CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - February 24, 2008

Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.


Monday

Find and correct the errors in the sentences below.

"A small number of private schools were found in the study."
“Number” is a singular, collective noun and needs a singular verb.
"A small number of private schools was found in the study."

"How long do you plan to have that closed down for?"
“For” is redundant and is a dangling preposition. The meaning is conveyed without it.
"How long do you plan to have that closed down for?"

"He said the group of protesters are upset with the 'feudal lord' approach by the bridge of shutting down the exit of the bridge."
“Group is a singular, collective noun and needs a singular verb.
"He said the group of protesters is upset with the 'feudal lord' approach by the bridge of shutting down the exit of the bridge."


Tuesday

AMONG/BETWEEN

“Between” is used when referring to two persons or things.

“Among” is used when referring to three or more persons or things.


DESERT/DESSERT/DESERT

The “desert” is very dry and sandy. (emphasis on the first syllable)

The “dessert” after a meal is really very tasty. (emphasis on the second syllable and the “ss” pronounced like a “z”)

He will “desert”, or abandon, his men because he is a coward. (emphasis on the second syllable)


Wednesday

DISINTERESTED/UNINTERESTED

“Disinterested” means objective or neutral or impartial.

“Uninterested” means bored or not curious about something.


Thursday

"So bad, in fact, that Leone, like other inmates before him, is seeking extra credit from the sentencing judge for the almost 2 1/2 years spent in pre-sentence custody."
This is an incomplete thought.
“Conditions are so bad, in fact, that Leone, like other inmates before him, is seeking extra credit from the sentencing judge for the almost 2 1/2 years spent in pre-sentence custody."


"Not only do ambulances wait to unload patients, police officers needed to escort mental health patients into care can be tied up,” Bildfell said."
This is an awkward and poorly worded sentence and should be reworded. There are too many ideas for one sentence.
"Not only do ambulances wait to unload patients, but police officers needed to escort mental health patients, can be tied up as well,“ Bildfell said."

"She's tried being authoritative, combative, even vulnerable on the campaign trail - but none of those political styles have worked for more than a few fleeting political moments."
“None” is the subject of the verb “have worked” and is singular; a singular verb is required.
"She's tried being authoritative, combative, even vulnerable on the campaign trail - but none of those political styles has worked for more than a few fleeting political moments."

Friday

"A", the indefinite article is pronounced "a" as in "fat", NOT "a" as in "hay", regardless of how Bush and Harper say it.


"The OPP offer many opportunities for training and special service, but forced transfers are a rarity."
“OPP” is a singular collective title and must have a singular verb.
"The OPP offers many opportunities for training and special service, but forced transfers are a rarity."

"It's obvious the OPP can save money by sharing senior management between four county detachments, Southward said."
“Between” is used with two objects.
“Among” is used when listing more than two objects."It's obvious the OPP can save money by sharing senior management among four county detachments, Southward said."


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I am not young enough to know everything."
Oscar Wilde said this.


THIS WEEK’S WORDS

“Aphorism" (n.) is a short, pithy saying, adage or maxim.

“Carnage" (n.) means butchery, massacre or slaughter or brutal slaying of people.

“Indolent" (adj.) means lazy, shiftless, sluggish or slothful.

“Diatribe" (n.) means an attack, a loud verbal rant or harangue.

“Vagary" (n.) means an impulse, a whim, a notion or an idea.