten.
Corrected Versions
“He wants to get out of the contract.”
“The cat wants to come in.”
Wednesday
POOR PROSE BY THE PROS
Example 1
"County Road 25 north of County Road 46 is lined with dozens of mature trees on the road allowance. That's what Chevalier would like to see more of."
You cannot end a sentence in a preposition. It must be reworded.
Corrected Version
"County Road 25 north of County Road 46 is lined with dozens of mature trees on the road allowance. More of that is what Chevalier would like to see."
Example 2
"Most often, though, trees are located on the side of the ditch furthest from the road, with occasional exceptions made for mature trees that are left alone even though they are technically too close to the road by county standards."
“Furthest” does not indicate distance; it means “in addition”. “Farthest" must be used.
Corrected Version
"Most often, though, trees are located on the side of the ditch farthest from the road, with occasional exceptions made for mature trees that are left alone even though they are technically too close to the road by county standards."
Thursday
LAY/LIE
“You lie down to rest.”
“A chicken lays an egg.”
They are not interchangeable.
Friday
MORE POOR PROSE BY THE PROS
Example 1
"Her band of eight students were studying how to depict a group of trees."
The noun “students” is plural. It demands the plural verb “was”.
A number of trees is not called a group; it is a “grove’ or a “copse” or a “forest”.
Corrected Version
"Her band of eight students was studying how to depict a grove of trees."
Example 2
"They call themselves North Preston's Finest (NPF) after the small Nova Scotia community northeast of Halifax were they hail from."
“Were” does not substitute for “where”.
You cannot end a sentence in a preposition. Didn’t I just say that? So, “from” at the end of the sentence is incorrect. It must be reworded.
A third error is that places are not named “after’.
Corrected Version
"They call themselves North Preston's Finest (NPF) for the small Nova Scotia community northeast of Halifax from which they hail."
MORE PARSING
"The boy, Tom, in the back of the room constantly disrupted the the teacher with disgusting noises."
WHAT is the action word? “disrupted”. (Verb) predicate.
WHAT did the action? “Boy” - noun, subject of the verb.
WHAT received the action” “Teacher” - indirect object.
WHEN did the action occur? “constantly” - adverb modifying the verb disrupted.
HOW did the action occur? “With disgusting noises - adverb phrase modifying the verb.
WHAT qualifies the subject? “In the back” - adjective phrase modifying the noun boy.
WHAT is “Tom? A noun in apposition to the subject “boy”. (Something new.)
WHAT is “of the room”? An adjective phrase modifying the noun “back”.
WHAT are “in”, “of” and “with”? Prepositions starting phrases and each taking its own object.
This is laborious but it sets up the structure of a sentence and all sentences use the same rules.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Bemused" (v.) is a verb meaning confused or addled emotionally.
“Satiate" (v.) means to fill, usually overfill, or to consume.
“Flippant" (adj.) means treating things too lightly or not treating with proper gravity.
“Salacious" (adj.) means lewd or suggestive of moral looseness, indecency.
“Intrepid" (adj.) means dauntless, without fear of reprisal or brash
Monday
HEIGHTH/HEIGHT
“Heighth” is not an acceptable word. The only correct form is “height”.
“So check your height today to see if you have grown.”
Tuesday
WHAT'S WRONG?
Explain the errors in the sentences below?
“He wants out of the contract.”
“The cat wants in.”
“Want” cannot be followed by a preposition or adverb indicating direction. The sentences have to be rewritten.
Corrected Versions
“He wants to get out of the contract.”
“The cat wants to come in.”
Wednesday
POOR PROSE BY THE PROS
Example 1
"County Road 25 north of County Road 46 is lined with dozens of mature trees on the road allowance. That's what Chevalier would like to see more of."
You cannot end a sentence in a preposition. It must be reworded.
Corrected Version
"County Road 25 north of County Road 46 is lined with dozens of mature trees on the road allowance. More of that is what Chevalier would like to see."
Example 2
"Most often, though, trees are located on the side of the ditch furthest from the road, with occasional exceptions made for mature trees that are left alone even though they are technically too close to the road by county standards."
“Furthest” does not indicate distance; it means “in addition”. “Farthest" must be used.
Corrected Version
"Most often, though, trees are located on the side of the ditch farthest from the road, with occasional exceptions made for mature trees that are left alone even though they are technically too close to the road by county standards."
Thursday
LAY/LIE
“You lie down to rest.”
“A chicken lays an egg.”
They are not interchangeable.
Friday
MORE POOR PROSE BY THE PROS
Example 1
"Her band of eight students were studying how to depict a group of trees."
The noun “students” is plural. It demands the plural verb “was”.
A number of trees is not called a group; it is a “grove’ or a “copse” or a “forest”.
Corrected Version
"Her band of eight students was studying how to depict a grove of trees."
Example 2
"They call themselves North Preston's Finest (NPF) after the small Nova Scotia community northeast of Halifax were they hail from."
“Were” does not substitute for “where”.
You cannot end a sentence in a preposition. Didn’t I just say that? So, “from” at the end of the sentence is incorrect. It must be reworded.
A third error is that places are not named “after’.
Corrected Version
"They call themselves North Preston's Finest (NPF) for the small Nova Scotia community northeast of Halifax from which they hail."
MORE PARSING
"The boy, Tom, in the back of the room constantly disrupted the the teacher with disgusting noises."
WHAT is the action word? “disrupted”. (Verb) predicate.
WHAT did the action? “Boy” - noun, subject of the verb.
WHAT received the action” “Teacher” - indirect object.
WHEN did the action occur? “constantly” - adverb modifying the verb disrupted.
HOW did the action occur? “With disgusting noises - adverb phrase modifying the verb.
WHAT qualifies the subject? “In the back” - adjective phrase modifying the noun boy.
WHAT is “Tom? A noun in apposition to the subject “boy”. (Something new.)
WHAT is “of the room”? An adjective phrase modifying the noun “back”.
WHAT are “in”, “of” and “with”? Prepositions starting phrases and each taking its own object.
This is laborious but it sets up the structure of a sentence and all sentences use the same rules.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Bemused" (v.) is a verb meaning confused or addled emotionally.
“Satiate" (v.) means to fill, usually overfill, or to consume.
“Flippant" (adj.) means treating things too lightly or not treating with proper gravity.
“Salacious" (adj.) means lewd or suggestive of moral looseness, indecency.
“Intrepid" (adj.) means dauntless, without fear of reprisal or brash
Friday, October 26, 2007
MORE BAD PRO WRITING
ALAS! IT NEVER ENDS!
Example 1 (There are two errors in this one.)
"Her band of eight students were studying how to depict a group of trees."
Scott Webster photo caption, The Windsor Star, Friday, October 26, 2007.
Example 2 (There are two errors here also.)
"They call themselves North Preston's Finest (NPF) after the small Nova Scotia community northeast of Halifa were they hail from."
"Stay east, police tell N. S. girls", The Windsor Star, Friday, October 26, 2007.
MORE PARSING
Parse the following sentence using the rules set out in last week's parsing posts. There is one new concept in the example.
"The boy, Tom, in the back of the room constantly disrupted the the teacher with disgusting noises."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "intrepid".
Define "intrepid" and use it in a sentence.
Example 1 (There are two errors in this one.)
"Her band of eight students were studying how to depict a group of trees."
Scott Webster photo caption, The Windsor Star, Friday, October 26, 2007.
Example 2 (There are two errors here also.)
"They call themselves North Preston's Finest (NPF) after the small Nova Scotia community northeast of Halifa were they hail from."
"Stay east, police tell N. S. girls", The Windsor Star, Friday, October 26, 2007.
MORE PARSING
Parse the following sentence using the rules set out in last week's parsing posts. There is one new concept in the example.
"The boy, Tom, in the back of the room constantly disrupted the the teacher with disgusting noises."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "intrepid".
Define "intrepid" and use it in a sentence.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
LEST WE FORGET
PROSE BY THE PROS
I have not cited the professional writers lately and do not want them to feel I am neglecting them.
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
Example 1
"County Road 25 north of County Road 46 is lined with dozens of mature trees on the road allowance. That's what Chevalier would like to see more of."
Gary Rennie, "Farmer takes on county after trees mowed down." The Windsor Star, Wednesday, October 24, 2007.
Example 2
"Most often, though, trees are located on the side of the ditch furthest from the road, with occasional exceptions made for mature trees that are left alone even though they are technically too close to the road by county standards."
Gary Rennie, "Farmer takes on county after trees mowed down." The Windsor Star, Wednesday, October 24, 2007.
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "flippant".
Define "flippant" and use it in conversation.
I have not cited the professional writers lately and do not want them to feel I am neglecting them.
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
Example 1
"County Road 25 north of County Road 46 is lined with dozens of mature trees on the road allowance. That's what Chevalier would like to see more of."
Gary Rennie, "Farmer takes on county after trees mowed down." The Windsor Star, Wednesday, October 24, 2007.
Example 2
"Most often, though, trees are located on the side of the ditch furthest from the road, with occasional exceptions made for mature trees that are left alone even though they are technically too close to the road by county standards."
Gary Rennie, "Farmer takes on county after trees mowed down." The Windsor Star, Wednesday, October 24, 2007.
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "flippant".
Define "flippant" and use it in conversation.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
CHALLENGES
WHAT'S WRONG?
Explain the errors in the sentences below?
He wants out of the contract.
The cat wants in.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "satiate".
Define "satiate" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the errors in the sentences below?
He wants out of the contract.
The cat wants in.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "satiate".
Define "satiate" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, October 22, 2007
EASY START
HEIGHTH/HEIGHT
Correctly use each of the above words in sentences.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "bemused".
Define "bemused" and use it in a sentence.
Be careful; the meaning might not be completely what you think.
PARSING
Later in the week, I will add something new to last week's parsing exercises.
Correctly use each of the above words in sentences.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "bemused".
Define "bemused" and use it in a sentence.
Be careful; the meaning might not be completely what you think.
PARSING
Later in the week, I will add something new to last week's parsing exercises.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - October 21, 2007
Monday
SPECIAL/ESPECIAL
“Especial” is very formal and could be used when meaning “particular”. The more common uses of the words are as the adverbs “specially” and “especially”.
Tuesday
PRINCIPAL/PRINCIPLE
“Principal” (n. or adj.) means the highest of rank or importance.
“Principle” (n.) means a rule or standard and is used in terms of doctrine or law.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
LET US PARSE
Parsing a sentence is easy if you remember a few simple guidelines.
1. Identify the verb. (That's the word that expresses the action. We will expand on this later.)
2. Remember the following word: "What".
3. Ask "What" when looking at each word.
THE METHOD
1. What is the action? The verb.
1.a. What qualifies the action? Adverbs, that modify verbs. They answer the questions, "Where?" "When?", "Why?" and "How?"
2. What (who) does the action? The subject of the verb. (Usually a noun.)
2.a. What qualifies the subject? Adjectives, that modify nouns.
3. What receives the action? The object of the verb. (Usually a noun.)
3.a. What qualifies the object? Adjectives, that modify nouns.
CONCLUSION
To be able to parse you must remember one word, "WHAT?" and apply it logically.
Parse the following sentence.
"The little old lady planted some daisies in her garden."
FOLLOW THE METHOD
WHAT is the action? "Planted" (verb).
WHAT (who) does the action? "Lady" (noun, subject of the verb).
WHAT receives the action? "Daisies" (noun, object of the verb).
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the action? The phrase "in her garden" which answers "WHERE" the planting occurred. Therefore, "in her garden" is an adverb phrase modifying the verb "planted".
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the subject? The adjectives "little" and "old".
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the object? The adjective "some".
WHAT is "the"? A definite article designating the noun "lady".
THE PHRASE
What is a "phrase" and how does it function?
A phrase is a group of words beginning with a preposition and having a noun as its object; for example, “in her garden” is a phrase that begins with the preposition “in” and its object “garden”. “Garden” is the object of “in” because it answers the question “WHAT” after “in”.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Prissy" (adj.) means prudish, puritanical, excessively fastidious or overly prim.
“Iconoclast" (n.) means an image destroyer or one who attacks cherished beliefs as superstition.
“Salient" (adj.) means outstanding, prominent or eye-catching.
“Fallacious" (adj.) Means unsound reasoning, deceptive or false argument. The root is the Latin “fallacia” or “fallacy”.
“Xenophobia" (n.) means a fear of foreigners or strangers.
SPECIAL/ESPECIAL
“Especial” is very formal and could be used when meaning “particular”. The more common uses of the words are as the adverbs “specially” and “especially”.
Tuesday
PRINCIPAL/PRINCIPLE
“Principal” (n. or adj.) means the highest of rank or importance.
“Principle” (n.) means a rule or standard and is used in terms of doctrine or law.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
LET US PARSE
Parsing a sentence is easy if you remember a few simple guidelines.
1. Identify the verb. (That's the word that expresses the action. We will expand on this later.)
2. Remember the following word: "What".
3. Ask "What" when looking at each word.
THE METHOD
1. What is the action? The verb.
1.a. What qualifies the action? Adverbs, that modify verbs. They answer the questions, "Where?" "When?", "Why?" and "How?"
2. What (who) does the action? The subject of the verb. (Usually a noun.)
2.a. What qualifies the subject? Adjectives, that modify nouns.
3. What receives the action? The object of the verb. (Usually a noun.)
3.a. What qualifies the object? Adjectives, that modify nouns.
CONCLUSION
To be able to parse you must remember one word, "WHAT?" and apply it logically.
Parse the following sentence.
"The little old lady planted some daisies in her garden."
FOLLOW THE METHOD
WHAT is the action? "Planted" (verb).
WHAT (who) does the action? "Lady" (noun, subject of the verb).
WHAT receives the action? "Daisies" (noun, object of the verb).
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the action? The phrase "in her garden" which answers "WHERE" the planting occurred. Therefore, "in her garden" is an adverb phrase modifying the verb "planted".
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the subject? The adjectives "little" and "old".
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the object? The adjective "some".
WHAT is "the"? A definite article designating the noun "lady".
THE PHRASE
What is a "phrase" and how does it function?
A phrase is a group of words beginning with a preposition and having a noun as its object; for example, “in her garden” is a phrase that begins with the preposition “in” and its object “garden”. “Garden” is the object of “in” because it answers the question “WHAT” after “in”.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Prissy" (adj.) means prudish, puritanical, excessively fastidious or overly prim.
“Iconoclast" (n.) means an image destroyer or one who attacks cherished beliefs as superstition.
“Salient" (adj.) means outstanding, prominent or eye-catching.
“Fallacious" (adj.) Means unsound reasoning, deceptive or false argument. The root is the Latin “fallacia” or “fallacy”.
“Xenophobia" (n.) means a fear of foreigners or strangers.
Friday, October 19, 2007
LET US PARSE - III
PARSING THE SENTENCE
You have to be dedicated, a little nuts and want to understand how language functions to do the following. But, give it a try.
The Example
"The little old lady planted some daisies in her garden."
The Method
You must refer to yesterday's posting to understand what is occurring below.
WHAT is the action? "Planted" (verb).
WHAT (who) does the action? "Lady" (noun, subject of the verb).
WHAT receives the action? "Daisies" (noun, object of the verb).
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the action? The phrase "in her garden" which answers "WHERE" the planting occurred. Therefore, "in her garden" is an adverb phrase modifying the verb "planted".
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the subject? The adjectives "little" and "old".
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the object? The adjective "some".
WHAT is "the"? A definite article designating the noun "lady".
ASSIGNMENT
What is a phrase and how does it function?
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "xenophobia".
Define "xenophobia" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations will be posted on Sunday.
You have to be dedicated, a little nuts and want to understand how language functions to do the following. But, give it a try.
The Example
"The little old lady planted some daisies in her garden."
The Method
You must refer to yesterday's posting to understand what is occurring below.
WHAT is the action? "Planted" (verb).
WHAT (who) does the action? "Lady" (noun, subject of the verb).
WHAT receives the action? "Daisies" (noun, object of the verb).
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the action? The phrase "in her garden" which answers "WHERE" the planting occurred. Therefore, "in her garden" is an adverb phrase modifying the verb "planted".
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the subject? The adjectives "little" and "old".
WHAT qualifies (modifies) the object? The adjective "some".
WHAT is "the"? A definite article designating the noun "lady".
ASSIGNMENT
What is a phrase and how does it function?
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "xenophobia".
Define "xenophobia" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations will be posted on Sunday.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
LET US PARSE - II
SIMPLE GUIDE TO PARSING
Parsing a sentence is easy if you remember a few simple guidelines.
1. Identify the verb. (That's the word that expresses the action. We will expand on this later.)
2. Remember the following word: "What".
3. Ask "What" when looking at each word.
Example
1. What is the action? The verb.
1.a. What qualifies the action? Adverbs, that modify verbs. They answer the questions, "Where?" "When?", "Why?" and "How?"
2. What (who) does the action? The subject of the verb. (Usually a noun.)
2.a. What qualifies the subject? Adjectives, that modify nouns.
3. What receives the action? The object of the verb. (Usually a noun.)
3.a. What qualifies the object? Adjectives, that modify nouns.
CONCLUSION
To be able to parse you must remember one word, "WHAT?" and apply it logically.
Now, parse the sentence I posted yesterday.
MORE TOMORROW
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "fallacious".
Define "fallacious" and identify its root.
Parsing a sentence is easy if you remember a few simple guidelines.
1. Identify the verb. (That's the word that expresses the action. We will expand on this later.)
2. Remember the following word: "What".
3. Ask "What" when looking at each word.
Example
1. What is the action? The verb.
1.a. What qualifies the action? Adverbs, that modify verbs. They answer the questions, "Where?" "When?", "Why?" and "How?"
2. What (who) does the action? The subject of the verb. (Usually a noun.)
2.a. What qualifies the subject? Adjectives, that modify nouns.
3. What receives the action? The object of the verb. (Usually a noun.)
3.a. What qualifies the object? Adjectives, that modify nouns.
CONCLUSION
To be able to parse you must remember one word, "WHAT?" and apply it logically.
Now, parse the sentence I posted yesterday.
MORE TOMORROW
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "fallacious".
Define "fallacious" and identify its root.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
LET US PARSE
A SIMPLE CHALLENGE
Yesterday I asked you to define "parsing".
Today I challenge you to parse a very simple sentence.
In the sentence below, you must identify the part of speech of each word and explain the relationship and function of every word or group of words.
The sentence is purposely simple . More sophisticated sentences will be presented in the future.
"The little old lady planted some daisies in her garden."
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "salient".
Define "salient" and use it in some fashion today.
Yesterday I asked you to define "parsing".
Today I challenge you to parse a very simple sentence.
In the sentence below, you must identify the part of speech of each word and explain the relationship and function of every word or group of words.
The sentence is purposely simple . More sophisticated sentences will be presented in the future.
"The little old lady planted some daisies in her garden."
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "salient".
Define "salient" and use it in some fashion today.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
SOMETHING OLD - SOMETHING NEW
PRINCIPAL/PRINCIPLE
What is the difference between "principal" and "principle"?
SOMETHING FOR THE GRAMMAR NUT - PARSING
Tomorrow I will begin a series on parsing which is intended to help in the understanding of language and its construction.
The preparation is to answer the following questions.
Can you define the word "parsing" ?
Do you know how to parse a sentence?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "iconoclast".
Define "iconoclast" and use it in a sentence.
What is the difference between "principal" and "principle"?
SOMETHING FOR THE GRAMMAR NUT - PARSING
Tomorrow I will begin a series on parsing which is intended to help in the understanding of language and its construction.
The preparation is to answer the following questions.
Can you define the word "parsing" ?
Do you know how to parse a sentence?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "iconoclast".
Define "iconoclast" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - October 14, 2007
Below are the corrections and explanations for the entries of last week.
Monday
WHAT IS INCORRECT BELOW?
EXAMPLE 1
"A frantic son has been searching for his troubled mother, who went missing earlier this week amid mounting personal problems."
The error is “went missing”. People DO NOT “GO MISSING”; they disappear; they wander away; but they DO NOT “GO MISSING”!
Correction:
"A frantic son has been searching for his troubled mother, who disappeared earlier this week amid mounting personal problems."
EXAMPLE 2
"Stannard said he knows the situation will likely tarnish the police service's image, but hoped people would understand this is one officer out of hundreds facing charges in this situation."
One officer is facing charges. But the context reads as if “hundreds” are facing charges because “facing” is immediately following “hundreds”. The sentence is poorly constructed and creates ambiguity.
Correction:
"Stannard said he knows the situation will likely tarnish the police service's image, but hoped people would understand that, out of hundreds, this is one officer facing charges in this situation."
Tuesday
CONTINUOUS/CONTINUAL
What is the difference between "continuous" and "continual"?
“Continuous” (adj.) means uninterrupted or going on in time without breaks.
“Continual” (adj.) means repeated or occurring frequently.
Wednesday
COMPLIMENT/COMPLEMENT
“Compliment” (v.) means to congratulate or say nice things about someone.
The adjective form is “complimentary”. The adverb form is “complimentarily”>
“Complement” (v.) means to complete, supplement or add to something.
“The adjective form is "complementary".
Thursday
CONTEXT DICTATES MEANING
IN/INTO
He came in the room.
To propose a meaning for this sentence might become obscene. Use your imagination.
He came into the room.
This sentence means that the person entered the room.
Friday
UPTO/UP TO
“Upto” does not exist.
ALOT/A LOT
“Alot” does not exist.
So, you should say, The boy was up to a lot of no good.”
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Disparate" (adj.) means fundamentally different or distinct.
“Bumptious" (adj.) means self-assertive and offensive, nervy or brash.
“Jejune" (adj.) means displaying a lack of maturity, an adolescent insecurity, vapid or insipid.
“Untoward" (adj.) means against accepted standards, improper or impolite.
(I am sorry that I repeated a word this week. I will do better next week.)
Monday
WHAT IS INCORRECT BELOW?
EXAMPLE 1
"A frantic son has been searching for his troubled mother, who went missing earlier this week amid mounting personal problems."
The error is “went missing”. People DO NOT “GO MISSING”; they disappear; they wander away; but they DO NOT “GO MISSING”!
Correction:
"A frantic son has been searching for his troubled mother, who disappeared earlier this week amid mounting personal problems."
EXAMPLE 2
"Stannard said he knows the situation will likely tarnish the police service's image, but hoped people would understand this is one officer out of hundreds facing charges in this situation."
One officer is facing charges. But the context reads as if “hundreds” are facing charges because “facing” is immediately following “hundreds”. The sentence is poorly constructed and creates ambiguity.
Correction:
"Stannard said he knows the situation will likely tarnish the police service's image, but hoped people would understand that, out of hundreds, this is one officer facing charges in this situation."
Tuesday
CONTINUOUS/CONTINUAL
What is the difference between "continuous" and "continual"?
“Continuous” (adj.) means uninterrupted or going on in time without breaks.
“Continual” (adj.) means repeated or occurring frequently.
Wednesday
COMPLIMENT/COMPLEMENT
“Compliment” (v.) means to congratulate or say nice things about someone.
The adjective form is “complimentary”. The adverb form is “complimentarily”>
“Complement” (v.) means to complete, supplement or add to something.
“The adjective form is "complementary".
Thursday
CONTEXT DICTATES MEANING
IN/INTO
He came in the room.
To propose a meaning for this sentence might become obscene. Use your imagination.
He came into the room.
This sentence means that the person entered the room.
Friday
UPTO/UP TO
“Upto” does not exist.
ALOT/A LOT
“Alot” does not exist.
So, you should say, The boy was up to a lot of no good.”
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Disparate" (adj.) means fundamentally different or distinct.
“Bumptious" (adj.) means self-assertive and offensive, nervy or brash.
“Jejune" (adj.) means displaying a lack of maturity, an adolescent insecurity, vapid or insipid.
“Untoward" (adj.) means against accepted standards, improper or impolite.
(I am sorry that I repeated a word this week. I will do better next week.)
Friday, October 12, 2007
LITTLE NIGGLERS
UPTO/UP TO
Which is correct, "upto" or "up to"?
ALOT/A LOT
Which is correct, "alot" or "a lot"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "untoward".
Define "untoward" and use it in your speech today.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
The "Corrections & Explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday morning.
Which is correct, "upto" or "up to"?
ALOT/A LOT
Which is correct, "alot" or "a lot"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "untoward".
Define "untoward" and use it in your speech today.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
The "Corrections & Explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday morning.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
CONTEXT DICTATES MEANING
IN/INTO
When you read the following sentences the meaning should be obvious. If you cannot detect the difference, try again. Do you make the same mistake, without thinking, in your normal speech?
He came in the room.
He came into the room.
What other examples of small word misuse can you list?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "jejune".
Define "jejune". List the other forms of the word and use one of them in a sentence.
When you read the following sentences the meaning should be obvious. If you cannot detect the difference, try again. Do you make the same mistake, without thinking, in your normal speech?
He came in the room.
He came into the room.
What other examples of small word misuse can you list?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "jejune".
Define "jejune". List the other forms of the word and use one of them in a sentence.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
ONE EASY, ONE TOUGH
COMPLIMENT/COMPLEMENT
Explain the difference between "compliment" and "complement".
What are the adjectival forms of these words?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "jejune".
Define "jejune" and use it in some fashion today.
Explain the difference between "compliment" and "complement".
What are the adjectival forms of these words?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "jejune".
Define "jejune" and use it in some fashion today.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
TUESDAY TESTERS
CONTINUOUS/CONTINUAL
What is the difference between "continuous" and "continual" ?
Use the words in sentences that reflect their meanings.
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "bumptious".
Define "bumptious" and use it in a sentence.
What is the difference between "continuous" and "continual" ?
Use the words in sentences that reflect their meanings.
WORD OF THE DAY
The word for today is "bumptious".
Define "bumptious" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, October 8, 2007
WOEFUL WEEKEND
WHAT IS INCORRECT BELOW?
"A frantic son has been searching for his troubled mother, who went missing earlier this week amid mounting personal problems."
"missing woman sought", The Windsor Star, Saturday, October 6, 2007.
"Stannard said he knows the situation will likely tarnish the police service's image, but hoped people would understand this is one officer out of hundreds facing charges in this situation."
Trevor Wilhelm, "Sting snares cop", The Windsor Star, Saturday, October 6, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "disparate".
Define "disparate" and use it in some fashion today.
"A frantic son has been searching for his troubled mother, who went missing earlier this week amid mounting personal problems."
"missing woman sought", The Windsor Star, Saturday, October 6, 2007.
"Stannard said he knows the situation will likely tarnish the police service's image, but hoped people would understand this is one officer out of hundreds facing charges in this situation."
Trevor Wilhelm, "Sting snares cop", The Windsor Star, Saturday, October 6, 2007.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "disparate".
Define "disparate" and use it in some fashion today.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - October 6, 2007
Monday
CITE/SITE/SIGHT
“Cite” (v.) means to make reference to or quote such as in quoting the Bible.
“Site” (n.) means location or a piece of land on which something is located.
“Sight” (n.) refers to anything perceived by the eyes or the faculty of vision.
Tuesday
INSIGHT/INCITE
“Insight” (n.) refers to the understanding of something, the perception into something or the grasping of the inner nature of something.
“Incite) (v.) means to cause to act as in inciting a riot , to set off.
Wednesday
STRAIGHT/STRAIT
“Straight” (adj.) means without bends or curves, moral or upright.
“Strait” (n) means a channel of the sea or a difficult situation such as, “He is in bad straits”.
Thursday
MISCHIEVIOUS/MISCHIEVOUS
"Mischievious" does not exist and anyone who uses it is in error.
“Mischievous" (adj.) Means teasing impishly, annoyingly playful or causing harm such as in “mischievous rumours”.
REGARDLESS/IRREGARDLESS
“Irregardless” though once used, is unacceptable and has no meaning today.
“Regardless” (adv.) means disregarding, heedless, unmindful, irrespective.
Friday
AISLE/I'LL/ISLE
“Aisle” (n.) is a passageway between seats.
“I’ll” is a contraction of “I will” and is not accepted in formal writing.
“Isle” (n.) is a small island.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Scintilla" (n.) is a small amount, a scarcely detectable quantity.
“Profligacy" (n.) refers to reckless extravagance or shameless dissolution.
“Profligate” (n. or adj.) is one who is shamelessly immoral.
“Misogyny" (n.) is a hatred of women.
“Misogamy" (n.) is a hatred of marriage.
“Salacious" (adj.) means lustful, lecherous or suggestive of moral looseness.
“Salaciousness” is the noun form.
CITE/SITE/SIGHT
“Cite” (v.) means to make reference to or quote such as in quoting the Bible.
“Site” (n.) means location or a piece of land on which something is located.
“Sight” (n.) refers to anything perceived by the eyes or the faculty of vision.
Tuesday
INSIGHT/INCITE
“Insight” (n.) refers to the understanding of something, the perception into something or the grasping of the inner nature of something.
“Incite) (v.) means to cause to act as in inciting a riot , to set off.
Wednesday
STRAIGHT/STRAIT
“Straight” (adj.) means without bends or curves, moral or upright.
“Strait” (n) means a channel of the sea or a difficult situation such as, “He is in bad straits”.
Thursday
MISCHIEVIOUS/MISCHIEVOUS
"Mischievious" does not exist and anyone who uses it is in error.
“Mischievous" (adj.) Means teasing impishly, annoyingly playful or causing harm such as in “mischievous rumours”.
REGARDLESS/IRREGARDLESS
“Irregardless” though once used, is unacceptable and has no meaning today.
“Regardless” (adv.) means disregarding, heedless, unmindful, irrespective.
Friday
AISLE/I'LL/ISLE
“Aisle” (n.) is a passageway between seats.
“I’ll” is a contraction of “I will” and is not accepted in formal writing.
“Isle” (n.) is a small island.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Scintilla" (n.) is a small amount, a scarcely detectable quantity.
“Profligacy" (n.) refers to reckless extravagance or shameless dissolution.
“Profligate” (n. or adj.) is one who is shamelessly immoral.
“Misogyny" (n.) is a hatred of women.
“Misogamy" (n.) is a hatred of marriage.
“Salacious" (adj.) means lustful, lecherous or suggestive of moral looseness.
“Salaciousness” is the noun form.
Friday, October 5, 2007
MORE HOMOPHONES
AISLE/I'LL/ISLE
Surprisingly these words are often mixed up or misused.
Define the words "aisle", "I'll" and "isle" and use them in sentences.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "salacious".
Define "salacious" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted some time Sunday morning.
Surprisingly these words are often mixed up or misused.
Define the words "aisle", "I'll" and "isle" and use them in sentences.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "salacious".
Define "salacious" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted some time Sunday morning.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
COMMON MISTAKES
MISCHIEVIOUS/MISCHIEVOUS
Which is incorrect, "mischievious" or "mischievous"?
REGARDLESS/IRREGARDLESS
Which is incorrect, "regardless" or "irregardless"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "profligacy".
Define "profligacy" and use it in a sentence.
Which is incorrect, "mischievious" or "mischievous"?
REGARDLESS/IRREGARDLESS
Which is incorrect, "regardless" or "irregardless"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "profligacy".
Define "profligacy" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
MORE HOMOPHONE FUN
STRAIGHT/STRAIT
What is the difference between "straight" and "strait" ?
TODAY'S WORDS
SPECIAL
(I bet you are surprised with the spelling of the first word below.)
The words for today are "misogyny" and "misogamy".
Define "misogyny" and "misogamy".
Use them in sentences.
What is the difference between "straight" and "strait" ?
TODAY'S WORDS
SPECIAL
(I bet you are surprised with the spelling of the first word below.)
The words for today are "misogyny" and "misogamy".
Define "misogyny" and "misogamy".
Use them in sentences.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
FOLLOW UP
INSIGHT/INCITE
This is a natural follow up to yesterday's entry.
Define and explain the differences in "insight" and "incite".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "profligacy".
Define "profligacy" and use it in a sentence.
What other forms of the word come to mind?
This is a natural follow up to yesterday's entry.
Define and explain the differences in "insight" and "incite".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "profligacy".
Define "profligacy" and use it in a sentence.
What other forms of the word come to mind?
Monday, October 1, 2007
EASY START TO THE WEEK
CITE/SITE/SIGHT
They are all pronounced the same. What do these words mean?
Use the words some time today without sounding pretentious.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "scintilla".
Define "scintilla" and use it in your speech today.
They are all pronounced the same. What do these words mean?
Use the words some time today without sounding pretentious.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "scintilla".
Define "scintilla" and use it in your speech today.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - September 30, 2007
Monday
HANGED/HUNG
“Hanged”, exclusively, means executed by hanging with a noose or some other device.
“Hung”, the past participle of hang, is used for all other forms of suspension including the ribald interpretation. Therefore, the stockings can remain for Christmas.
Tuesday
AMORAL/IMMORAL
“Amoral” means neither with nor without moral or ethical quality. In psychology, it has come to mean without the ability to distinguish right from wrong.
“Immoral” describes one who makes no attempt to curb self-indulgence or one who chooses to do evil over doing good.
Wednesday
DISINTERESTED/UNINTERESTED
“Disinterested” means objective or neutral.
“Uninterested” means bored or unconcerned.
Thursday
EMIGRATE/IMMIGRATE
“Emigrate” means to leave one’s country or region. It comes from the Latin form “E” or “ex” meaning “out of”.
“Immigrate” means to come into a new habitat, place or country. It comes from the Latin formof “im” meaning “in”.
Friday
ENVY/JEALOUSY
“Envy” means being spiteful over the possessions of another and wanting to have those possessions or attainments for oneself.
“Jealousy” means wanting to hold onto what one has or a suspicion of a rival.
WORDS OF THE DAY
“Pandemic" (adj.) means prevalent over an entire country or continent, such as a disease.
“Esoteric" (adj.) means profound or understood by, or limited to, a select few.
“Desultory" (adj.) means disconnected, unmethodical or fitful.
“Vapid" (adj.) means without animation or spirit, insipid or flat, tedious or uninteresting.
“Sepulchral" (adj.) means pertaining to or serving as a tomb, funereal or dismal.
The root of “sepulchral” is the Latin “sepulcrum” (Tomb).
EXPRESSIONS I HATE (a continuum)
"Oh, my god!"
This expression is used so often, by so many, for so little reason, it has become completely vapid. Its use is so far removed from its meaning it has become completely meaningless.
We need something new.
HANGED/HUNG
“Hanged”, exclusively, means executed by hanging with a noose or some other device.
“Hung”, the past participle of hang, is used for all other forms of suspension including the ribald interpretation. Therefore, the stockings can remain for Christmas.
Tuesday
AMORAL/IMMORAL
“Amoral” means neither with nor without moral or ethical quality. In psychology, it has come to mean without the ability to distinguish right from wrong.
“Immoral” describes one who makes no attempt to curb self-indulgence or one who chooses to do evil over doing good.
Wednesday
DISINTERESTED/UNINTERESTED
“Disinterested” means objective or neutral.
“Uninterested” means bored or unconcerned.
Thursday
EMIGRATE/IMMIGRATE
“Emigrate” means to leave one’s country or region. It comes from the Latin form “E” or “ex” meaning “out of”.
“Immigrate” means to come into a new habitat, place or country. It comes from the Latin formof “im” meaning “in”.
Friday
ENVY/JEALOUSY
“Envy” means being spiteful over the possessions of another and wanting to have those possessions or attainments for oneself.
“Jealousy” means wanting to hold onto what one has or a suspicion of a rival.
WORDS OF THE DAY
“Pandemic" (adj.) means prevalent over an entire country or continent, such as a disease.
“Esoteric" (adj.) means profound or understood by, or limited to, a select few.
“Desultory" (adj.) means disconnected, unmethodical or fitful.
“Vapid" (adj.) means without animation or spirit, insipid or flat, tedious or uninteresting.
“Sepulchral" (adj.) means pertaining to or serving as a tomb, funereal or dismal.
The root of “sepulchral” is the Latin “sepulcrum” (Tomb).
EXPRESSIONS I HATE (a continuum)
"Oh, my god!"
This expression is used so often, by so many, for so little reason, it has become completely vapid. Its use is so far removed from its meaning it has become completely meaningless.
We need something new.
Friday, September 28, 2007
EASY QUICKIES
ENVY/JEALOUSY
These two words do not mean the same thing. What is the difference between "envy" and "jealousy"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word fo today is "sepulchral".
Define "sepulchral" and identify its root.
These two words do not mean the same thing. What is the difference between "envy" and "jealousy"?
TODAY'S WORD
The word fo today is "sepulchral".
Define "sepulchral" and identify its root.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
THE GOOD AND THE BAD
EMIGRATE/IMMIGRATE
What is the difference between "emigrate" and "immigrate"?
Do you know the etymology that explains the difference in meaning?
EXPRESSIONS I HATE (a continuum)
"Oh, my god!"
This expression is used so often, by so many, for so little reason, it has become completely vapid. Its use is so far removed from its meaning it has become completely meaningless.
We need something new.
TODAY'S WORD (used above)
Today's word is "vapid".
Define "vapid" and use it in your own sentence.
What is the difference between "emigrate" and "immigrate"?
Do you know the etymology that explains the difference in meaning?
EXPRESSIONS I HATE (a continuum)
"Oh, my god!"
This expression is used so often, by so many, for so little reason, it has become completely vapid. Its use is so far removed from its meaning it has become completely meaningless.
We need something new.
TODAY'S WORD (used above)
Today's word is "vapid".
Define "vapid" and use it in your own sentence.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
SMALL CHALLENGES
DISINTERESTED/UNINTERESTED
Explain the differences between "disinterested" and "uninterested".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "desultory".
Define "desultory" and use it in your communication today.
Explain the differences between "disinterested" and "uninterested".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "desultory".
Define "desultory" and use it in your communication today.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
LANGUAGE FINENESS
AMORAL/IMMORAL
Explain the difference between "amoral" and "immoral"?
WORD OF THE DAY
Today's word is "esoteric".
Define "esoteric" and use it in some sort of communication today.
Explain the difference between "amoral" and "immoral"?
WORD OF THE DAY
Today's word is "esoteric".
Define "esoteric" and use it in some sort of communication today.
Monday, September 24, 2007
SHORT & SWEET
HANGED/HUNG
I assume you know what these words mean.
But, do you know when each should correctly be used?
Explain your views.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "pandemic".
Define "pandemic".
I assume you know what these words mean.
But, do you know when each should correctly be used?
Explain your views.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "pandemic".
Define "pandemic".
Sunday, September 23, 2007
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - September 23, 2007
Monday
"But human kinetics is more economical and the university already has plans to grow space for the program."
One does not “grow” space any more than one grows hair. It is a total misuse of the word. Another word is needed in place of grow.
"But human kinetics is more economical and the university already has plans to create space for the program."
"Between them, GM, Ford and Chrysler estimate their future health care liabilities are about $114 billion, with GM facing most of the liabilities."
“Between” is used to designate two things only. “Among” must be used for lists of more than two.
"Among them, GM, Ford and Chrysler estimate their future health care liabilities are about $114 billion, with GM facing most of the liabilities."
"A group of homeless people in Edmonton are on the move."
“Group” is a singular noun and must have the singular verb “is”.
"A group of homeless people in Edmonton is on the move."
Tuesday
INSURE/ENSURE
“Ensure” means to make sure that something happens or occurs.
“Please ensure that your seatbelt is fastened properly.”
“Insure” means to issue an insurance policy.
I will insure the house and car when I see my broker today.
Wednesday
INQUIRY/ENQUIRY
What is the difference between "inquiry" and "enquiry"?
There is no difference between the two words other than “inquiry” is probably used more often in the US and "enquiry" in Britain.
Thursday
"Because his replacement for a system that favours Roman Catholicism to the exclusion of other religions has all the markings of an expensive and unwieldy education regime that will be all but impossible to oversee with any coherency."
I call it “this group of words” because it is not a complete thought; there is no main verb; it is basically one long subordinate clause. Removing the subordinate conjunction “because” makes it a complete thought.
"His replacement for a system that favours Roman Catholicism to the exclusion of other religions has all the markings of an expensive and unwieldy education regime that will be all but impossible to oversee with any coherency."
Friday
PEEK/PEAK/PIQUE
“Peek” means to look furtively.
“Peak” is the top of a mountain or the highest level.
“Pique” means to needle or prick or irk someone.
Saturday
"I got three pair of tickets [to give away for the Comedy Castle Show tonight]."
“Got” cannot be used in place of “have”
There is “one pair”. There are “three pairs”. Three indicates plural so “pair” must be pluralized."
I have three pairs of tickets [to give away for the Comedy Castle Show tonight]."
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Genteel" means belonging to polite society or refined in taste and manners.
The genteel old man always opened doors for his wife.
“Catharsis" means a purging of emotional tensions.
"Cathartic" is the adjectival form.
A well-performed classical tragedy is a catharsis for the audience that may leave them completely drained.
“Rapacious" means predatory or given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed.
The rapacious army destroyed everything in its destructive path.
“Ludicrous" means devoid of wisdom or ridiculously, amusingly absurd.
His plan to reduce greenhouse gases was considered by most intelligent people to be completely ludicrous.
“Penultimate" means the next to last syllable in a word or the next to last. It does not mean the highest.
Man is considered by many philosophers to be the penultimate being. (Think about that for a while before you discount it.)
"But human kinetics is more economical and the university already has plans to grow space for the program."
One does not “grow” space any more than one grows hair. It is a total misuse of the word. Another word is needed in place of grow.
"But human kinetics is more economical and the university already has plans to create space for the program."
"Between them, GM, Ford and Chrysler estimate their future health care liabilities are about $114 billion, with GM facing most of the liabilities."
“Between” is used to designate two things only. “Among” must be used for lists of more than two.
"Among them, GM, Ford and Chrysler estimate their future health care liabilities are about $114 billion, with GM facing most of the liabilities."
"A group of homeless people in Edmonton are on the move."
“Group” is a singular noun and must have the singular verb “is”.
"A group of homeless people in Edmonton is on the move."
Tuesday
INSURE/ENSURE
“Ensure” means to make sure that something happens or occurs.
“Please ensure that your seatbelt is fastened properly.”
“Insure” means to issue an insurance policy.
I will insure the house and car when I see my broker today.
Wednesday
INQUIRY/ENQUIRY
What is the difference between "inquiry" and "enquiry"?
There is no difference between the two words other than “inquiry” is probably used more often in the US and "enquiry" in Britain.
Thursday
"Because his replacement for a system that favours Roman Catholicism to the exclusion of other religions has all the markings of an expensive and unwieldy education regime that will be all but impossible to oversee with any coherency."
I call it “this group of words” because it is not a complete thought; there is no main verb; it is basically one long subordinate clause. Removing the subordinate conjunction “because” makes it a complete thought.
"His replacement for a system that favours Roman Catholicism to the exclusion of other religions has all the markings of an expensive and unwieldy education regime that will be all but impossible to oversee with any coherency."
Friday
PEEK/PEAK/PIQUE
“Peek” means to look furtively.
“Peak” is the top of a mountain or the highest level.
“Pique” means to needle or prick or irk someone.
Saturday
"I got three pair of tickets [to give away for the Comedy Castle Show tonight]."
“Got” cannot be used in place of “have”
There is “one pair”. There are “three pairs”. Three indicates plural so “pair” must be pluralized."
I have three pairs of tickets [to give away for the Comedy Castle Show tonight]."
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Genteel" means belonging to polite society or refined in taste and manners.
The genteel old man always opened doors for his wife.
“Catharsis" means a purging of emotional tensions.
"Cathartic" is the adjectival form.
A well-performed classical tragedy is a catharsis for the audience that may leave them completely drained.
“Rapacious" means predatory or given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed.
The rapacious army destroyed everything in its destructive path.
“Ludicrous" means devoid of wisdom or ridiculously, amusingly absurd.
His plan to reduce greenhouse gases was considered by most intelligent people to be completely ludicrous.
“Penultimate" means the next to last syllable in a word or the next to last. It does not mean the highest.
Man is considered by many philosophers to be the penultimate being. (Think about that for a while before you discount it.)
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