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Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - December 21, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
REPLETE/COMPLETE
“Replete” means stuffed, or full to overflowing.
“Complete” means full, absolute, total or entire.
Tuesday
Identify and correct the errors in the examples below.
“...they went further into that area.”
“Further” means in addition to. The context demands “farther” because it is about distance.
“...they went farther into that area.”
“How long have you been doing that for?”
“For” at the end of a sentence is redundant and dangling. The meaning is completed with the word “that”.
“How long have you been doing that?”
“I presume there is a (as in hay) opportunity…”.
“An” must be used before a vowel. (And, “a” is not pronounced as in “hay”; it is pronounced as in “bad”.)
“I presume there is an opportunity…”
“...when I see the data that is presented…”.
“Data” is a plural word and needs a plural verb. “Datum” is the singular form.
“...when I see the data that arepresented…”.
Wednesday
Find and correct the errors in these examples.
Bonus: get a star for identifying the proof reader. I have no idea who the proof reader is, but he or she is making the boss look bad. Some due diligence is needed.
“Please feel free to stop in and meet my staff and I for a snack and some warm holiday wishes.”
“Meet“ is a verb. It takes an object, so “me“ is required. “I” is the subjective case.
“Please feel free to stop in and meet my staff and me for a snack and some warm holiday wishes.”
“Please also note that we are also holding a canned food drive at this event, and for those that are able, please bring a non-perishable item which will be donated to families in need within our community this holiday seasson.”
“Also” is unnecessarily repeated and one should be eliminated.
“Those” refers to people; therefore, “who” is required. “That” refers to things only.
What is the word “seasson”? Try “season”.
“Please note that we are also holding a canned food drive at this event and, for those who are able, please bring a non-perishable item which will be donated to families in need within our community this holiday season.”
Thursday
PHENOMENA/PHENOMENON
“Phenomenon” is singular.
“Phenomena” is plural.
They are not interchangeable.
“Criteria”, “data” and “media” are all plural. Their singular forms are, respectively, “criterion”, “datum” and “medium”.
They are not interchangeable.
Friday
FORCEFUL/FORCIBLE/FORCED
“Forceful” means powerful, as in “he had a forceful personality“.
“Forcible” must be used when describing the use of force, such as in “the thief made a forcible entry into the bank.”
“Forced” describes something done as the result of outside influences and may not necessarily be violent, as in “a forced smile”.
A QUOTE FOR ALL SEASONS
“In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility.”
William Shakespeare wrote this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Rapprochement” (n.) means an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relationships or a bringing near or close.
“Plutocracy” (n.) means the rule or power of wealth or of the wealthy or a government or state wherein the wealthy rule.
“Omniscient” (adj.) means all-knowing or having infinite knowledge. It is taken from the Latin “omni” meaning all and “scient” meaning knowledge.
“Sonorous” (adj.) means loud, deep, resonant or echoing.
“Emulation” (n.) means the effort to equal or excel others. An old meaning is jealous rivalry.
Monday
REPLETE/COMPLETE
“Replete” means stuffed, or full to overflowing.
“Complete” means full, absolute, total or entire.
Tuesday
Identify and correct the errors in the examples below.
“...they went further into that area.”
“Further” means in addition to. The context demands “farther” because it is about distance.
“...they went farther into that area.”
“How long have you been doing that for?”
“For” at the end of a sentence is redundant and dangling. The meaning is completed with the word “that”.
“How long have you been doing that?”
“I presume there is a (as in hay) opportunity…”.
“An” must be used before a vowel. (And, “a” is not pronounced as in “hay”; it is pronounced as in “bad”.)
“I presume there is an opportunity…”
“...when I see the data that is presented…”.
“Data” is a plural word and needs a plural verb. “Datum” is the singular form.
“...when I see the data that arepresented…”.
Wednesday
Find and correct the errors in these examples.
Bonus: get a star for identifying the proof reader. I have no idea who the proof reader is, but he or she is making the boss look bad. Some due diligence is needed.
“Please feel free to stop in and meet my staff and I for a snack and some warm holiday wishes.”
“Meet“ is a verb. It takes an object, so “me“ is required. “I” is the subjective case.
“Please feel free to stop in and meet my staff and me for a snack and some warm holiday wishes.”
“Please also note that we are also holding a canned food drive at this event, and for those that are able, please bring a non-perishable item which will be donated to families in need within our community this holiday seasson.”
“Also” is unnecessarily repeated and one should be eliminated.
“Those” refers to people; therefore, “who” is required. “That” refers to things only.
What is the word “seasson”? Try “season”.
“Please note that we are also holding a canned food drive at this event and, for those who are able, please bring a non-perishable item which will be donated to families in need within our community this holiday season.”
Thursday
PHENOMENA/PHENOMENON
“Phenomenon” is singular.
“Phenomena” is plural.
They are not interchangeable.
“Criteria”, “data” and “media” are all plural. Their singular forms are, respectively, “criterion”, “datum” and “medium”.
They are not interchangeable.
Friday
FORCEFUL/FORCIBLE/FORCED
“Forceful” means powerful, as in “he had a forceful personality“.
“Forcible” must be used when describing the use of force, such as in “the thief made a forcible entry into the bank.”
“Forced” describes something done as the result of outside influences and may not necessarily be violent, as in “a forced smile”.
A QUOTE FOR ALL SEASONS
“In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility.”
William Shakespeare wrote this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Rapprochement” (n.) means an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relationships or a bringing near or close.
“Plutocracy” (n.) means the rule or power of wealth or of the wealthy or a government or state wherein the wealthy rule.
“Omniscient” (adj.) means all-knowing or having infinite knowledge. It is taken from the Latin “omni” meaning all and “scient” meaning knowledge.
“Sonorous” (adj.) means loud, deep, resonant or echoing.
“Emulation” (n.) means the effort to equal or excel others. An old meaning is jealous rivalry.
Friday, December 19, 2008
SEASON ENDER
FORCEFUL/FORCIBLE/FORCED
Explain the differences in meaning among the words "forceful", "forcible" and "forced".
Create sentences that clearly show the meaning of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "emulation".
Define "emulation" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday. In celebration of the season, there will be no new postings until January 5, in the new year.
Explain the differences in meaning among the words "forceful", "forcible" and "forced".
Create sentences that clearly show the meaning of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "emulation".
Define "emulation" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday. In celebration of the season, there will be no new postings until January 5, in the new year.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
PHENOMENA/PHENOMENON
Explain the difference between the words "phenomena" and "phenomenon".
Create sentences using "phenomena" and "phenomenon" that depict the meaning of each word.
Cite other examples of this type of usage.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sonorous".
Define "sonorous" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the difference between the words "phenomena" and "phenomenon".
Create sentences using "phenomena" and "phenomenon" that depict the meaning of each word.
Cite other examples of this type of usage.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sonorous".
Define "sonorous" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
POLITICAL PLUMS - PART 2
CHECK THIS INVITATION!
Below are excerpts from an invitation I received to attend a Christmas open house at the offices of Brian Masse, M.P. Windsor West.
Find and correct the errors in these examples. (I found four.)
Bonus: get a star for identifying the proofreader.
"Please feel free to stop in and meet my staff and I for a snack and some warm holiday wishes."
"Please also note that we are also holding a canned food drive at this event, and for those that are able, please bring a non-perishable item which will be donated to families in need within our community this holiday seasson."
A QUOTE FOR ALL SEASONS
Identify the author of the following philosophy.
“In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "omniscient".
Define "omniscient" and use it in a sentence.
P.S.
Bravo to BJ. He corrected all the errors. Check his comment if you cannot find all of them.
Below are excerpts from an invitation I received to attend a Christmas open house at the offices of Brian Masse, M.P. Windsor West.
Find and correct the errors in these examples. (I found four.)
Bonus: get a star for identifying the proofreader.
"Please feel free to stop in and meet my staff and I for a snack and some warm holiday wishes."
"Please also note that we are also holding a canned food drive at this event, and for those that are able, please bring a non-perishable item which will be donated to families in need within our community this holiday seasson."
A QUOTE FOR ALL SEASONS
Identify the author of the following philosophy.
“In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "omniscient".
Define "omniscient" and use it in a sentence.
P.S.
Bravo to BJ. He corrected all the errors. Check his comment if you cannot find all of them.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
POLITICO PLUMS
BAH! HUMBUG!
I watched the Windsor City Council meeting last night and noted the following use of the English language.
Identify and correct the errors in the examples below.
"...they went further into that area."
Drew Dilkens, Councillor, Windsor City Council meeting, Monday, December 14, 2008, 9:35 pm.
"How long have you been doing that for?"
Eddie Francis, Mayor, Windsor City Council meeting, Monday, December 14, 2008, 9:40 pm.
"I presume there is a (as in hay) opportunity...".
Drew Dilkens, Councillor, Windsor City Council meeting, Monday, December 14, 2008, 9:44 pm.
"...when I see the data that is presented...".
Drew Dilkens, Councillor, Windsor City Council meeting, Monday, December 14, 2008, 9:46 pm.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "plutocracy".
Define "plutocracy" and use it in a sentence.
I watched the Windsor City Council meeting last night and noted the following use of the English language.
Identify and correct the errors in the examples below.
"...they went further into that area."
Drew Dilkens, Councillor, Windsor City Council meeting, Monday, December 14, 2008, 9:35 pm.
"How long have you been doing that for?"
Eddie Francis, Mayor, Windsor City Council meeting, Monday, December 14, 2008, 9:40 pm.
"I presume there is a (as in hay) opportunity...".
Drew Dilkens, Councillor, Windsor City Council meeting, Monday, December 14, 2008, 9:44 pm.
"...when I see the data that is presented...".
Drew Dilkens, Councillor, Windsor City Council meeting, Monday, December 14, 2008, 9:46 pm.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "plutocracy".
Define "plutocracy" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, December 15, 2008
"R" AS IN REMEMBER
REPLETE/COMPLETE
Define and explain the difference between the words "replete" and "complete".
Create sentences that clearly depict the word meanings.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "rapprochement".
Define "rapprochement" and use it in a sentence.
Define and explain the difference between the words "replete" and "complete".
Create sentences that clearly depict the word meanings.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "rapprochement".
Define "rapprochement" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - December 14, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
BUTT/BRUNT
An old meaning of “butt” is target. One can be the target of a joke and, thus, become the butt of a joke.
“Brunt” means a sharp blow or attack. Thus, one has to bear the brunt of a joke. A person can never be a brunt.
Tuesday
SOJOURN/JOURNEY
A “sojourn” is a temporary stay in one place.
A “journey” is a trip, a ride or a voyage. If one is constantly on the move, he is not on a sojourn.
Wednesday
PREMISE/PREMISES
A “premise” is a term in logic meaning something assumed or taken as given in making an argument. It is a basis or foundation of an argument.
“Premises”, regardless of size, means one’s residence or a building where one lives.
Thursday
What is not right in the following examples? Make and explain your corrections.
“Republicans seized on the corruption charges against Blagojevich, a Democrat, to demand a more fulsome explanation from Obama about the relationship he and senior members of his inner circle had with the disgraced politician.”
“Fulsome” means excessive, immoderate or flattering and always has a negative connotation. The context demands a different meaning such as “fuller”.
“Republicans seized on the corruption charges against Blagojevich, a Democrat, to demand a fuller explanation from Obama about the relationship he and senior members of his inner circle had with the disgraced politician.”
“Food and beverages will be on sale as well as a beer tent.”
The sentence, as written, says that food, beverages and a beer tent will be for sale. I don’t think the tent is for sale. The sentence should be reworded for better sense.
“A beer tent will be provided and food and beverages will be on sale.”
Friday
COLLABORATION/CORROBORATION
“Collaborate” means to share, to join forces or to work together.
“Corroborate” means to strengthen, support or substantiate an argument.
A LIFE ETHIC
“Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.”
Confucius, the Chinese philosopher said this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Fulminate” (v.) means to explode or detonate with a loud noise. It also means to denounce vehemently or loudly.
The spark caused the leaking gas to fulminate and destroy the lab.
Many Canadians fulminated against the prorogation of Parliament last week.
“Peremptory” (adj.) means absolute, leaving no opportunity for denial or debate or refusal.
“Capacious” (adj.) means large, roomy or voluminous.
“Commodious” (adj.) means roomy, spacious, convenient or amply.
“Corporeal” (adj.) means earthly, human or bodily. The root word is the Latin "corpus" meaning body.
Monday
BUTT/BRUNT
An old meaning of “butt” is target. One can be the target of a joke and, thus, become the butt of a joke.
“Brunt” means a sharp blow or attack. Thus, one has to bear the brunt of a joke. A person can never be a brunt.
Tuesday
SOJOURN/JOURNEY
A “sojourn” is a temporary stay in one place.
A “journey” is a trip, a ride or a voyage. If one is constantly on the move, he is not on a sojourn.
Wednesday
PREMISE/PREMISES
A “premise” is a term in logic meaning something assumed or taken as given in making an argument. It is a basis or foundation of an argument.
“Premises”, regardless of size, means one’s residence or a building where one lives.
Thursday
What is not right in the following examples? Make and explain your corrections.
“Republicans seized on the corruption charges against Blagojevich, a Democrat, to demand a more fulsome explanation from Obama about the relationship he and senior members of his inner circle had with the disgraced politician.”
“Fulsome” means excessive, immoderate or flattering and always has a negative connotation. The context demands a different meaning such as “fuller”.
“Republicans seized on the corruption charges against Blagojevich, a Democrat, to demand a fuller explanation from Obama about the relationship he and senior members of his inner circle had with the disgraced politician.”
“Food and beverages will be on sale as well as a beer tent.”
The sentence, as written, says that food, beverages and a beer tent will be for sale. I don’t think the tent is for sale. The sentence should be reworded for better sense.
“A beer tent will be provided and food and beverages will be on sale.”
Friday
COLLABORATION/CORROBORATION
“Collaborate” means to share, to join forces or to work together.
“Corroborate” means to strengthen, support or substantiate an argument.
A LIFE ETHIC
“Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.”
Confucius, the Chinese philosopher said this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Fulminate” (v.) means to explode or detonate with a loud noise. It also means to denounce vehemently or loudly.
The spark caused the leaking gas to fulminate and destroy the lab.
Many Canadians fulminated against the prorogation of Parliament last week.
“Peremptory” (adj.) means absolute, leaving no opportunity for denial or debate or refusal.
“Capacious” (adj.) means large, roomy or voluminous.
“Commodious” (adj.) means roomy, spacious, convenient or amply.
“Corporeal” (adj.) means earthly, human or bodily. The root word is the Latin "corpus" meaning body.
Friday, December 12, 2008
"C" DAY
COLLABORATION/CORROBORATION
Explain the difference in meaning between "collaboration" and "corroboration".
Use each word in a sentence that illustrates the meaning of the word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "corporeal".
Define "corporeal" and use it in a sentence.
Bonus: identify the root of "corporeal" and receive a star to paste on your forehead.
CONNECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Explain the difference in meaning between "collaboration" and "corroboration".
Use each word in a sentence that illustrates the meaning of the word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "corporeal".
Define "corporeal" and use it in a sentence.
Bonus: identify the root of "corporeal" and receive a star to paste on your forehead.
CONNECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
FINENESS OF MEANING REQUIRED
TWO CHALLENGES
What is not right in the following examples? Make and explain your corrections.
"Republicans seized on the corruption charges against Blagojevich, a Democrat, to demand a more fulsome explanation from Obama about the relationship he and senior members of his inner circle had with the disgraced politician."
Sheldon Alberts, Canwest News Washington correspondent, “Disgraced gov. urged to quit”, The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 11, 2008.
“Food and beverages will be on sale as well as a beer tent.”
The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 11, 2008.
TODAY’S WORD
The word for today is “commodious”.
Define “commodious” and use it in a sentence.
What is not right in the following examples? Make and explain your corrections.
"Republicans seized on the corruption charges against Blagojevich, a Democrat, to demand a more fulsome explanation from Obama about the relationship he and senior members of his inner circle had with the disgraced politician."
Sheldon Alberts, Canwest News Washington correspondent, “Disgraced gov. urged to quit”, The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 11, 2008.
“Food and beverages will be on sale as well as a beer tent.”
The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 11, 2008.
TODAY’S WORD
The word for today is “commodious”.
Define “commodious” and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
ANOTHER MILESTONE
20,000 HITS UNDER THE BELT
I am happy to report that the blog received its 20 thousandth hit yesterday.
I thank all of you who have visited and encourage you to continue to do so.
I also hope you will make some suggestions for inclusion on the blog. Feel free to click on COMMENT below to make your suggestions. Remember, you can remain anonymous if you wish.
Thank you.
PREMISE/PREMISES
Explain the difference in meaning of the words "premise" and "premises".
Use each word in a sentence that shows its meaning.
A LIFE ETHIC
Identify the author of the following.
“Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "capacious".
Define "capacious" and use it in a sentence.
I am happy to report that the blog received its 20 thousandth hit yesterday.
I thank all of you who have visited and encourage you to continue to do so.
I also hope you will make some suggestions for inclusion on the blog. Feel free to click on COMMENT below to make your suggestions. Remember, you can remain anonymous if you wish.
Thank you.
PREMISE/PREMISES
Explain the difference in meaning of the words "premise" and "premises".
Use each word in a sentence that shows its meaning.
A LIFE ETHIC
Identify the author of the following.
“Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "capacious".
Define "capacious" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
EASY STUFF
SOJOURN/JOURNEY
Explain the difference between a "sojourn" and a "journey".
Create sentences that clearly exhibit the meanings of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is “peremptory”.
Define "peremptory" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the difference between a "sojourn" and a "journey".
Create sentences that clearly exhibit the meanings of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is “peremptory”.
Define "peremptory" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, December 8, 2008
TOUGHER THAN YOU THINK
BUTT/BRUNT
Explain the difference in meaning between "butt" and "brunt" as they relate to each other.
Create sentences that exhibit the meanings of the words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "fulminate".
Define "fulminate" and use it in a sentence.
There are two separate, but related, meanings for "fulminate". Try to create sentences for each meaning.
Explain the difference in meaning between "butt" and "brunt" as they relate to each other.
Create sentences that exhibit the meanings of the words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "fulminate".
Define "fulminate" and use it in a sentence.
There are two separate, but related, meanings for "fulminate". Try to create sentences for each meaning.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS, December 7, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Be patient; there are many similar errors.
Monday
NAUSEATED/NAUSEOUS
“Nauseous” is an adjective which means disgusting or loathsome.
“Nauseated” is the past tense of the verb “nauseate” and means to sicken or to affect with nausea.
Identify and correct the errors in the following entry.
“Winona Ryder was loaned a bracelet...and it has now gone missing.”
“Loan” is a noun and cannot be used as a verb. The correct form is “lent”, the past participle of the verb, “to lend”.
Things and people do not “go missing”. Such usage is completely inaccurate and unacceptable.
“Winona Ryder was lent a bracelet...and it has now disappeared.”
“Especially when your version of green will be the envy of Canada.”
This is a subordinate clause and is not a complete thought.
“[This is true,] especially when your version of green will be the envy of Canada.”
Tuesday
BENEFACTOR/BENEFICIARY
“Benefactors” give gifts.
“Beneficiaries” receive gifts.
Wednesday
EXALT/EXULT
“Exult” is a verb meaning to celebrate joyfully.
“Exalt” is a verb meaning to elevate or to raise something high.
Thursday
Find and correct the errors in the following entries.
“So far, only $110,197, 950 worth of permits have been issued, compared to $173,549,505 a year ago.”
The subject, worth”, is singular and demands a singular verb.
“So far, only $110,197, 950 worth of permits has been issued, compared to $173,549,505 a year ago.”
“One third of new recruits are female.”
The subject, “one third”, is collectively singular and demands a singular verb.
“One third of new recruits is female.”
“Still about one in four local residents don't have a family doctor - a higher rate than the provincial average of one in five.”
The subject, “one”, is singular and demands a singular verb.
“Still about one in four local residents doesn't have a family doctor - a higher rate than the provincial average of one in five."“
Friday
Find and correct the errors in the following entries.
“Almost three-quarters of Canadians say they are 'truly scared' for the future of the country and a solid majority say they would prefer another election to having the minority conservative government replaced by a coalition led by Stephan Dion, a new Ipsos-Reid poll says.”
The subject, “three-quarters, is collectively singular and demands a singular verb.
The second clause subject, “majority”, is singular and demands a singular verb.
“Almost three-quarters of Canadians says they are 'truly scared' for the future of the country and a solid majority says they would prefer another election to having the minority conservative government replaced by a coalition led by Stephan Dion, a new Ipsos-Reid poll says.”
“As the last of the knapsacks were packed at the McDougall Avenue residence, there were still boxes of supplies left over that will be used next year.”
The subject, “last”, is singular and demands a singular verb.
“As the last of the knapsacks was packed at the McDougall Avenue residence, there were still boxes of supplies left over that will be used next year.”
“A number of Facebook groups have popped up, including one boasting more than 144,000 members.”
The subject, “number”, is singular and demands a singular verb. (If you would like to argue that the author is talking of the individuals in the group, you could use a plural verb. I don’t think that is the case here.)
“A number of Facebook groups has popped up, including one boasting more than 144,000 members.”
“Younger drivers should carry less passengers on highways particularly.”
“Less” is used with quantities. “Fewer” is used with numbers.
“Younger drivers should carry fewer passengers on highways particularly.”
“Any measures that are aimed at protecting and improving drivers is welcomed,' said Staff Sgt. Ed McNorton.
The principal clause subject, “measures” is plural and demands a plural verb.
"Any measures that are aimed at protecting and improving drivers are welcomed,” said Staff Sgt. Ed McNorton.
GREATNESS
“To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.”
Anatole France, a French novelist, created this thought.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Histrionics” (n.) means affected, hysterical or emotional behaviour.
“Prorogue” (v.) means to discontinue, to defer or to postpone a session or parliament or of a similar governing body.
“Rapturous” (adj.) means overjoyed, elated or ecstatic.
“Patronize” (v.) means to support, shop at, frequent or utilize.
“Patronize” (v.) means to denigrate, to belittle or to talk down to.
“Slovenly” (adj.) means sloppy, dishevelled, untidy or messy.
Be patient; there are many similar errors.
Monday
NAUSEATED/NAUSEOUS
“Nauseous” is an adjective which means disgusting or loathsome.
“Nauseated” is the past tense of the verb “nauseate” and means to sicken or to affect with nausea.
Identify and correct the errors in the following entry.
“Winona Ryder was loaned a bracelet...and it has now gone missing.”
“Loan” is a noun and cannot be used as a verb. The correct form is “lent”, the past participle of the verb, “to lend”.
Things and people do not “go missing”. Such usage is completely inaccurate and unacceptable.
“Winona Ryder was lent a bracelet...and it has now disappeared.”
“Especially when your version of green will be the envy of Canada.”
This is a subordinate clause and is not a complete thought.
“[This is true,] especially when your version of green will be the envy of Canada.”
Tuesday
BENEFACTOR/BENEFICIARY
“Benefactors” give gifts.
“Beneficiaries” receive gifts.
Wednesday
EXALT/EXULT
“Exult” is a verb meaning to celebrate joyfully.
“Exalt” is a verb meaning to elevate or to raise something high.
Thursday
Find and correct the errors in the following entries.
“So far, only $110,197, 950 worth of permits have been issued, compared to $173,549,505 a year ago.”
The subject, worth”, is singular and demands a singular verb.
“So far, only $110,197, 950 worth of permits has been issued, compared to $173,549,505 a year ago.”
“One third of new recruits are female.”
The subject, “one third”, is collectively singular and demands a singular verb.
“One third of new recruits is female.”
“Still about one in four local residents don't have a family doctor - a higher rate than the provincial average of one in five.”
The subject, “one”, is singular and demands a singular verb.
“Still about one in four local residents doesn't have a family doctor - a higher rate than the provincial average of one in five."“
Friday
Find and correct the errors in the following entries.
“Almost three-quarters of Canadians say they are 'truly scared' for the future of the country and a solid majority say they would prefer another election to having the minority conservative government replaced by a coalition led by Stephan Dion, a new Ipsos-Reid poll says.”
The subject, “three-quarters, is collectively singular and demands a singular verb.
The second clause subject, “majority”, is singular and demands a singular verb.
“Almost three-quarters of Canadians says they are 'truly scared' for the future of the country and a solid majority says they would prefer another election to having the minority conservative government replaced by a coalition led by Stephan Dion, a new Ipsos-Reid poll says.”
“As the last of the knapsacks were packed at the McDougall Avenue residence, there were still boxes of supplies left over that will be used next year.”
The subject, “last”, is singular and demands a singular verb.
“As the last of the knapsacks was packed at the McDougall Avenue residence, there were still boxes of supplies left over that will be used next year.”
“A number of Facebook groups have popped up, including one boasting more than 144,000 members.”
The subject, “number”, is singular and demands a singular verb. (If you would like to argue that the author is talking of the individuals in the group, you could use a plural verb. I don’t think that is the case here.)
“A number of Facebook groups has popped up, including one boasting more than 144,000 members.”
“Younger drivers should carry less passengers on highways particularly.”
“Less” is used with quantities. “Fewer” is used with numbers.
“Younger drivers should carry fewer passengers on highways particularly.”
“Any measures that are aimed at protecting and improving drivers is welcomed,' said Staff Sgt. Ed McNorton.
The principal clause subject, “measures” is plural and demands a plural verb.
"Any measures that are aimed at protecting and improving drivers are welcomed,” said Staff Sgt. Ed McNorton.
GREATNESS
“To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.”
Anatole France, a French novelist, created this thought.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Histrionics” (n.) means affected, hysterical or emotional behaviour.
“Prorogue” (v.) means to discontinue, to defer or to postpone a session or parliament or of a similar governing body.
“Rapturous” (adj.) means overjoyed, elated or ecstatic.
“Patronize” (v.) means to support, shop at, frequent or utilize.
“Patronize” (v.) means to denigrate, to belittle or to talk down to.
“Slovenly” (adj.) means sloppy, dishevelled, untidy or messy.
Friday, December 5, 2008
WRITERS! LEARN YOUR CRAFT!
UNBELIEVABLE!
Find and correct the errors in the following entries.
"Almost three-quarters of Canadians say they are 'truly scared' for the future of the country and a solid majority say they would prefer another election to having the minority conservative government replaced by a coalition led by Stephan Dion, a new Ipsos-Reid poll says."
Norma Greenaway, "Poll finds Tory surge during crisis", The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
"As the last of the knapsacks were packed at the McDougall Avenue residence, there were still boxes of supplies left over that will be used next year."
Star Staff, "Volunteers fill backpacks for area's homeless", The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
"A number of Facebook groups have popped up, including one boasting more than 144,000 members."
Trevor Wilhelm, "Limits on teenage drivers backed by study", The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
FROM SOME WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER
Find and correct the errors in the following pieces.
"'Younger drivers should carry less passengers on highways particularly.'"
Chris Lee, University of Windsor researcher, "Limits on teenage drivers backed by study", Trevor Wilhelm, The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
"'Any measures that are aimed at protecting and improving drivers is welcomed,' said Staff Sgt. Ed McNorton."
Ed McNorton, Windsor Police, "Limits on teenage drivers backed by study", Trevor Wilhelm, The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "slovenly".
Define "slovenly" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Find and correct the errors in the following entries.
"Almost three-quarters of Canadians say they are 'truly scared' for the future of the country and a solid majority say they would prefer another election to having the minority conservative government replaced by a coalition led by Stephan Dion, a new Ipsos-Reid poll says."
Norma Greenaway, "Poll finds Tory surge during crisis", The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
"As the last of the knapsacks were packed at the McDougall Avenue residence, there were still boxes of supplies left over that will be used next year."
Star Staff, "Volunteers fill backpacks for area's homeless", The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
"A number of Facebook groups have popped up, including one boasting more than 144,000 members."
Trevor Wilhelm, "Limits on teenage drivers backed by study", The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
FROM SOME WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER
Find and correct the errors in the following pieces.
"'Younger drivers should carry less passengers on highways particularly.'"
Chris Lee, University of Windsor researcher, "Limits on teenage drivers backed by study", Trevor Wilhelm, The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
"'Any measures that are aimed at protecting and improving drivers is welcomed,' said Staff Sgt. Ed McNorton."
Ed McNorton, Windsor Police, "Limits on teenage drivers backed by study", Trevor Wilhelm, The Windsor Star, Friday, December 5, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "slovenly".
Define "slovenly" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
SUBJECTS & VERBS
COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT, PLEASE
Find and correct the errors in the following entries.
So far, only $110,197, 950 worth of permits have been issued, compared to $173,549,505 a year ago.
Star Staff, "Building permit values continue to slide", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
"One third of new recruits are female."
Gary Rennie, "Better pay lures MDs from United States, county council told", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
"Still about one in four local residents don't have a family doctor - a higher rate than the provincial average of one in five."
Gary Rennie, "Better pay lures MDs from United States, county council told", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "patronize".
Give two completely different definitions for the word "patronize".
Create sentences that clearly exhibit each definition.
Find and correct the errors in the following entries.
So far, only $110,197, 950 worth of permits have been issued, compared to $173,549,505 a year ago.
Star Staff, "Building permit values continue to slide", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
"One third of new recruits are female."
Gary Rennie, "Better pay lures MDs from United States, county council told", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
"Still about one in four local residents don't have a family doctor - a higher rate than the provincial average of one in five."
Gary Rennie, "Better pay lures MDs from United States, county council told", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "patronize".
Give two completely different definitions for the word "patronize".
Create sentences that clearly exhibit each definition.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
TRICKY STUFF
EXALT/EXULT
Explain the difference in meaning between the words "exalt" and "exult".
Use each word in a sentence to clearly express its meaning.
GREATNESS
Identify the author of the following quote.
“To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "rapturous".
Define "rapturous" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the difference in meaning between the words "exalt" and "exult".
Use each word in a sentence to clearly express its meaning.
GREATNESS
Identify the author of the following quote.
“To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "rapturous".
Define "rapturous" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
CHALLENGING WORDS
BENEFACTOR/BENEFICIARY
Explain the difference between the words "benefactor" and "beneficiary".
Use "benefactor" and "beneficiary" in sentences that clearly show the meanings of the words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "prorogue".
Define "prorogue" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the difference between the words "benefactor" and "beneficiary".
Use "benefactor" and "beneficiary" in sentences that clearly show the meanings of the words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "prorogue".
Define "prorogue" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, December 1, 2008
AN INTERESTING START
NAUSEATED/NAUSEOUS
Define "nauseated" and "nauseous".
Explain the subtle differences between "nauseated" and "nauseous".
Create sentences for each word that correctly display the words' different meanings.
THE USUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Identify and correct the errors in the following entry.
"Winona Ryder was loaned a bracelet...and it has now gone missing."
Mitch O'Connor, Mix 96.7 Radio Show, Monday, December 1, 2008, 8:25 am.
Find and correct the error in the following piece.
"Especially when your version of green will be the envy of Canada."
Craig Pearson, "Few blue about future of green Suzuki school", The Windsor Star, Monday, December 1, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "histrionics".
Define "histrionics" and use it in a sentence.
Define "nauseated" and "nauseous".
Explain the subtle differences between "nauseated" and "nauseous".
Create sentences for each word that correctly display the words' different meanings.
THE USUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Identify and correct the errors in the following entry.
"Winona Ryder was loaned a bracelet...and it has now gone missing."
Mitch O'Connor, Mix 96.7 Radio Show, Monday, December 1, 2008, 8:25 am.
Find and correct the error in the following piece.
"Especially when your version of green will be the envy of Canada."
Craig Pearson, "Few blue about future of green Suzuki school", The Windsor Star, Monday, December 1, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "histrionics".
Define "histrionics" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 30, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
AVENGE/REVENGE
“Avenge” is a verb meaning to get even with or to punish. The noun form is “vengeance“.
“Revenge” is a noun meaning retribution or vengeance.
The two words cannot be interchanged.
Tuesday
There are two errors in the following unit. Find and correct them.
“The office and myself are much better known to the public," said Fraser: "I think more attention is paid generally to our reports than may have been the case in the past.”
“Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and cannot be used in this context. Replace it with subjective pronoun “I”.
The colon after “Fraser” is incorrect; it should be a period.
“The office and I are much better known to the public," said Fraser. "I think more attention is paid generally to our reports than may have been the case in the past.”
Wednesday
Fix the errors in the following pieces.
[The clouds], “...they continue their lingerment…”.
There is no such word as “lingerment”.
[The clouds], “...continue lingering [in the area]…”.
“I supported the motion even though I do not think that OTF (Ontario Teachers Federation) had no other choice but to accept a deal that did include conditional inflation protection as part of the valuation.”
There is a double negative with “…I do not think…” and “…no other choice…”.
“I supported the motion even though I do not think that OTF (Ontario Teachers Federation) had any other choice but to accept a deal that did include conditional inflation protection as part of the valuation.”
Thursday
Correct the errors in the following.
“You don't drive like her, and you shouldn't pay the same insurance premiums as her.”
The implied meaning dictates the word choice and the objective “her” is incorrect.
“You don't drive like she does, and you shouldn't pay the same insurance premiums as she (does).”
“Neither mother nor daughter have any previous retailing experience.”
The verb should be singular because there is one choice or one other choice, not two choices.
“Neither mother nor daughter has any previous retailing experience.”
Friday
Identify and correct the error in the following sentence.
“That wraps it up for you and I.”
“For” is a preposition which begins a phrase and takes an object. “I” is subjective and cannot be used.
“That wraps it up for you and me.”
CONTINUOUS/CONTIGUOUS
“Continuous” is an adjective meaning non-stop, constant or unbroken.
The cat’s continuous caterwauling, as she sat on the fence, kept the entire neighbourhood awake.
“Contiguous” is an adjective meaning nearby, close, adjacent or neighbouring.
The Canadian provinces and territories are contiguous except for Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.”
Robert Ingersoll, U.S. orator and lawyer, coined this phrase.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Machination” (n.) means a crafty scheme, plot, plan or device.
The “ch” is hard and is pronounced “k”.
“Extolment” (n.) means high praise, glorification or eulogizing. The verb form is “extol”.
“Extemporaneous” (adj.) means impromptu, “off-the-cuff or without preparation.
“Abjure” (v.) means to renounce, to disavow, to renounce or to reject. The noun form is “abjuration”.
“Bacchanal” (n.) is a drunken reveler or an occasion of drunken revelry.
The word is the adjectival form of Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry in Roman mythology. The Greek word for god of wine was Dionysius.
Monday
AVENGE/REVENGE
“Avenge” is a verb meaning to get even with or to punish. The noun form is “vengeance“.
“Revenge” is a noun meaning retribution or vengeance.
The two words cannot be interchanged.
Tuesday
There are two errors in the following unit. Find and correct them.
“The office and myself are much better known to the public," said Fraser: "I think more attention is paid generally to our reports than may have been the case in the past.”
“Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and cannot be used in this context. Replace it with subjective pronoun “I”.
The colon after “Fraser” is incorrect; it should be a period.
“The office and I are much better known to the public," said Fraser. "I think more attention is paid generally to our reports than may have been the case in the past.”
Wednesday
Fix the errors in the following pieces.
[The clouds], “...they continue their lingerment…”.
There is no such word as “lingerment”.
[The clouds], “...continue lingering [in the area]…”.
“I supported the motion even though I do not think that OTF (Ontario Teachers Federation) had no other choice but to accept a deal that did include conditional inflation protection as part of the valuation.”
There is a double negative with “…I do not think…” and “…no other choice…”.
“I supported the motion even though I do not think that OTF (Ontario Teachers Federation) had any other choice but to accept a deal that did include conditional inflation protection as part of the valuation.”
Thursday
Correct the errors in the following.
“You don't drive like her, and you shouldn't pay the same insurance premiums as her.”
The implied meaning dictates the word choice and the objective “her” is incorrect.
“You don't drive like she does, and you shouldn't pay the same insurance premiums as she (does).”
“Neither mother nor daughter have any previous retailing experience.”
The verb should be singular because there is one choice or one other choice, not two choices.
“Neither mother nor daughter has any previous retailing experience.”
Friday
Identify and correct the error in the following sentence.
“That wraps it up for you and I.”
“For” is a preposition which begins a phrase and takes an object. “I” is subjective and cannot be used.
“That wraps it up for you and me.”
CONTINUOUS/CONTIGUOUS
“Continuous” is an adjective meaning non-stop, constant or unbroken.
The cat’s continuous caterwauling, as she sat on the fence, kept the entire neighbourhood awake.
“Contiguous” is an adjective meaning nearby, close, adjacent or neighbouring.
The Canadian provinces and territories are contiguous except for Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.”
Robert Ingersoll, U.S. orator and lawyer, coined this phrase.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Machination” (n.) means a crafty scheme, plot, plan or device.
The “ch” is hard and is pronounced “k”.
“Extolment” (n.) means high praise, glorification or eulogizing. The verb form is “extol”.
“Extemporaneous” (adj.) means impromptu, “off-the-cuff or without preparation.
“Abjure” (v.) means to renounce, to disavow, to renounce or to reject. The noun form is “abjuration”.
“Bacchanal” (n.) is a drunken reveler or an occasion of drunken revelry.
The word is the adjectival form of Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry in Roman mythology. The Greek word for god of wine was Dionysius.
Friday, November 28, 2008
FRIDAY'S FARE
THE USUAL
Identify and correct the error in the following sentence.
"That wraps it up for you and I."
Mitch O'Connor, Mix 96.7 Radio Show, Friday, November 28, 2008, 8:56 am.
CONTINUOUS/CONTIGUOUS
Define and explain the difference between the terms "continuous" and "contiguous".
Use each word in a sentence that clearly displays its meaning.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "bacchanal".
Define "bacchanal" and use it in a sentence.
You get a bonus star for your forehead if you can identify the derivation or root of the word.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Identify and correct the error in the following sentence.
"That wraps it up for you and I."
Mitch O'Connor, Mix 96.7 Radio Show, Friday, November 28, 2008, 8:56 am.
CONTINUOUS/CONTIGUOUS
Define and explain the difference between the terms "continuous" and "contiguous".
Use each word in a sentence that clearly displays its meaning.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "bacchanal".
Define "bacchanal" and use it in a sentence.
You get a bonus star for your forehead if you can identify the derivation or root of the word.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
LOTS OF WORK
A REALLY IRRITATING COMMERCIAL
Correct the errors in the following commercial.
"You don't drive like her, and you shouldn't pay the same insurance premiums as her."
Grey Power commercial seen continuously on CBC.
THE USUAL
Find and correct the error in the following sentence.
"Neither mother nor daughter have any previous retailing experience."
Dave Hall, "Mother, daughter open specialty gift shop", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 27, 2008.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Identify the author of the following line.
“The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "abjure".
Define "abjure" and use it in a sentence.
What is the noun form of this word?
Correct the errors in the following commercial.
"You don't drive like her, and you shouldn't pay the same insurance premiums as her."
Grey Power commercial seen continuously on CBC.
THE USUAL
Find and correct the error in the following sentence.
"Neither mother nor daughter have any previous retailing experience."
Dave Hall, "Mother, daughter open specialty gift shop", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 27, 2008.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Identify the author of the following line.
“The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "abjure".
Define "abjure" and use it in a sentence.
What is the noun form of this word?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
"ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR WATSON!"
"SAY WHAT?"
Can you find the errors in the following pieces?
Are you able to fix the errors in these pieces?
[The clouds], "...they continue their lingerment...".
Sonya Singh, A-News Weather, Monday, November 24, 2008, 6:29 pm.
"I supported the motion even though I do not think that OTF (Ontario Teachers Federation) had no other choice but to accept a deal that did include conditional inflation protection as part of the valuation."
Scott Hunt, ARM Newsletter, November 25, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "extemporaneous".
Define "extemporaneous" and use it in a sentence.
Can you find the errors in the following pieces?
Are you able to fix the errors in these pieces?
[The clouds], "...they continue their lingerment...".
Sonya Singh, A-News Weather, Monday, November 24, 2008, 6:29 pm.
"I supported the motion even though I do not think that OTF (Ontario Teachers Federation) had no other choice but to accept a deal that did include conditional inflation protection as part of the valuation."
Scott Hunt, ARM Newsletter, November 25, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "extemporaneous".
Define "extemporaneous" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
CELEBRATION
TIMING MISTAKE
Yesterday, I mentioned there would be a celebration on Wednesday. But I miscalculated. The momentous day, for me, is actually today.
Today's entry marks the 500th posting of this blog. It has been accessed close to 20,000 times by curious people and I thank all. That is not bad for such an esoteric topic as the correct use of the English language.
So, congratulations to me! And I promise to keep at it with due diligence.
On Friday, April 6, 2007, I made my first entry and championed "raising" our sights" in our use of the English language. After 500 entries, all dedicated to that end, I am more determined than ever to continue the battle.
I have concentrated on highlighting the mistakes and gaffs of the professional writers and speakers in my city because I want them to be the leaders and teachers of the correct use of the language. I feel they should strive for perfection in every presentation they make and when they do not, they do a disservice to their readers and listeners.
I do not accept mediocrity, sloppiness or outright error from those who should know better and who are paid for their "communication" skills.
PERFECT EXAMPLES
There are two errors in the following unit. Find and correct them.
"The office and myself are much better known to the public," said Fraser: "I think more attention is paid generally to our reports than may have been the case in the past."
Trevor Wilhelm, "Auditor enjoys star status", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 25, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "extolment".
Define "extolment" and use it in a sentence.
Yesterday, I mentioned there would be a celebration on Wednesday. But I miscalculated. The momentous day, for me, is actually today.
Today's entry marks the 500th posting of this blog. It has been accessed close to 20,000 times by curious people and I thank all. That is not bad for such an esoteric topic as the correct use of the English language.
So, congratulations to me! And I promise to keep at it with due diligence.
On Friday, April 6, 2007, I made my first entry and championed "raising" our sights" in our use of the English language. After 500 entries, all dedicated to that end, I am more determined than ever to continue the battle.
I have concentrated on highlighting the mistakes and gaffs of the professional writers and speakers in my city because I want them to be the leaders and teachers of the correct use of the language. I feel they should strive for perfection in every presentation they make and when they do not, they do a disservice to their readers and listeners.
I do not accept mediocrity, sloppiness or outright error from those who should know better and who are paid for their "communication" skills.
PERFECT EXAMPLES
There are two errors in the following unit. Find and correct them.
"The office and myself are much better known to the public," said Fraser: "I think more attention is paid generally to our reports than may have been the case in the past."
Trevor Wilhelm, "Auditor enjoys star status", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, November 25, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "extolment".
Define "extolment" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, November 24, 2008
BE CLEVER - BE CAREFUL
AVENGE/REVENGE
Explain the differences between the words "avenge" and "revenge".
Create sentences that clearly display the meaning of "avenge" and "revenge".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "machination".
Define "machination" and use it in a sentence.
What is the correct pronunciation of the word?
SPECIAL CELEBRATION - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Check in on Wednesday for details.
Explain the differences between the words "avenge" and "revenge".
Create sentences that clearly display the meaning of "avenge" and "revenge".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "machination".
Define "machination" and use it in a sentence.
What is the correct pronunciation of the word?
SPECIAL CELEBRATION - Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Check in on Wednesday for details.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 23, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries. (Be patient; they are extensive.)
Monday
Find and fix the errors in the following sentences.
“The entire family visited Sea World, the Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, road on the teacups and merry-go-round, and watched a fireworks show.”
The past tens of “ride” is “rode”, not “road”.
The comma after “merry-go-round is superfluous.
“The entire family visited Sea World, the Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, rode on the teacups and merry-go-round and watched a fireworks show.”
“But these are the first layoffs in quite awhile and there's a possibility some will be called back after the new year.”
“Awhile” is an adverb meaning “for a short time”. “a while” is the object of the preposition “in”, so it is a “noun”. The two terms are not interchangeable.
“But these are the first layoffs in quite a while and there's a possibility some will be called back after the new year.”
Tuesday
What is unacceptable with each of the following entries? Fix the problems.
“...pushing further to the south…”
“Further” means in addition to. “Farther” refers to distance.
“...pushing farther to the south…”
“Oh, yeah!”
A professional newscaster could, at the very least, elevate her vocabulary to “Oh, yes!”
“Oh, yes!”
“Ignatieff has learned the language of inclusiveness, he has survived the bumbling rituals of retail politics, but he kept coming back to his urgent need to 'explain to Canadians' what exactly is going on.”
The punctuation is incorrect. Semi-colons must be used, not commas.
The verb tense must be kept consistent throughout.
The last subordinate conjunction, “but”, should probably be “and”.
“Ignatieff has learned the language of inclusiveness; he has survived the bumbling rituals of retail politics; and he has kept coming back to his urgent need to 'explain to Canadians' what exactly is going on.”
“But what if the country needs straight talk and specific ideas instead of patient instruction: Would Ignatieff bail out the auto industry, for instance?”
The first word after a colon is not capitalized unless it is a proper noun.
“But what if the country needs straight talk and specific ideas instead of patient instruction: would Ignatieff bail out the auto industry, for instance?”
Wednesday
Identify and correct all the errors below.
“FEWER WORKERS: With Chrysler Financial moving most of its employees to Toronto there will even be less people in Chrysler's Windsor headquarters.”
When referring to numbers, “fewer” must be used.
When referring to amounts, “less” is used.
“Fewer workers” is correct. “Less people” is incorrect.
The rule must be applied consistently.
There should be a comma after “Toronto”.
“FEWER WORKERS: With Chrysler Financial moving most of its employees to Toronto, there will even be fewer people in Chrysler's Windsor headquarters.”
Thursday
Identify and correct the errors in the following piece.
“But when it comes to the passenger prohibition, Baraoniciu sees another case of society's bias against teen drivers. ‘Us as young people, we are already getting screwed over by the insurance companies with large monthly payments and such.’”
“Bias” is used when the meaning is “for”. Prejudice” is used when the meaning is “against”.
“Us” is objective. The subjective form is needed.
There should be a comma after “We” and the second “we” should be eliminated.
“And such” is unnecessary fill and should be eliminated.
“But when it comes to the passenger prohibition, Baraoniciu sees another case of society's prejudice against teen drivers. ‘We, as young people, are already getting screwed over by the insurance companies with large monthly payments.’”
Friday
Fix the error in the sentence below.
“A Ontario pet owner has been charged with killing an animal after a puppy fell from a 10th-story balcony Wednesday night.”
“An”, not “a”, is always used before a word beginning with a vowel.
“An Ontario pet owner has been charged with killing an animal after a puppy fell from a 10th-story balcony Wednesday night.”
DOMINATE/DOMINANT
“Dominate”, which means to control, to rule or to govern, is a verb.
“Dominant”, which means leading, principal or foremost is an adjective.
A GOOD PHILOSOPHY
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
Abraham Lincoln coined this phrase.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Averse” (adj.) means unwilling, disinclined or hesitant.
“Sclerotic” (adj.) refers to the fibrous membrane covering the eyeball and the connotation is usually to the hardening of one’s ideas or opinions.
“Malapropism” (n.) is the habit of ridiculously misusing words. The word is for Mrs. Malaprop, the “old weather-beaten she-dragon” of Sheridan’s play, The Rivals.
“Sinecure” (n.) means an office requiring little or no work, especially one yielding profitable returns. In the Church, it is an ecclesiastical benefice without cure of souls.
“Frivolous” (adj.) means merry, dizzy, giddy or flippant.
Monday
Find and fix the errors in the following sentences.
“The entire family visited Sea World, the Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, road on the teacups and merry-go-round, and watched a fireworks show.”
The past tens of “ride” is “rode”, not “road”.
The comma after “merry-go-round is superfluous.
“The entire family visited Sea World, the Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, rode on the teacups and merry-go-round and watched a fireworks show.”
“But these are the first layoffs in quite awhile and there's a possibility some will be called back after the new year.”
“Awhile” is an adverb meaning “for a short time”. “a while” is the object of the preposition “in”, so it is a “noun”. The two terms are not interchangeable.
“But these are the first layoffs in quite a while and there's a possibility some will be called back after the new year.”
Tuesday
What is unacceptable with each of the following entries? Fix the problems.
“...pushing further to the south…”
“Further” means in addition to. “Farther” refers to distance.
“...pushing farther to the south…”
“Oh, yeah!”
A professional newscaster could, at the very least, elevate her vocabulary to “Oh, yes!”
“Oh, yes!”
“Ignatieff has learned the language of inclusiveness, he has survived the bumbling rituals of retail politics, but he kept coming back to his urgent need to 'explain to Canadians' what exactly is going on.”
The punctuation is incorrect. Semi-colons must be used, not commas.
The verb tense must be kept consistent throughout.
The last subordinate conjunction, “but”, should probably be “and”.
“Ignatieff has learned the language of inclusiveness; he has survived the bumbling rituals of retail politics; and he has kept coming back to his urgent need to 'explain to Canadians' what exactly is going on.”
“But what if the country needs straight talk and specific ideas instead of patient instruction: Would Ignatieff bail out the auto industry, for instance?”
The first word after a colon is not capitalized unless it is a proper noun.
“But what if the country needs straight talk and specific ideas instead of patient instruction: would Ignatieff bail out the auto industry, for instance?”
Wednesday
Identify and correct all the errors below.
“FEWER WORKERS: With Chrysler Financial moving most of its employees to Toronto there will even be less people in Chrysler's Windsor headquarters.”
When referring to numbers, “fewer” must be used.
When referring to amounts, “less” is used.
“Fewer workers” is correct. “Less people” is incorrect.
The rule must be applied consistently.
There should be a comma after “Toronto”.
“FEWER WORKERS: With Chrysler Financial moving most of its employees to Toronto, there will even be fewer people in Chrysler's Windsor headquarters.”
Thursday
Identify and correct the errors in the following piece.
“But when it comes to the passenger prohibition, Baraoniciu sees another case of society's bias against teen drivers. ‘Us as young people, we are already getting screwed over by the insurance companies with large monthly payments and such.’”
“Bias” is used when the meaning is “for”. Prejudice” is used when the meaning is “against”.
“Us” is objective. The subjective form is needed.
There should be a comma after “We” and the second “we” should be eliminated.
“And such” is unnecessary fill and should be eliminated.
“But when it comes to the passenger prohibition, Baraoniciu sees another case of society's prejudice against teen drivers. ‘We, as young people, are already getting screwed over by the insurance companies with large monthly payments.’”
Friday
Fix the error in the sentence below.
“A Ontario pet owner has been charged with killing an animal after a puppy fell from a 10th-story balcony Wednesday night.”
“An”, not “a”, is always used before a word beginning with a vowel.
“An Ontario pet owner has been charged with killing an animal after a puppy fell from a 10th-story balcony Wednesday night.”
DOMINATE/DOMINANT
“Dominate”, which means to control, to rule or to govern, is a verb.
“Dominant”, which means leading, principal or foremost is an adjective.
A GOOD PHILOSOPHY
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
Abraham Lincoln coined this phrase.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Averse” (adj.) means unwilling, disinclined or hesitant.
“Sclerotic” (adj.) refers to the fibrous membrane covering the eyeball and the connotation is usually to the hardening of one’s ideas or opinions.
“Malapropism” (n.) is the habit of ridiculously misusing words. The word is for Mrs. Malaprop, the “old weather-beaten she-dragon” of Sheridan’s play, The Rivals.
“Sinecure” (n.) means an office requiring little or no work, especially one yielding profitable returns. In the Church, it is an ecclesiastical benefice without cure of souls.
“Frivolous” (adj.) means merry, dizzy, giddy or flippant.
Friday, November 21, 2008
EASY WEEK ENDING
ELEMENTARY
Find and fix the error in the following. Cite a reason for the correction.
"A Ontario pet owner has been charged with killing an animal after a puppy fell from a 10th-story balcony Wednesday night."
Canwest News Service, "Man charged with killing puppy", The Windsor Star, Friday, November 21, 2008.
DOMINATE/DOMINANT
Explain the difference between "dominate" and "dominant".
Create sentences that illustrate the meanings of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "frivolous".
Define "frivolous" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Find and fix the error in the following. Cite a reason for the correction.
"A Ontario pet owner has been charged with killing an animal after a puppy fell from a 10th-story balcony Wednesday night."
Canwest News Service, "Man charged with killing puppy", The Windsor Star, Friday, November 21, 2008.
DOMINATE/DOMINANT
Explain the difference between "dominate" and "dominant".
Create sentences that illustrate the meanings of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "frivolous".
Define "frivolous" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
FUTURE LINGUISTS
I JUST CANNOT RESIST THIS ONE!
Identify and correct the errors in the following piece.
"But when it comes to the passenger prohibition, Baraoniciu sees another case of society's bias against teen drivers. 'Us as young people, we are already getting screwed over by the insurance companies with large monthly payments and such.'"
Dalson Chen, "Young drivers balk at proposed restrictions", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 20, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sinecure".
Define "sinecure" and use it in a sentence.
Identify and correct the errors in the following piece.
"But when it comes to the passenger prohibition, Baraoniciu sees another case of society's bias against teen drivers. 'Us as young people, we are already getting screwed over by the insurance companies with large monthly payments and such.'"
Dalson Chen, "Young drivers balk at proposed restrictions", The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 20, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sinecure".
Define "sinecure" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
MY CONTINUING CRUSADE
IF NOTHING ELSE, BE CONSISTENT
Check the following photo caption for errors. Identify and correct them all.
"FEWER WORKERS: With Chrysler Financial moving most of its employees to Toronto there will even be less people in Chrysler's Windsor headquarters."
Chris Vander Doelen, "Chrysler Financial packs up", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, November 19, 2008.
A GOOD PHILOSOPHY
Identify the author of the following wise words.
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "malapropism".
Define "malapropism" and use it in a sentence.
Identify the very famous source of the word.
Check the following photo caption for errors. Identify and correct them all.
"FEWER WORKERS: With Chrysler Financial moving most of its employees to Toronto there will even be less people in Chrysler's Windsor headquarters."
Chris Vander Doelen, "Chrysler Financial packs up", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, November 19, 2008.
A GOOD PHILOSOPHY
Identify the author of the following wise words.
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "malapropism".
Define "malapropism" and use it in a sentence.
Identify the very famous source of the word.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A PLETHORA OF CONTRIBUTIONS
PLEASE! TIME FOR AN UPGRADE!
What is unacceptable with each of the following entries? Fix the problems.
"...pushing further to the south..."
Sonya Singh, A Channel Weather, Monday, November 17, 2008, 6:30 pm.
"Oh, yeah!"
Sonya Singh, A Channel Weather, Monday, November 17, 2008, 6:30 pm.
Ignatieff has learned the language of inclusiveness, he has survived the bumbling rituals of retail politics, but he kept coming back to his urgent need to 'explain to Canadians' what exactly is going on."
Susan Riley, Ottawa Citizen columnist, "Snob! Yes, but a hardworking one", The Windsor Star, Monday, November 17, 2008.
But what if the country needs straight talk and specific ideas instead of patient instruction: Would Ignatieff bail out the auto industry, for instance?"
Susan Riley, Ottawa Citizen columnist, "Snob! Yes, but a hardworking one", The Windsor Star, Monday, November 17, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sclerotic".
Define "sclerotic" and use it in a sentence.
What is unacceptable with each of the following entries? Fix the problems.
"...pushing further to the south..."
Sonya Singh, A Channel Weather, Monday, November 17, 2008, 6:30 pm.
"Oh, yeah!"
Sonya Singh, A Channel Weather, Monday, November 17, 2008, 6:30 pm.
Ignatieff has learned the language of inclusiveness, he has survived the bumbling rituals of retail politics, but he kept coming back to his urgent need to 'explain to Canadians' what exactly is going on."
Susan Riley, Ottawa Citizen columnist, "Snob! Yes, but a hardworking one", The Windsor Star, Monday, November 17, 2008.
But what if the country needs straight talk and specific ideas instead of patient instruction: Would Ignatieff bail out the auto industry, for instance?"
Susan Riley, Ottawa Citizen columnist, "Snob! Yes, but a hardworking one", The Windsor Star, Monday, November 17, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "sclerotic".
Define "sclerotic" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, November 17, 2008
A MIXED BAG OF BADDIES
CARELESS! CARELESS!
Find and fix the errors in the following sentences.
"The entire family visited Sea World, the Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, road on the teacups and merry-go-round, and watched a fireworks show."
Julian Revin, "Madelyn's moment as a princess", Living Magazine, The Windsor Star Magazine for fine Lifestyles, November, 2008.
"But these are the first layoffs in quite awhile and there's a possibility some will be called back after the new year."
Dave Hall, Auto supplier down to 44 workers", The Windsor Star, Monday, November 17, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "averse".
Define "averse" and use it in a sentence.
Find and fix the errors in the following sentences.
"The entire family visited Sea World, the Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, road on the teacups and merry-go-round, and watched a fireworks show."
Julian Revin, "Madelyn's moment as a princess", Living Magazine, The Windsor Star Magazine for fine Lifestyles, November, 2008.
"But these are the first layoffs in quite awhile and there's a possibility some will be called back after the new year."
Dave Hall, Auto supplier down to 44 workers", The Windsor Star, Monday, November 17, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "averse".
Define "averse" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
BRING/BRANG/BRUNG/BROUGHT
“Bring” is the present tense of the verb “to bring”.
“Brought” is the past tense of the verb “to bring”.
“Brang” and “brung” are not words and are not acceptable in place of brought.
Tuesday
CONSCIENCE, CONSCIOUS, CONSCIOUSNESS
Conscience” is one’s internal recognition of what is right and wrong or one’s faculty of moral quality. It is, for example, what creates a sense of guilt for a bad action.
“Conscious” means to be awake.
“Consciousness” means the inward sensibility of something or the knowledge of one’s own existence.
Wednesday
"A" AS IN "HAY"
The indefinite article, "a", is NOT pronounced "a" as in "hay" or "eh" as in "Canadian, eh!". It is pronounced "a" as in "bad".
The word "about" is not pronounced "Eh-bout".
WAKE UP
“Police had issued an alert asking for the public's help to find Margaret Holmes, 71, who had gone missing around 9:30 Tuesday.”
People do NOT “go missing”.
“Police had issued an alert asking for the public's help to find Margaret Holmes, 71, who had disappeared (vanished) around 9:30 Tuesday.”
Thursday
“ ‘Local firms and local employment will benefit dramatically,’ Duncan said. ‘Sandra (Pupatello) and I will ensure that happens. Obviously there will be a competitive process involved, but make no mistake there will be benefits to both local business - and more importantly people struggling for employment right now,’ ”
The term is “more important", not "more importantly", which is pompous and incorrect.
“ ‘Local firms and local employment will benefit dramatically,’ Duncan said. ‘Sandra (Pupatello) and I will ensure that happens. Obviously there will be a competitive process involved, but make no mistake there will be benefits to both local business - and more important, people struggling for employment right now,’ ”
TWO FOR ONE
“ ‘We try to get as many people working as we can and get as much money in the pockets of business locally. That's why we are anxious to proceed.’ ”
The context demands putting money “into” people’s pockets, not “in” pockets.
“Anxious” does not mean “eager”, which is what the context demands.
“ ‘We try to get as many people working as we can and get as much money into the pockets of business locally. That's why we are eager to proceed.’ ”
Friday
FOREGO/FORGO
“Forego” means to go before or to precede an event.
“Forgo” means to abstain from or to go without.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Equanimity” (n.) means calmness, composure, self-control or poise.
“Consanguineous” (adj.) means related by birth or akin to.
“Judicious” (adj.) means cautious, thoughtful, astute or prudent.
“Fortuitous” adj.) means by chance, accidental, casual or unexpected.
Monday
BRING/BRANG/BRUNG/BROUGHT
“Bring” is the present tense of the verb “to bring”.
“Brought” is the past tense of the verb “to bring”.
“Brang” and “brung” are not words and are not acceptable in place of brought.
Tuesday
CONSCIENCE, CONSCIOUS, CONSCIOUSNESS
Conscience” is one’s internal recognition of what is right and wrong or one’s faculty of moral quality. It is, for example, what creates a sense of guilt for a bad action.
“Conscious” means to be awake.
“Consciousness” means the inward sensibility of something or the knowledge of one’s own existence.
Wednesday
"A" AS IN "HAY"
The indefinite article, "a", is NOT pronounced "a" as in "hay" or "eh" as in "Canadian, eh!". It is pronounced "a" as in "bad".
The word "about" is not pronounced "Eh-bout".
WAKE UP
“Police had issued an alert asking for the public's help to find Margaret Holmes, 71, who had gone missing around 9:30 Tuesday.”
People do NOT “go missing”.
“Police had issued an alert asking for the public's help to find Margaret Holmes, 71, who had disappeared (vanished) around 9:30 Tuesday.”
Thursday
“ ‘Local firms and local employment will benefit dramatically,’ Duncan said. ‘Sandra (Pupatello) and I will ensure that happens. Obviously there will be a competitive process involved, but make no mistake there will be benefits to both local business - and more importantly people struggling for employment right now,’ ”
The term is “more important", not "more importantly", which is pompous and incorrect.
“ ‘Local firms and local employment will benefit dramatically,’ Duncan said. ‘Sandra (Pupatello) and I will ensure that happens. Obviously there will be a competitive process involved, but make no mistake there will be benefits to both local business - and more important, people struggling for employment right now,’ ”
TWO FOR ONE
“ ‘We try to get as many people working as we can and get as much money in the pockets of business locally. That's why we are anxious to proceed.’ ”
The context demands putting money “into” people’s pockets, not “in” pockets.
“Anxious” does not mean “eager”, which is what the context demands.
“ ‘We try to get as many people working as we can and get as much money into the pockets of business locally. That's why we are eager to proceed.’ ”
Friday
FOREGO/FORGO
“Forego” means to go before or to precede an event.
“Forgo” means to abstain from or to go without.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Equanimity” (n.) means calmness, composure, self-control or poise.
“Consanguineous” (adj.) means related by birth or akin to.
“Judicious” (adj.) means cautious, thoughtful, astute or prudent.
“Fortuitous” adj.) means by chance, accidental, casual or unexpected.
Friday, November 14, 2008
"F" FRIDAY
FOREGO/FORGO
Explain the difference in meaning between "forego" and "forgo".
Create sentences for "forego" and "forgo" that clearly exhibit the meanings of the words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "fortuitous".
Define "fortuitous" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Explain the difference in meaning between "forego" and "forgo".
Create sentences for "forego" and "forgo" that clearly exhibit the meanings of the words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "fortuitous".
Define "fortuitous" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
All corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
POLITICIANS BEWARE!
A DEPARTURE
Find and correct the error(s) in the unit below. If you are having trouble, read my blog of Friday, November 7, 2008.
Normally, I concentrate only on the errors of professional writers but Dwight Duncan is a seasoned politician and, as such, is not immune to the demands for correctness.
"'Local firms and local employment will benefit dramatically,' Duncan said. 'Sandra (Pupatello) and I will ensure that happens. Obviously there will be a competitive process involved, but make no mistake there will be benefits to both local business - and more importantly people struggling for employment right now.'"
Dwight Duncan, Ontario Finance Minister, "Border jobs pledged by Duncan", Dave Battagello, The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 13, 2008.
TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE
Find and correct two errors in the sentences below.
"'We try to get as many people working as we can and get as much money in the pockets of business locally. That's why we are anxious to proceed.'"
Dwight Duncan, Ontario Finance Minister, "Border jobs pledged by Duncan", Dave Battagello, The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 13, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "judicious".
Define "judicious" and use it in a sentence.
Find and correct the error(s) in the unit below. If you are having trouble, read my blog of Friday, November 7, 2008.
Normally, I concentrate only on the errors of professional writers but Dwight Duncan is a seasoned politician and, as such, is not immune to the demands for correctness.
"'Local firms and local employment will benefit dramatically,' Duncan said. 'Sandra (Pupatello) and I will ensure that happens. Obviously there will be a competitive process involved, but make no mistake there will be benefits to both local business - and more importantly people struggling for employment right now.'"
Dwight Duncan, Ontario Finance Minister, "Border jobs pledged by Duncan", Dave Battagello, The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 13, 2008.
TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE
Find and correct two errors in the sentences below.
"'We try to get as many people working as we can and get as much money in the pockets of business locally. That's why we are anxious to proceed.'"
Dwight Duncan, Ontario Finance Minister, "Border jobs pledged by Duncan", Dave Battagello, The Windsor Star, Thursday, November 13, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "judicious".
Define "judicious" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
RANT!
In case anyone wants to accuse me of plagiarism, I borrowed the term, "Rant!", from Rick Mercer.
"A" AS IN "HAY"
Dear Don Newman, chief political and special events broadcaster, CBC News:
The indefinite article, "a", regardless of how George Bush says it, is NOT pronounced "a" as in "hay" or "eh" as in "Canadian, eh!". It is pronounced "a" as in "bad".
The word "about" is not pronounced "Eh-bout", regardless of how Canadian you are.
Trying to emphasize a word by mispronouncing the "a" before it, such as in "eh dummy" or "eh moron" is incorrect and unacceptable.
Dear newscasters, radio hosts, news readers and all other professional voices:
Read the above and take it to heart.
WAKE UP WRITERS
How many times do I have to point out the mistake below?
If you do not know what it is, go watch television.
"Police had issued an alert asking for the public's help to find Margaret Holmes, 71, who had gone missing around 9:30 Tuesday.
Star Staff, "Windsor police end search after senior returns home, The windsor Star, Wednesday, November 12, 2008.
"A" AS IN "HAY"
Dear Don Newman, chief political and special events broadcaster, CBC News:
The indefinite article, "a", regardless of how George Bush says it, is NOT pronounced "a" as in "hay" or "eh" as in "Canadian, eh!". It is pronounced "a" as in "bad".
The word "about" is not pronounced "Eh-bout", regardless of how Canadian you are.
Trying to emphasize a word by mispronouncing the "a" before it, such as in "eh dummy" or "eh moron" is incorrect and unacceptable.
Dear newscasters, radio hosts, news readers and all other professional voices:
Read the above and take it to heart.
WAKE UP WRITERS
How many times do I have to point out the mistake below?
If you do not know what it is, go watch television.
"Police had issued an alert asking for the public's help to find Margaret Holmes, 71, who had gone missing around 9:30 Tuesday.
Star Staff, "Windsor police end search after senior returns home, The windsor Star, Wednesday, November 12, 2008.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
CAREFUL THINKING REQUIRED
CONSCIENCE, CONSCIOUS, CONSCIOUSNESS
Explain the differences in meaning of the words "conscience", "conscious" and "consciousness".
Create sentences to illustrate the meaning of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "consanguineous".
Define the five-syllable word "consanguineous" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the differences in meaning of the words "conscience", "conscious" and "consciousness".
Create sentences to illustrate the meaning of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "consanguineous".
Define the five-syllable word "consanguineous" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, November 10, 2008
MONDAY'S CHALLENGE
BRING/BRANG/BRUNG/BROUGHT
Try to sort this out.
Identify the part of speech of "bring" "brang", "brung" and "brought".
Explain the connection of each word to the others.
Which of these words is not acceptable? Why?
Create sentences to correctly exhibit the meaning of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "equanimity".
Define "equanimity" and use it in a sentence.
Try to sort this out.
Identify the part of speech of "bring" "brang", "brung" and "brought".
Explain the connection of each word to the others.
Which of these words is not acceptable? Why?
Create sentences to correctly exhibit the meaning of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "equanimity".
Define "equanimity" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 9, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
There is an error in the unit below. Find it and correct it.
“Palin, herself, isn't gaffe-proof. Her often rambling, incoherent answers...generated fodder for her critics and inspired the hilarious parody by Saturday Night Live alumnus Tina Fey.”
“Alumnus” is masculine. Tina Fey is an “alumna” not an “alumnus” of Saturday Night Live.
“Palin, herself, isn't gaffe-proof. Her often rambling, incoherent answers...generated fodder for her critics and inspired the hilarious parody by Saturday Night Live alumna Tina Fey.”
Tuesday
“Well, yeah, ya know…”
A professional could use better than street lingo. I begrudge sloppy articulation and allow some leeway, but I cannot accept “yeah”. And “well” is just empty air fill.
“Yes…”
“You've got temperatures over there…”
I am not “over there“. I do not have “temperatures” over there. "You've got..." is a ridiculous regionalism.
“The temperatures in the west (or east or anywhere)…”
“Yeah, ya know…”
Check above. Consistency is an asset. “Ya know…” is empty air fill also.
“Yes…”
Wednesday
Fix any errors you find in the following:
“About 50 people worked at the plant. When the government announced a $950,000 grant to the operation in August 2007 - just months after loaning it $2 million - it said the plant was using the money to employ 134 people, growing to 250 employees within four years.”
“Loan” is a noun. “Lend” is the verb form needed.
“About 50 people worked at the plant. When the government announced a $950,000 grant to the operation in August 2007 - just months after lending it $2 million - it said the plant was using the money to employ 134 people, growing to 250 employees within four years.”
Thursday
INSTANTS/INSTANCES
Examples of anything are “instances.” Brief moments are “instants”.
“He exhibited several instances where his team played poorly.”
“The loud sound scared him and, in an instant, he was running frantically away”.
Friday
MORE IMPORTANT/MORE IMPORTANTLY
“More importantly” is pompous and, because of context, is usually wrong. It should never be used.
“More important” is the correct form.
EASY QUOTE
“While there's life, there's hope.”
Cicero, a Roman orator, created this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Eponymous” (adj.) means giving one’s name to a tribe, a place an institution. It is from the noun “eponym”.
“Hermaphrodite” (n.) means androgynous, genderless, sexless or being both male and female.
“Ominous” (adj.) means threatening, gloomy, menacing or portentous.
“Phantasmagoria” (n.) means a shifting series of phantasms, illusions or deceptive appearances as in a dream. It can mean a series of optical illusions.
“Condescension” (n.) means disdain, arrogance, to treat with contempt or aloofness.
Monday
There is an error in the unit below. Find it and correct it.
“Palin, herself, isn't gaffe-proof. Her often rambling, incoherent answers...generated fodder for her critics and inspired the hilarious parody by Saturday Night Live alumnus Tina Fey.”
“Alumnus” is masculine. Tina Fey is an “alumna” not an “alumnus” of Saturday Night Live.
“Palin, herself, isn't gaffe-proof. Her often rambling, incoherent answers...generated fodder for her critics and inspired the hilarious parody by Saturday Night Live alumna Tina Fey.”
Tuesday
“Well, yeah, ya know…”
A professional could use better than street lingo. I begrudge sloppy articulation and allow some leeway, but I cannot accept “yeah”. And “well” is just empty air fill.
“Yes…”
“You've got temperatures over there…”
I am not “over there“. I do not have “temperatures” over there. "You've got..." is a ridiculous regionalism.
“The temperatures in the west (or east or anywhere)…”
“Yeah, ya know…”
Check above. Consistency is an asset. “Ya know…” is empty air fill also.
“Yes…”
Wednesday
Fix any errors you find in the following:
“About 50 people worked at the plant. When the government announced a $950,000 grant to the operation in August 2007 - just months after loaning it $2 million - it said the plant was using the money to employ 134 people, growing to 250 employees within four years.”
“Loan” is a noun. “Lend” is the verb form needed.
“About 50 people worked at the plant. When the government announced a $950,000 grant to the operation in August 2007 - just months after lending it $2 million - it said the plant was using the money to employ 134 people, growing to 250 employees within four years.”
Thursday
INSTANTS/INSTANCES
Examples of anything are “instances.” Brief moments are “instants”.
“He exhibited several instances where his team played poorly.”
“The loud sound scared him and, in an instant, he was running frantically away”.
Friday
MORE IMPORTANT/MORE IMPORTANTLY
“More importantly” is pompous and, because of context, is usually wrong. It should never be used.
“More important” is the correct form.
EASY QUOTE
“While there's life, there's hope.”
Cicero, a Roman orator, created this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Eponymous” (adj.) means giving one’s name to a tribe, a place an institution. It is from the noun “eponym”.
“Hermaphrodite” (n.) means androgynous, genderless, sexless or being both male and female.
“Ominous” (adj.) means threatening, gloomy, menacing or portentous.
“Phantasmagoria” (n.) means a shifting series of phantasms, illusions or deceptive appearances as in a dream. It can mean a series of optical illusions.
“Condescension” (n.) means disdain, arrogance, to treat with contempt or aloofness.
Friday, November 7, 2008
FINE TUNING
MORE IMPORTANT/MORE IMPORTANTLY
Which is correct: "more importantly" or "more important"?
Explain the rationale for your choice.
Create a sentence to illustrate the meaning of your choice.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "condescension"
Define "condescension" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Which is correct: "more importantly" or "more important"?
Explain the rationale for your choice.
Create a sentence to illustrate the meaning of your choice.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "condescension"
Define "condescension" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
JUST FOR FUN
INSTANTS/INSTANCES
Explain the differences between the words "instants" and "instances".
Create sentences that illustrate the meanings of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "phantasmagoria".
Define "phantasmagoria" and use it in a sentence. (This is not a common word but it has a wonderful sound.)
Explain the differences between the words "instants" and "instances".
Create sentences that illustrate the meanings of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "phantasmagoria".
Define "phantasmagoria" and use it in a sentence. (This is not a common word but it has a wonderful sound.)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
"SAME OLD...SAME OLD!"
WHEN WILL THEY EVER LEARN?
Fix any errors you find in the following:
"About 50 people worked at the plant. When the government announced a $950,000 grant to the operation in August 2007 - just months after loaning it $2 million - it said the plant was using the money to employ 134 people, growing to 250 employees within four years."
Sarah Sacheli, "$3 M in aid fails to keep plant open", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, November 5, 2008.
EASY QUOTE
Everyone know this quote. But, who coined it? And, did you know it verbatim?
“While there's life, there's hope.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "ominous".
Define "ominous" and use it in a sentence.
Fix any errors you find in the following:
"About 50 people worked at the plant. When the government announced a $950,000 grant to the operation in August 2007 - just months after loaning it $2 million - it said the plant was using the money to employ 134 people, growing to 250 employees within four years."
Sarah Sacheli, "$3 M in aid fails to keep plant open", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, November 5, 2008.
EASY QUOTE
Everyone know this quote. But, who coined it? And, did you know it verbatim?
“While there's life, there's hope.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "ominous".
Define "ominous" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
PROFESSIONALISM
ELEVATE THE LEVEL
I heard the following word usages last night during the Windsor A-Channel weather report at 6 pm. I suggest the weather person try to elevate her language to a more professional level.
Determine the problem for each and suggest an alternative. Do not be concerned with incomplete sentences; they are not the issue.
"Well, yeah, ya know..."
"You've got temperatures over there..."
"Yeah, ya know..."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "hermaphrodite".
Define "hermaphrodite" and use it in a sentence.
CLARIFICATION
To the person who commented on yesterday's entry about Sarah Palin: do not overthink the issue; the problem is a very simple one.
I heard the following word usages last night during the Windsor A-Channel weather report at 6 pm. I suggest the weather person try to elevate her language to a more professional level.
Determine the problem for each and suggest an alternative. Do not be concerned with incomplete sentences; they are not the issue.
"Well, yeah, ya know..."
"You've got temperatures over there..."
"Yeah, ya know..."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "hermaphrodite".
Define "hermaphrodite" and use it in a sentence.
CLARIFICATION
To the person who commented on yesterday's entry about Sarah Palin: do not overthink the issue; the problem is a very simple one.
Monday, November 3, 2008
PROUDLY PICKY PEDAGOGIC PURISM
FYI & CRITIQUE
I suggest there is an error in the unit below. Find it and correct it. Feel free to disagree with this one. Opinions are welcome.
"Palin , herself, isn't gaffe-proof. Her often rambling, incoherent answers...generated fodder for her critics and inspired the hilarious parody by Saturday Night Live alumnus Tina Fey."
Opinion, "Sarah Palin, A double standard at work", The Windsor Star, Monday, November 3, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "eponymous".
Define "eponymous" and use it in a sentence.
I suggest there is an error in the unit below. Find it and correct it. Feel free to disagree with this one. Opinions are welcome.
"Palin , herself, isn't gaffe-proof. Her often rambling, incoherent answers...generated fodder for her critics and inspired the hilarious parody by Saturday Night Live alumnus Tina Fey."
Opinion, "Sarah Palin, A double standard at work", The Windsor Star, Monday, November 3, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "eponymous".
Define "eponymous" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - November 2, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
[He expressed] “...the need for he to be at his grandmother's side…”.
“For” is a preposition which takes an objective pronoun; “he” is subjective and must be replaced .
[He expressed] “...the need for him to be at his grandmother's side…”.
“The better choice, even with the disadvantage of having an inexperienced running mate in Sarah Palin, who doubtless spies every last Air Canada plane taking the northern route to Europe.”
This is an incomplete sentence because there is no verb. It is also confusing in meaning and should be reworded.
"The better choice, even with the disadvantage of having an inexperienced running mate, is Sarah Palin, who doubtless sees every last Air Canada plane taking the northern route to Europe.”
“One in five Britons find monogamy undesirable and nearly a third think it is unnatural, according to a sex survey out Sunday.”
The subject is “one”, not “five”, and it requires a singular verb, “finds”.
“One in five Britons finds monogamy undesirable and nearly a third think it is unnatural, according to a sex survey out Sunday.”
Tuesday
[He] “...shoulda went right to second base…”.
The sports caster should learn to articulate. Also, “went” is the past tense of “go” and cannot be used with the auxiliary verb “have”.
[He] “...should have gone right to second base...".
“I was doing good.”
“Good” is an adjective and an adverb is required to describe the verb “was doing”.
“I was doing well.”
Wednesday
"Is it true, do men get more romantic with age? The most romantic age 53? Do you agree? We are told he is wiser and will work for his partner, be more likely to make an effort. is it true? Is your man more romantic than ever? Would you choose an older man over a young man, anytime?"
There are so many errors here, I don’t have the inclination to list them. Check below for a better version. I have no idea how to incorporate “anytime” with any sort of connectivity, so I am leaving it out.
“Is it true that men get more romantic with age? Is the most romantic age 53? Do you agree? We are told that, at that age, he is wiser and will work for his partner and be more likely to make an effort. Is it true? Is your man more romantic than ever? Would you choose an older man over a young man?”
“Young, childless, and snipped. Men as young as 21 are seeking vasectomies. With one couple suing for $50,000 because his didn't take. Should they collect for an unplanned pregnancy?”
The first group of words is an incomplete thought. The third group is not either.
“Young, childless, and snipped, men as young as 21 are seeking vasectomies. One couple is suing for $50,000 because his didn't take. Should they collect for an unplanned pregnancy?”
Thursday
“Because it's stomach churning to think that those dear old grandparents, Bill and Helene Regier of Mount Carmel, aged 72 and 73, were killed in cold blood by someone who surely knew their deaths would be 'freebies' on his maxed-out crime account.”
This is an incomplete thought; the word “because” makes it a subordinate clause that cannot stand by itself.
“It's stomach churning to think that those dear old grandparents, Bill and Helene Regier of Mount Carmel, aged 72 and 73, were killed in cold blood by someone who surely knew their deaths would be 'freebies' on his maxed-out crime account.”
“Three for the price of one. A volume discount.”
Both groups of words are incomplete thoughts.
“He killed three for the price of one and will get a volume discount [at trial].”
“...says members are impacted for life…”
"Impact" is a noun. I do not like “impacted” being used as a verb, although it seems to be creeping into the language.
“...says there are impacts on members for life…”
Friday
“Jesse Imeson looks good in chains. What else to say about a man who killed three times in four days?”
The second group of words is poorly constructed and incomplete.
“Jesse Imeson looks good in chains. What else is there to say about a man who killed three times in four days?”
“Food and liquor are going missing, articles of clothing, fishing equipment.”
“Things do not “go missing”; that is an impossibility. The last part is a weak ad-on. It should be completely reworked.
“Food and liquor, articles of clothing and fishing equipment are disappearing."
“Because better people, in the end, always win.”
This is an incomplete thought. As printed, it is a subordinate clause only.“Better people, in the end, always win.”
AN INTERESTING PHILOSOPHY
“Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.”
Oscar Wilde created this quote.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Pathetic” (adj.) means exciting pity or sympathy, wretched, dismal, sad, pitiable or weak. The noun form is “pathos”. “Pathology” is a derivation.
“Self-effacement” (n.) refers to humility or is the act of keeping oneself in the background.
“Euphemism” (n.) refers to the substitution of a mild, indirect or vague expression for a harsh or blunt one.
“Frivolity” (n.) means playfulness, merriment or giddiness.
“Languorous” (adj.) means lazy, sleepy, dreamy or languid.
Monday
[He expressed] “...the need for he to be at his grandmother's side…”.
“For” is a preposition which takes an objective pronoun; “he” is subjective and must be replaced .
[He expressed] “...the need for him to be at his grandmother's side…”.
“The better choice, even with the disadvantage of having an inexperienced running mate in Sarah Palin, who doubtless spies every last Air Canada plane taking the northern route to Europe.”
This is an incomplete sentence because there is no verb. It is also confusing in meaning and should be reworded.
"The better choice, even with the disadvantage of having an inexperienced running mate, is Sarah Palin, who doubtless sees every last Air Canada plane taking the northern route to Europe.”
“One in five Britons find monogamy undesirable and nearly a third think it is unnatural, according to a sex survey out Sunday.”
The subject is “one”, not “five”, and it requires a singular verb, “finds”.
“One in five Britons finds monogamy undesirable and nearly a third think it is unnatural, according to a sex survey out Sunday.”
Tuesday
[He] “...shoulda went right to second base…”.
The sports caster should learn to articulate. Also, “went” is the past tense of “go” and cannot be used with the auxiliary verb “have”.
[He] “...should have gone right to second base...".
“I was doing good.”
“Good” is an adjective and an adverb is required to describe the verb “was doing”.
“I was doing well.”
Wednesday
"Is it true, do men get more romantic with age? The most romantic age 53? Do you agree? We are told he is wiser and will work for his partner, be more likely to make an effort. is it true? Is your man more romantic than ever? Would you choose an older man over a young man, anytime?"
There are so many errors here, I don’t have the inclination to list them. Check below for a better version. I have no idea how to incorporate “anytime” with any sort of connectivity, so I am leaving it out.
“Is it true that men get more romantic with age? Is the most romantic age 53? Do you agree? We are told that, at that age, he is wiser and will work for his partner and be more likely to make an effort. Is it true? Is your man more romantic than ever? Would you choose an older man over a young man?”
“Young, childless, and snipped. Men as young as 21 are seeking vasectomies. With one couple suing for $50,000 because his didn't take. Should they collect for an unplanned pregnancy?”
The first group of words is an incomplete thought. The third group is not either.
“Young, childless, and snipped, men as young as 21 are seeking vasectomies. One couple is suing for $50,000 because his didn't take. Should they collect for an unplanned pregnancy?”
Thursday
“Because it's stomach churning to think that those dear old grandparents, Bill and Helene Regier of Mount Carmel, aged 72 and 73, were killed in cold blood by someone who surely knew their deaths would be 'freebies' on his maxed-out crime account.”
This is an incomplete thought; the word “because” makes it a subordinate clause that cannot stand by itself.
“It's stomach churning to think that those dear old grandparents, Bill and Helene Regier of Mount Carmel, aged 72 and 73, were killed in cold blood by someone who surely knew their deaths would be 'freebies' on his maxed-out crime account.”
“Three for the price of one. A volume discount.”
Both groups of words are incomplete thoughts.
“He killed three for the price of one and will get a volume discount [at trial].”
“...says members are impacted for life…”
"Impact" is a noun. I do not like “impacted” being used as a verb, although it seems to be creeping into the language.
“...says there are impacts on members for life…”
Friday
“Jesse Imeson looks good in chains. What else to say about a man who killed three times in four days?”
The second group of words is poorly constructed and incomplete.
“Jesse Imeson looks good in chains. What else is there to say about a man who killed three times in four days?”
“Food and liquor are going missing, articles of clothing, fishing equipment.”
“Things do not “go missing”; that is an impossibility. The last part is a weak ad-on. It should be completely reworked.
“Food and liquor, articles of clothing and fishing equipment are disappearing."
“Because better people, in the end, always win.”
This is an incomplete thought. As printed, it is a subordinate clause only.“Better people, in the end, always win.”
AN INTERESTING PHILOSOPHY
“Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.”
Oscar Wilde created this quote.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Pathetic” (adj.) means exciting pity or sympathy, wretched, dismal, sad, pitiable or weak. The noun form is “pathos”. “Pathology” is a derivation.
“Self-effacement” (n.) refers to humility or is the act of keeping oneself in the background.
“Euphemism” (n.) refers to the substitution of a mild, indirect or vague expression for a harsh or blunt one.
“Frivolity” (n.) means playfulness, merriment or giddiness.
“Languorous” (adj.) means lazy, sleepy, dreamy or languid.
Friday, October 31, 2008
MEDIA WATCH WEEK - DAY 5
ONE STORY - MANY HITS
Find and correct the errors in the following pieces.
"Jesse Imeson looks good in chains. What else to say about a man who killed three times in four days?"
"Food and liquor are going missing, articles of clothing, fishing equipment."
"Because better people, in the end, always win."
Kelly Egan, Ottawa Citizen Columnist, "With a killer on the loose, brave neighbours prevail, Kelly Egan, The Windsor Star, Friday, October 31, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "languorous".
Define "languorous" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted on Sunday.
Find and correct the errors in the following pieces.
"Jesse Imeson looks good in chains. What else to say about a man who killed three times in four days?"
"Food and liquor are going missing, articles of clothing, fishing equipment."
"Because better people, in the end, always win."
Kelly Egan, Ottawa Citizen Columnist, "With a killer on the loose, brave neighbours prevail, Kelly Egan, The Windsor Star, Friday, October 31, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "languorous".
Define "languorous" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted on Sunday.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
MEDIA WATCH WEEK - DAY 4
ACCEPTABILITY?
Read the following and decide whether or not they contain writing errors.
Identify the errors and correct them.
"Because it's stomach churning to think that those dear old grandparents, Bill and Helene Regier of Mount Carmel, aged 72 and 73, were killed in cold blood by someone who surely knew their deaths would be 'freebies' on his maxed-out crime account."
Gord Henderson, "Where's the justice?", The Windsor Star, Thursday, October 30, 2008.
"Three for the price of one. A volume discount."
Gord Henderson, "Where's the justice?", The Windsor Star, Thursday, October 30, 2008.
"...says members are impacted for life..."
Rob Shervill, AM800 CKLW News, Thursday, October 30, 2008, 9:03 am.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "frivolity".
Define "frivolity" and use it in a sentence.
Read the following and decide whether or not they contain writing errors.
Identify the errors and correct them.
"Because it's stomach churning to think that those dear old grandparents, Bill and Helene Regier of Mount Carmel, aged 72 and 73, were killed in cold blood by someone who surely knew their deaths would be 'freebies' on his maxed-out crime account."
Gord Henderson, "Where's the justice?", The Windsor Star, Thursday, October 30, 2008.
"Three for the price of one. A volume discount."
Gord Henderson, "Where's the justice?", The Windsor Star, Thursday, October 30, 2008.
"...says members are impacted for life..."
Rob Shervill, AM800 CKLW News, Thursday, October 30, 2008, 9:03 am.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "frivolity".
Define "frivolity" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
MEDIA WATCH WEEK - DAY 3
ON-LINE SHOW SCHEDULE
Read the following paragraphs that list "Other Upcoming Events..." for the Lynn Martin radio show on AM800, CKLW . Find and correct the errors.
"Is it true, do men get more romantic with age? The most romantic age 53? Do you agree? We are told he is wiser and will work for his partner, be more likely to make an effort. is it true? Is your man more romantic than ever? Would you choose an older man over a young man, anytime?"
"Young, childless, and snipped. Men as young as 21 are seeking vasectomies. With one couple suing for $50,000 because his didn't take. Should they collect for an unplanned pregnancy?"
AN INTERESTING PHILOSOPHY
Identify the author of the following barb.
“Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "euphemism".
Define "euphemism" and use it in a sentence.
CONGRATULATIONS!
I congratulate "Yusuf" for finding the spelling error that I made last week. Well done!
To those who did not find the error: "Too bad! You lose! I corrected the mistake."
If you are really curious, you will find Yusuf's comment attached to one of my postings. Read it.
M.
Read the following paragraphs that list "Other Upcoming Events..." for the Lynn Martin radio show on AM800, CKLW . Find and correct the errors.
"Is it true, do men get more romantic with age? The most romantic age 53? Do you agree? We are told he is wiser and will work for his partner, be more likely to make an effort. is it true? Is your man more romantic than ever? Would you choose an older man over a young man, anytime?"
"Young, childless, and snipped. Men as young as 21 are seeking vasectomies. With one couple suing for $50,000 because his didn't take. Should they collect for an unplanned pregnancy?"
AN INTERESTING PHILOSOPHY
Identify the author of the following barb.
“Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "euphemism".
Define "euphemism" and use it in a sentence.
CONGRATULATIONS!
I congratulate "Yusuf" for finding the spelling error that I made last week. Well done!
To those who did not find the error: "Too bad! You lose! I corrected the mistake."
If you are really curious, you will find Yusuf's comment attached to one of my postings. Read it.
M.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
MEDIA WATCH WEEK - DAY 2
CHECK THESE GEMS!
Find and correct the errors in the entries below.
[He] "...shoulda went right to second base..."
Brian Dunstan, CBC Newsworld, Monday, October 27, 2008, 2:35 pm.
"I was doing good."
(I think this was in reference to his previous weather predictions in which he failed to predict the rain that cancelled the World Series Monday.)
Sam Champion, weatherman, ABC Good Morning America, Tuesday, October 28, 2008, 7:15 am.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "self-effacement".
Define "self-effacement" and use it in a sentence.
Find and correct the errors in the entries below.
[He] "...shoulda went right to second base..."
Brian Dunstan, CBC Newsworld, Monday, October 27, 2008, 2:35 pm.
"I was doing good."
(I think this was in reference to his previous weather predictions in which he failed to predict the rain that cancelled the World Series Monday.)
Sam Champion, weatherman, ABC Good Morning America, Tuesday, October 28, 2008, 7:15 am.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "self-effacement".
Define "self-effacement" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, October 27, 2008
MEDIA WATCH WEEK - DAY 1
PROFESSIONALS AT WORK
Find and explain the flaws in the following pieces.
[He expressed] "...the need for he to be at his grandmother's side...".
Henry Champ, CBC Newsworld, Friday, October 25, 10:15 am.
"The better choice,even with the disadvantage of having an inexperienced running mate in Sarah Palin, who doubtless spies every last Air Canada plane taking the northern route to Europe."
Barbara Yaffe, "McCain best for Canada, The Windsor Star, Saturday, October 25, 2008.
"One in five Britons find monogamy undesirable and nearly a third think it is unnatural, according to a sex survey out Sunday."
"Survey finds a third think monogamy unnatural", London, The Windsor Star, Monday, October 27, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
Today's word is "pathetic".
Define "pathetic" and use it in a sentence.
List all the other forms of the word that come to mind.
Find and explain the flaws in the following pieces.
[He expressed] "...the need for he to be at his grandmother's side...".
Henry Champ, CBC Newsworld, Friday, October 25, 10:15 am.
"The better choice,even with the disadvantage of having an inexperienced running mate in Sarah Palin, who doubtless spies every last Air Canada plane taking the northern route to Europe."
Barbara Yaffe, "McCain best for Canada, The Windsor Star, Saturday, October 25, 2008.
"One in five Britons find monogamy undesirable and nearly a third think it is unnatural, according to a sex survey out Sunday."
"Survey finds a third think monogamy unnatural", London, The Windsor Star, Monday, October 27, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
Today's word is "pathetic".
Define "pathetic" and use it in a sentence.
List all the other forms of the word that come to mind.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - October 26, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
ALLEGED/ ALLEGEDLY
“Alleged” is an adjective (technically a participle) meaning supposed, suspected, so-called or assumed.
“Allegedly” is an adverb meaning purportedly or supposedly.
How are "alleged" and "allegedly" misused and overused.
To say that a crime is alleged when there is an obvious victim of the crime or abuse is ridiculous. The crime had been committed; there is no alleged victim or alleged crime; there is a victim and a crime. Thus, in this case, by deduction there is no such thing as an alleged perpetrator. Reporters and writers often make this mistake in a seeming attempt to not influence a case.
Tuesday
PRONUNCIATION/ARTICULATION
“Pronunciation” means the stress that is put on a syllable.
Other words for this are emphasis or accent.
In Canada we should say “finance” with the stress on the second syllable. In the states, the stress is on the first syllable.
“Articulation” is the clarity with which a syllable is spoken. Another word for this is enunciation.
“Little” has two “ts” in the middle and should not be sloppily spoken as “liddle”.
Wednesday
DRAUGHT/DRAFT
“Draft” (n.) means a drawing or sketch, a current of air or a levy such as conscription.
The beer industry has adopted “draft” in place of “draught” for obvious marketing and advertising reasons.
“Draught” (n.) means a current of air such as in a room or chimney, a drawing of a liquid.
Today, the words are almost completely interchangeable.
Thursday
ACCEPT/EXCEPT
“Accept” (v.) means to receive.
“Except” is usually a preposition meaning but or leaving out.
“Except” can be used as a verb such as in , “He excepted the results.” The meaning is that he did not include them in whatever conclusion he was drawing.
The two words are almost perfect antonyms.
Friday
Identify and correct the error in the following entry.
“The number of homicides in Canada went down last year from the year before, although an increasing number of slayings are related to gang warfare, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.”
If “number” refers to all individuals, “are” is acceptable. Normally, “number” is a collective singular noun and a singular verb, “is” is required.
“The number of homicides in Canada went down last year from the year before, although an increasing number of slayings is related to gang warfare, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.”
A GREAT LIFE APHORISM
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt said this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Recrimination” (n.) means an accusation, blame or reproach.
“Interlocutor” (n.) is a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue with another.
“Acquisitive” (adj.) means greedy, covetous, avaricious or grasping.
“Morbid” (adj.) means gloomy, morose, dark or moody.
“Tipple” (n.) means a cocktail, a pint, a beer, a nip or an intoxicating liquor. As a verb, it means to drink or tip one.
“Tipple” (n.) is a device that is used to overturn a freight car to dump its contents. It also means a place where the cars are emptied of their contents.
Monday
ALLEGED/ ALLEGEDLY
“Alleged” is an adjective (technically a participle) meaning supposed, suspected, so-called or assumed.
“Allegedly” is an adverb meaning purportedly or supposedly.
How are "alleged" and "allegedly" misused and overused.
To say that a crime is alleged when there is an obvious victim of the crime or abuse is ridiculous. The crime had been committed; there is no alleged victim or alleged crime; there is a victim and a crime. Thus, in this case, by deduction there is no such thing as an alleged perpetrator. Reporters and writers often make this mistake in a seeming attempt to not influence a case.
Tuesday
PRONUNCIATION/ARTICULATION
“Pronunciation” means the stress that is put on a syllable.
Other words for this are emphasis or accent.
In Canada we should say “finance” with the stress on the second syllable. In the states, the stress is on the first syllable.
“Articulation” is the clarity with which a syllable is spoken. Another word for this is enunciation.
“Little” has two “ts” in the middle and should not be sloppily spoken as “liddle”.
Wednesday
DRAUGHT/DRAFT
“Draft” (n.) means a drawing or sketch, a current of air or a levy such as conscription.
The beer industry has adopted “draft” in place of “draught” for obvious marketing and advertising reasons.
“Draught” (n.) means a current of air such as in a room or chimney, a drawing of a liquid.
Today, the words are almost completely interchangeable.
Thursday
ACCEPT/EXCEPT
“Accept” (v.) means to receive.
“Except” is usually a preposition meaning but or leaving out.
“Except” can be used as a verb such as in , “He excepted the results.” The meaning is that he did not include them in whatever conclusion he was drawing.
The two words are almost perfect antonyms.
Friday
Identify and correct the error in the following entry.
“The number of homicides in Canada went down last year from the year before, although an increasing number of slayings are related to gang warfare, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.”
If “number” refers to all individuals, “are” is acceptable. Normally, “number” is a collective singular noun and a singular verb, “is” is required.
“The number of homicides in Canada went down last year from the year before, although an increasing number of slayings is related to gang warfare, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.”
A GREAT LIFE APHORISM
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt said this.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Recrimination” (n.) means an accusation, blame or reproach.
“Interlocutor” (n.) is a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue with another.
“Acquisitive” (adj.) means greedy, covetous, avaricious or grasping.
“Morbid” (adj.) means gloomy, morose, dark or moody.
“Tipple” (n.) means a cocktail, a pint, a beer, a nip or an intoxicating liquor. As a verb, it means to drink or tip one.
“Tipple” (n.) is a device that is used to overturn a freight car to dump its contents. It also means a place where the cars are emptied of their contents.
Friday, October 24, 2008
LOTS OF STUFF
JUST FOR PRACTICE
Identify and correct the error in the following entry.
"The number of homicides in Canada went down last year from the year before, although an increasing number of slayings are related to gang warfare, Statistics Canada reported Thursday."
"Homicide rate in Canada goes down", Canwest News Service, Ottawa, The Windsor Star, Friday, October 24, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "tipple".
Define "tipple". Be aware that there are two distinct meanings for this word: one as a noun; one as a verb. Create sentences using "tipple" as a noun and as a verb.
MEDIA WATCH WEEK
Remember, next week is MEDIA WATCH (& LISTEN) WEEK!
All contributions of errors are welcome!
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Identify and correct the error in the following entry.
"The number of homicides in Canada went down last year from the year before, although an increasing number of slayings are related to gang warfare, Statistics Canada reported Thursday."
"Homicide rate in Canada goes down", Canwest News Service, Ottawa, The Windsor Star, Friday, October 24, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "tipple".
Define "tipple". Be aware that there are two distinct meanings for this word: one as a noun; one as a verb. Create sentences using "tipple" as a noun and as a verb.
MEDIA WATCH WEEK
Remember, next week is MEDIA WATCH (& LISTEN) WEEK!
All contributions of errors are welcome!
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
INTERESTING CHALLENGES
ACCEPT/EXCEPT
Explain the difference between "accept" and "except".
What part of speech is each word?
Which word can be used as more than one part of speech? Explain.
Create sentences to illustrate the various meanings of the two words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "morbid".
Define "morbid" and use it in a sentence.
MEDIA WATCH WEEK
Remember, next week is MEDIA WATCH WEEK!
All contributions are welcome!
Explain the difference between "accept" and "except".
What part of speech is each word?
Which word can be used as more than one part of speech? Explain.
Create sentences to illustrate the various meanings of the two words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "morbid".
Define "morbid" and use it in a sentence.
MEDIA WATCH WEEK
Remember, next week is MEDIA WATCH WEEK!
All contributions are welcome!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A BIT TRICKY
DRAUGHT/DRAFT
Define and explain the difference between the words "draught" and "draft".
A GREAT LIFE APHORISM
Identify the author of the following.
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "acquisitive".
Define "acquisitive" and use it in a sentence.
Define and explain the difference between the words "draught" and "draft".
A GREAT LIFE APHORISM
Identify the author of the following.
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "acquisitive".
Define "acquisitive" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A BIG WORD DAY
PRONUNCIATION/ARTICULATION
Explain the difference between "pronunciation" and "articulation".
Identify as many synonyms as you can for each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "interlocutor".
Define "interlocutor" and use it in a sentence.
NEXT WEEK
I think it is about time that I devote some effort to highlighting the extremely sloppy use of the English language by radio and television readers, reporters and talk show hosts.
If anyone would like to draw attention to a particularly egregious error or media contributor, please let me know by clicking on COMMENT below.
Explain the difference between "pronunciation" and "articulation".
Identify as many synonyms as you can for each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "interlocutor".
Define "interlocutor" and use it in a sentence.
NEXT WEEK
I think it is about time that I devote some effort to highlighting the extremely sloppy use of the English language by radio and television readers, reporters and talk show hosts.
If anyone would like to draw attention to a particularly egregious error or media contributor, please let me know by clicking on COMMENT below.
Monday, October 20, 2008
MEDIA MISUSE
ALLEGED, ALLEGEDLY
Define "alleged" and "allegedly".
What part of speech is each term?
Explain how "alleged" and "allegedly" are misused and overused.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "recrimination".
Define "recrinination" and use it in a sentence.
Define "alleged" and "allegedly".
What part of speech is each term?
Explain how "alleged" and "allegedly" are misused and overused.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "recrimination".
Define "recrinination" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - October 19, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week’s entries.
Tuesday
JOINT POSSESSIVES
What are the rules governing joint possessives?
"John's and Jane’s home is on a hill."
When there is joint ownership, the last name has the apostrophe.
"John and Jane’s home is on a hill."
"Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is really good."
When there is joint ownership, the last name has the apostrophe.
"Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is really good."
"Bob's and Carol's and Ted's and Alice’s party was a sensation."
When there is joint ownership by many individuals, the last name has the apostrophe.
"Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice’s party was a sensation."
"John’s and Jane’s cars are in the garage."
When each owns his own vehicle, both names have an apostrophe.
"John’s and Jane’s cars are in the garage.
"She and his estate is very fancy."
This is too awkward and should be reworded.
"Their estate is very fancy."
Or
“The estate owned by Dick and Jane is very fancy.”
"His and her estate is in the Yukon."
This is too awkward and should be reworded.
"Both his and her estates are in the Yukon."
Wednesday
LITTLEST/LEAST
“Little” means small in size or amount.
When referring to size, the comparative form is “littler” or “more little“ and the superlative form is “littlest”.
When referring to amount, as in “a small amount of”, the comparative is “less” and the superlative is “least”.
Thursday
ADMINISTER/ADMINISTRATE
“Administer” means to run, to direct, to oversee, to govern or to control.
“Administer” is the verb form for the nouns “administration” or “administrator”.
“Administrate” is an incorrect form of the word “administer” and should not be used.
Friday
HOARD/HORDE
A “horde” is a mob, a gang or a large group of beings.
“A horde of rampaging beasts is frightening.
A “hoard” is a pile, a heap, a collection or a squirreled away treasure.
The miser jealously guarded his hoard of coins.
PONDER THIS
“Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word.”
William Shakespeare penned this quote.
DUMB HEADLINES
(No analysis is needed!)
"Lady's john site of attack"
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Forbearance” (n.) means patience, self-control, tolerance or restraint.
“Exemplar” (n.) means example, pattern, archetype or a model to be copied.
“Hypothetical” (adj.) means theoretical, imaginary or supposed. The noun form is hypothesis.
Tuesday
JOINT POSSESSIVES
What are the rules governing joint possessives?
"John's and Jane’s home is on a hill."
When there is joint ownership, the last name has the apostrophe.
"John and Jane’s home is on a hill."
"Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is really good."
When there is joint ownership, the last name has the apostrophe.
"Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is really good."
"Bob's and Carol's and Ted's and Alice’s party was a sensation."
When there is joint ownership by many individuals, the last name has the apostrophe.
"Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice’s party was a sensation."
"John’s and Jane’s cars are in the garage."
When each owns his own vehicle, both names have an apostrophe.
"John’s and Jane’s cars are in the garage.
"She and his estate is very fancy."
This is too awkward and should be reworded.
"Their estate is very fancy."
Or
“The estate owned by Dick and Jane is very fancy.”
"His and her estate is in the Yukon."
This is too awkward and should be reworded.
"Both his and her estates are in the Yukon."
Wednesday
LITTLEST/LEAST
“Little” means small in size or amount.
When referring to size, the comparative form is “littler” or “more little“ and the superlative form is “littlest”.
When referring to amount, as in “a small amount of”, the comparative is “less” and the superlative is “least”.
Thursday
ADMINISTER/ADMINISTRATE
“Administer” means to run, to direct, to oversee, to govern or to control.
“Administer” is the verb form for the nouns “administration” or “administrator”.
“Administrate” is an incorrect form of the word “administer” and should not be used.
Friday
HOARD/HORDE
A “horde” is a mob, a gang or a large group of beings.
“A horde of rampaging beasts is frightening.
A “hoard” is a pile, a heap, a collection or a squirreled away treasure.
The miser jealously guarded his hoard of coins.
PONDER THIS
“Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word.”
William Shakespeare penned this quote.
DUMB HEADLINES
(No analysis is needed!)
"Lady's john site of attack"
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Forbearance” (n.) means patience, self-control, tolerance or restraint.
“Exemplar” (n.) means example, pattern, archetype or a model to be copied.
“Hypothetical” (adj.) means theoretical, imaginary or supposed. The noun form is hypothesis.
Friday, October 17, 2008
FRIDAY FUN
NEW CATEGORY
In the spirit of satirical thought provocation, I offer a new area of professional writing expertise which I will call "DUMB HEADLINES".
Sometimes I wonder what thinking is used in the creation of headlines. I hope it is meant to be humourous.
Feel free to offer your contributions to this effort.
I offer the following as my first contribution.
DUMB HEADLINES
"Lady's john site of attack"
The Windsor Star, Friday, October 17, 2008.
HOARD/HORDE
Explain the difference between "hoard" and "horde".
Create sentences that exhibit the difference in meaning of the words "hoard" and "horde".
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be published on Sunday.
In the spirit of satirical thought provocation, I offer a new area of professional writing expertise which I will call "DUMB HEADLINES".
Sometimes I wonder what thinking is used in the creation of headlines. I hope it is meant to be humourous.
Feel free to offer your contributions to this effort.
I offer the following as my first contribution.
DUMB HEADLINES
"Lady's john site of attack"
The Windsor Star, Friday, October 17, 2008.
HOARD/HORDE
Explain the difference between "hoard" and "horde".
Create sentences that exhibit the difference in meaning of the words "hoard" and "horde".
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be published on Sunday.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
BE CAREFUL OR BE WRONG
ADMINISTER/ADMINISTRATE
Define "administer" and "administrate".
What part of speech is each word?
Use each word in a sentence that clearly shows its meaning.
Explain the misuse of one of these words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "hypothetical".
Define "hypothetical" and use it in a sentence.
Define "administer" and "administrate".
What part of speech is each word?
Use each word in a sentence that clearly shows its meaning.
Explain the misuse of one of these words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "hypothetical".
Define "hypothetical" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
LITTLEST/LEAST
What is the difference in meaning between "littlest" and "least"?
When should each word be used? When should each not be used?
PONDER THIS
Identify the source of the following quote.
“Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "exemplar".
Define "exemplar" and use it in a sentence.
What is the difference in meaning between "littlest" and "least"?
When should each word be used? When should each not be used?
PONDER THIS
Identify the source of the following quote.
“Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "exemplar".
Define "exemplar" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
DENOTING POSSESSION
JOINT POSSESSIVES
Read the following sentences and correct the errors regarding possession.
What are the rules governing joint possessives? (I am not smoking this one.)
"John's and Jane’s home is on a hill."
"Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is really good."
"Bob's and Carol's and Ted's and Alice’s party was a sensation."
"John’s and Jane’s cars are in the garage."
"She and his estate is very fancy."
"His and her estate is in the Yukon."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "forbearance".
Define "forbearance" and use it in a sentence.
Read the following sentences and correct the errors regarding possession.
What are the rules governing joint possessives? (I am not smoking this one.)
"John's and Jane’s home is on a hill."
"Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is really good."
"Bob's and Carol's and Ted's and Alice’s party was a sensation."
"John’s and Jane’s cars are in the garage."
"She and his estate is very fancy."
"His and her estate is in the Yukon."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "forbearance".
Define "forbearance" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - October 12, 2008
Here are the correctiond and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
I/ME/MYSELF
Correct the errors in the use of “I“, “me” and “myself“.
“Jim and me are going to look for jobs.”
“I” must be used in place of “me” because it is subjective.
“Jim and I are going to look for jobs.”
“Me and Joan are going to the pub tonight.”
“I” must be used in place of “me” because it is subjective. Also, the other person should be mentioned first.
“Joan and I are going to the pub tonight.”
“The punk shouted insults at my girlfriend and myself.”
“Me” must be used in place of “myself” because it is objective. “Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and can never be used in this context.
“The punk shouted insults at my girlfriend and me.”
“I am not particularly fond of rap music myself.”
“Myself” is a reflexive and cannot be used here. Besides, it is redundant.
“I am not particularly fond of rap music.”
“The ballplayer gave autographs to you and I”.
The objective pronoun “me” must be used here.
“The ballplayer gave autographs to you and me".
Tuesday
Find and correct all the mistakes. (Hint: I found eight.)
Headline: “One in four mammals face threat of extinction“.
A singular verb is needed for the singular subject “one”.
Headline, “One in four mammals faces threat of extinction”.
“The Earth is an increasingly bleak place for animals, according to a massive global study that concludes a quarter of the 5,487 wild mammal species on the planet are threatened with extinction.”
“A quarter” is a collective, singular noun and needs a singular verb.
“The Earth is an increasingly bleak place for animals, according to a massive global study that concludes a quarter of the 5,487 wild mammal species on the planet is threatened with extinction.”
“And one species - humans - are largely responsible for the crisis, according to the grim report released Monday at a World Conservation Congress in Spain.”
“Species” is singular and needs a singular verb.
“And one species - humans - is largely responsible for the crisis, according to the grim report released Monday at a World Conservation Congress in Spain.”
“The researchers conclude that not only are one in four mammal species threatened with extinction, but more than half of all animal populations are declining.”
“One” is singular and needs a singular verb.
“The researchers conclude that not only is one in four mammal species threatened with extinction, but more than half of all animal populations are declining.”
“While ‘depressing,’ the researchers say the findings should be empowering.
The comma after “depressing” should be outside the quotation mark.
“While ‘depressing’, the researchers say the findings should be empowering.”
“...noting that 79 percent of the monkeys and other primate species in the region are threatened with extinction.”
“79 percent” is a singular unit and requires a singular verb.
“...noting that 79 percent of the monkeys and other primate species in the region is threatened with extinction.”
“The scientists sum it up saying of the 4,651 species for which enough data is available, or 25 percent, are now threatened with extinction.”
“Data” is plural and requires a plural verb.
“The scientists sum it up saying of the 4,651 species for which enough data are available, or 25 percent, are now threatened with extinction.”
Wednesday
EMPATHY/SYMPATHY
“Empathy” (n.) means to be appreciative, perceptive or understanding. It has come to mean identifying with another’s feelings.
“Sympathy” (n.) means to feel sorry for or to pity another.
Thursday
CONNOTE/DENOTE
“Connote” (v.) means to denote secondarily or to signify in addition to the primary meaning. It means an associated meaning beyond the primary one.
The noun form is “connotation”.
“Denote” (v.) means to indicate or to be a mark or sign of something. It means to stand as a symbol for something.
The noun form is “denotation”.
Friday
SUMMARY/SUMMERY
“Summary” (n.) means a recap, a synopsis, an outline or a summing up.
“Summery” (adj.) is the warm, comfortable feeling of a summer day.
DUMB CLICHÉS - Football Section
Need I say anything?
“They have to take care of the football.”
A LITTLE CYNICISM
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.”
Albert Einstein uttered this observation.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Cerebral” (adj.) means intellectual, brainy, smart, clever or analytical.
“Probity” (n.) refers to the qualities of goodness, decency, honesty or integrity.
“Maven” (n.) refers to someone who is highly skilled or adept, a star, a virtuoso or a sensation.
“Expeditious” (adj.) means speedy, quick, prompt or swift.
“Inextricably” (adv.) means hopelessly intricate or involved or perplexing, unable to be undone or disentangled.
Monday
I/ME/MYSELF
Correct the errors in the use of “I“, “me” and “myself“.
“Jim and me are going to look for jobs.”
“I” must be used in place of “me” because it is subjective.
“Jim and I are going to look for jobs.”
“Me and Joan are going to the pub tonight.”
“I” must be used in place of “me” because it is subjective. Also, the other person should be mentioned first.
“Joan and I are going to the pub tonight.”
“The punk shouted insults at my girlfriend and myself.”
“Me” must be used in place of “myself” because it is objective. “Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and can never be used in this context.
“The punk shouted insults at my girlfriend and me.”
“I am not particularly fond of rap music myself.”
“Myself” is a reflexive and cannot be used here. Besides, it is redundant.
“I am not particularly fond of rap music.”
“The ballplayer gave autographs to you and I”.
The objective pronoun “me” must be used here.
“The ballplayer gave autographs to you and me".
Tuesday
Find and correct all the mistakes. (Hint: I found eight.)
Headline: “One in four mammals face threat of extinction“.
A singular verb is needed for the singular subject “one”.
Headline, “One in four mammals faces threat of extinction”.
“The Earth is an increasingly bleak place for animals, according to a massive global study that concludes a quarter of the 5,487 wild mammal species on the planet are threatened with extinction.”
“A quarter” is a collective, singular noun and needs a singular verb.
“The Earth is an increasingly bleak place for animals, according to a massive global study that concludes a quarter of the 5,487 wild mammal species on the planet is threatened with extinction.”
“And one species - humans - are largely responsible for the crisis, according to the grim report released Monday at a World Conservation Congress in Spain.”
“Species” is singular and needs a singular verb.
“And one species - humans - is largely responsible for the crisis, according to the grim report released Monday at a World Conservation Congress in Spain.”
“The researchers conclude that not only are one in four mammal species threatened with extinction, but more than half of all animal populations are declining.”
“One” is singular and needs a singular verb.
“The researchers conclude that not only is one in four mammal species threatened with extinction, but more than half of all animal populations are declining.”
“While ‘depressing,’ the researchers say the findings should be empowering.
The comma after “depressing” should be outside the quotation mark.
“While ‘depressing’, the researchers say the findings should be empowering.”
“...noting that 79 percent of the monkeys and other primate species in the region are threatened with extinction.”
“79 percent” is a singular unit and requires a singular verb.
“...noting that 79 percent of the monkeys and other primate species in the region is threatened with extinction.”
“The scientists sum it up saying of the 4,651 species for which enough data is available, or 25 percent, are now threatened with extinction.”
“Data” is plural and requires a plural verb.
“The scientists sum it up saying of the 4,651 species for which enough data are available, or 25 percent, are now threatened with extinction.”
Wednesday
EMPATHY/SYMPATHY
“Empathy” (n.) means to be appreciative, perceptive or understanding. It has come to mean identifying with another’s feelings.
“Sympathy” (n.) means to feel sorry for or to pity another.
Thursday
CONNOTE/DENOTE
“Connote” (v.) means to denote secondarily or to signify in addition to the primary meaning. It means an associated meaning beyond the primary one.
The noun form is “connotation”.
“Denote” (v.) means to indicate or to be a mark or sign of something. It means to stand as a symbol for something.
The noun form is “denotation”.
Friday
SUMMARY/SUMMERY
“Summary” (n.) means a recap, a synopsis, an outline or a summing up.
“Summery” (adj.) is the warm, comfortable feeling of a summer day.
DUMB CLICHÉS - Football Section
Need I say anything?
“They have to take care of the football.”
A LITTLE CYNICISM
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.”
Albert Einstein uttered this observation.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Cerebral” (adj.) means intellectual, brainy, smart, clever or analytical.
“Probity” (n.) refers to the qualities of goodness, decency, honesty or integrity.
“Maven” (n.) refers to someone who is highly skilled or adept, a star, a virtuoso or a sensation.
“Expeditious” (adj.) means speedy, quick, prompt or swift.
“Inextricably” (adv.) means hopelessly intricate or involved or perplexing, unable to be undone or disentangled.
Friday, October 10, 2008
TRICKY ONES
SUMMARY/SUMMERY
Explain the difference between "summary" and "summery".
Use each word in a sentence that illustrates its meaning.
TODAY'S WORD
Today's word is "inextricably".
Define "inextricably" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Explain the difference between "summary" and "summery".
Use each word in a sentence that illustrates its meaning.
TODAY'S WORD
Today's word is "inextricably".
Define "inextricably" and use it in a sentence.
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
AN EASY DAY
CONNOTE/DENOTE
Define "connote" and "denote".
Identify the noun forms of each word.
Create sentences that clearly exhibit the meaning of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "expeditious".
Define "expeditious" and use it in a sentence.
Define "connote" and "denote".
Identify the noun forms of each word.
Create sentences that clearly exhibit the meaning of each word.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "expeditious".
Define "expeditious" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
LOTS OF THINGS
EMPATHY/SYMPATHY
Explain the difference in meaning between "empathy" and "sympathy".
Create sentences that display the meaning of each word.
DUMB CLICHÉS - Football Section
Need I say anything?
"They have to take care of the football."
A LITTLE CYNICISM
Identify the author of the following:
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "maven".
Define "maven" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the difference in meaning between "empathy" and "sympathy".
Create sentences that display the meaning of each word.
DUMB CLICHÉS - Football Section
Need I say anything?
"They have to take care of the football."
A LITTLE CYNICISM
Identify the author of the following:
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "maven".
Define "maven" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
MAKE MY DAY!
A VERITABLE CORNUCOPIA
The following are all from an article titled, "One in four mammals face threat of extinction", Margaret Munro, Canwest News Service, The Windsor Star, Tuesday, October 7, 2008, p. B8.
Find and correct all the mistakes. (Hint: I found eight.)
Headline, "One in four mammals face threat of extinction".
"The Earth is an increasingly bleak place for animals, according to a massive global study that concludes a quarter of the 5,487 wild mammal species on the planet are threatened with extinction."
"And one species - humans - are largely responsible for the crisis, according to the grim report released Monday at a World Conservation Congress in Spain."
"The researchers conclude that not only are one in four mammal species threatened with extinction, but more than half of all animal populations are declining."
"While 'depressing,' the researchers say the findings should be empowering."
"...noting that 79 percent of the monkeys and other primate species in the region are threatened with extinction."
"The scientists sum it up saying of the 4,651 species for which enough data is available, or 25 percent, are now threatened with extinction."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "probity".
Define "probity" and use it in a sentence.
The following are all from an article titled, "One in four mammals face threat of extinction", Margaret Munro, Canwest News Service, The Windsor Star, Tuesday, October 7, 2008, p. B8.
Find and correct all the mistakes. (Hint: I found eight.)
Headline, "One in four mammals face threat of extinction".
"The Earth is an increasingly bleak place for animals, according to a massive global study that concludes a quarter of the 5,487 wild mammal species on the planet are threatened with extinction."
"And one species - humans - are largely responsible for the crisis, according to the grim report released Monday at a World Conservation Congress in Spain."
"The researchers conclude that not only are one in four mammal species threatened with extinction, but more than half of all animal populations are declining."
"While 'depressing,' the researchers say the findings should be empowering."
"...noting that 79 percent of the monkeys and other primate species in the region are threatened with extinction."
"The scientists sum it up saying of the 4,651 species for which enough data is available, or 25 percent, are now threatened with extinction."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "probity".
Define "probity" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, October 6, 2008
PERSONAL PRONOUN CONFUSION
I/ME/MYSELF
"I", "me" and "myself" are often and badly misused.
Read the following and decide if there are any errors in the use of "I", "me" and "myself".
Correct the errors and give reasons to support your corrections.
“Jim and me are going to look for jobs."
“Me and Joan are going to the pub tonight.”
“The punk shouted insults at my girlfriend and myself.”
“I am not particularly fond of rap music myself.”
"The ballplayer gave autographs to you and I".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "cerebral".
Define "cerebral" and use it in a sentence.
"I", "me" and "myself" are often and badly misused.
Read the following and decide if there are any errors in the use of "I", "me" and "myself".
Correct the errors and give reasons to support your corrections.
“Jim and me are going to look for jobs."
“Me and Joan are going to the pub tonight.”
“The punk shouted insults at my girlfriend and myself.”
“I am not particularly fond of rap music myself.”
"The ballplayer gave autographs to you and I".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "cerebral".
Define "cerebral" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - October 5, 2008
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's posts.
Monday
THEN/THAN
“Then” is an adverb and it is used in reference to time.
I did my work. Then I went out to play.
“Than” is a conjunction. It is used to make comparisons.
His head is bigger than mine.
Tuesday
DID/DONE
EXERCISE
An auxiliary verb must be inserted in order to use “done” in any of the sentences.
1. I (did, done) all the chores before I went out to play.
I did all the chores before I went out to play.
I had done all the chores before I went out to play.
2. Grandmother (did, done) all her housework before she went to the casino.
Grandmother did all her housework before she went to the casino.
Grandmother had done all her housework before she went to the casino.
3. The boy told his mother that he (did, done) all his homework at school.
The boy told his mother that he did all his homework at school.
The boy told his mother that he had done all his homework at school.
Wednesday
EACH/EVERYBODY/SOMEBODY
The words "each", "everybody" and "somebody" are all indefinite pronouns.
They are all singular.
Each of us is able to do the job.
Everybody is ready to get started.
We are waiting to go because somebody is late.
Thursday
LEND/LOAN
“Lend” is a verb.
I will lend her the money.
“Loan” is a noun.
I gave her a loan so she could pay her bills.
They are not interchangeable.
Friday
GOOD/WELL
“Good” is an adjective and describes nouns and pronouns.
“Well” is normally an adverb that describes verbs and sometimes adjectives.
“Well”, when referring to health, acts as an adjective.
EXERCISE
1. He swims and dives(good, well).
An adverb is needed to describe the verbs “swims” and “dives”.
He swims and dives well.
2. The child does not feel (good, well)
An adjective is needed because the reference is to a state of health. “Well” is used in this case.
The child does not feel well.
3. The cake tastes (good, well).
A predicate adjective is needed to describe cake.
The cake tastes good.
4. He played (good, well).
An adverb is needed to describe the verb “played”. “Well” acts as an adverb in this case.
He played well.
THE WEEK'S THOUGHT
“Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”
Malcolm Forbes made this statement.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“venality” (n.) means the prostitution of talents or principles for money or reward. It means the selling of one’s services or influence unscrupulously.
“Alacrity” (n.) means eagerness, enthusiasm, quickness or speed.
“Recalcitrant” (adj.) means disobedient, wayward, headstrong or obstinate.
“Polemic” (n.) is a controversial argument or an argument against some opinion or doctrine.
“Polemics” (n.) is the art or practice of disputation or controversy, especially in theology.
“Poltergeist” (n.) is a ghost, an apparition, a spectre or a phantom.
Monday
THEN/THAN
“Then” is an adverb and it is used in reference to time.
I did my work. Then I went out to play.
“Than” is a conjunction. It is used to make comparisons.
His head is bigger than mine.
Tuesday
DID/DONE
EXERCISE
An auxiliary verb must be inserted in order to use “done” in any of the sentences.
1. I (did, done) all the chores before I went out to play.
I did all the chores before I went out to play.
I had done all the chores before I went out to play.
2. Grandmother (did, done) all her housework before she went to the casino.
Grandmother did all her housework before she went to the casino.
Grandmother had done all her housework before she went to the casino.
3. The boy told his mother that he (did, done) all his homework at school.
The boy told his mother that he did all his homework at school.
The boy told his mother that he had done all his homework at school.
Wednesday
EACH/EVERYBODY/SOMEBODY
The words "each", "everybody" and "somebody" are all indefinite pronouns.
They are all singular.
Each of us is able to do the job.
Everybody is ready to get started.
We are waiting to go because somebody is late.
Thursday
LEND/LOAN
“Lend” is a verb.
I will lend her the money.
“Loan” is a noun.
I gave her a loan so she could pay her bills.
They are not interchangeable.
Friday
GOOD/WELL
“Good” is an adjective and describes nouns and pronouns.
“Well” is normally an adverb that describes verbs and sometimes adjectives.
“Well”, when referring to health, acts as an adjective.
EXERCISE
1. He swims and dives(good, well).
An adverb is needed to describe the verbs “swims” and “dives”.
He swims and dives well.
2. The child does not feel (good, well)
An adjective is needed because the reference is to a state of health. “Well” is used in this case.
The child does not feel well.
3. The cake tastes (good, well).
A predicate adjective is needed to describe cake.
The cake tastes good.
4. He played (good, well).
An adverb is needed to describe the verb “played”. “Well” acts as an adverb in this case.
He played well.
THE WEEK'S THOUGHT
“Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”
Malcolm Forbes made this statement.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“venality” (n.) means the prostitution of talents or principles for money or reward. It means the selling of one’s services or influence unscrupulously.
“Alacrity” (n.) means eagerness, enthusiasm, quickness or speed.
“Recalcitrant” (adj.) means disobedient, wayward, headstrong or obstinate.
“Polemic” (n.) is a controversial argument or an argument against some opinion or doctrine.
“Polemics” (n.) is the art or practice of disputation or controversy, especially in theology.
“Poltergeist” (n.) is a ghost, an apparition, a spectre or a phantom.
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