"THEIR" - PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK
What is the problem in the sentence below?
What is the applicable rule?
Correct the error.
"Every person must have their passport to cross the border."
BARELY, HARDLY, SCARCELY
Identify and fix the errors in the following sentences.
Explain the grammar rule that applies.
Bonus: find and correct the second error in one of the sentences and earn a gold star.
"He was so proud he couldn't hardly speak."
"We weren't scarcely able to do the job because of the cold."
"I don't barely know her but I would like to."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "diffidence".
What part of speech is "diffidence"?
Define "diffidence" and use it in a sentence.
NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY - MARCH 4
Remember the date. Visit the site.
nationalgrammarday.com
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
MOOT/MUTE
I cite these words because I have been listening to the Vancouver Olympics commentators and one of them cannot distinguish between "moot" and "mute". It is a question of pronunciation.
Therefore, define pronunciation.
Define "moot" and "mute" and explain the difference between the words.
Explain the difference in pronunciation of "moot" and "mute".
Create sentences for "moot" and "mute" that reveal the correct use of the words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "twitter".
Define "twitter". You must give the traditional definition and avoid any reference to computer communications.
How many parts of speech can you list for "twitter"?
Create a sentence using "twitter" in its original meaning.
LET US CELEBRATE - NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY - MARCH 4
There is a wonderful site that comprehensively covers a multitude of grammar questions and it is listed as National grammar Day.
Visit the site. It is worth the effort if you value the correct use of the English language.
Check the site listed below. It is great.
nationalgrammarday.com
I cite these words because I have been listening to the Vancouver Olympics commentators and one of them cannot distinguish between "moot" and "mute". It is a question of pronunciation.
Therefore, define pronunciation.
Define "moot" and "mute" and explain the difference between the words.
Explain the difference in pronunciation of "moot" and "mute".
Create sentences for "moot" and "mute" that reveal the correct use of the words.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "twitter".
Define "twitter". You must give the traditional definition and avoid any reference to computer communications.
How many parts of speech can you list for "twitter"?
Create a sentence using "twitter" in its original meaning.
LET US CELEBRATE - NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY - MARCH 4
There is a wonderful site that comprehensively covers a multitude of grammar questions and it is listed as National grammar Day.
Visit the site. It is worth the effort if you value the correct use of the English language.
Check the site listed below. It is great.
nationalgrammarday.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
SMALL WORD CHALLENGES
UNDUE/UNDO
Explain the difference in meaning and use of the terms "undue" and "undo".
What part of speech is "undue"?
What part of speech is "undo"?
Create sentences that clearly show the meanings of "undue" and "undo".
A GOOD PHILOSOPHY
Think about this one and then try to identify the author.
“Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "titillation".
What part of speech is "titillation."
Define "titillation" and use it in a sentence.
Explain the difference in meaning and use of the terms "undue" and "undo".
What part of speech is "undue"?
What part of speech is "undo"?
Create sentences that clearly show the meanings of "undue" and "undo".
A GOOD PHILOSOPHY
Think about this one and then try to identify the author.
“Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.”
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "titillation".
What part of speech is "titillation."
Define "titillation" and use it in a sentence.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
WORD PRECISION
WRONG WORD
Find and correct the error in the following piece. Explain the applicable rule.
"Defence lawyer Frank Miller, who represents Billy pressed Hilborn on the amount of people who visited the apartment."
Craig Pearson, "Killing linked to drug ripoff, murder trial told", The windsor Star, Tuesday, February 23, 2010.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "exigent".
What part of speech is "exigent"?
Identify two other parts of speech for "exigent".
Define "exigent" and use it in a sentence.
Find and correct the error in the following piece. Explain the applicable rule.
"Defence lawyer Frank Miller, who represents Billy pressed Hilborn on the amount of people who visited the apartment."
Craig Pearson, "Killing linked to drug ripoff, murder trial told", The windsor Star, Tuesday, February 23, 2010.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "exigent".
What part of speech is "exigent"?
Identify two other parts of speech for "exigent".
Define "exigent" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, February 22, 2010
WORD PLAY
DENOTATION/CONNOTATION
Define the terms "denotation" and "connotation".
Using the words "woman" and "man", explain the terms "denotation" and "connotation".
Create a sentence for each term using either the word "woman" or the word "man".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "myopic".
What part of speech is "myopic"?
Define "myopic" and use it in a sentence.
Create a sentence using "myopic".
Bonus: earn a gold star for showing the denotation and connotation of "myopic".
Define the terms "denotation" and "connotation".
Using the words "woman" and "man", explain the terms "denotation" and "connotation".
Create a sentence for each term using either the word "woman" or the word "man".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "myopic".
What part of speech is "myopic"?
Define "myopic" and use it in a sentence.
Create a sentence using "myopic".
Bonus: earn a gold star for showing the denotation and connotation of "myopic".
Sunday, February 21, 2010
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - February 21, 2010
Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's entries.
Monday
WORD RELATIONSHIPS
Bonus: connect your correction to today's word and win a silver star.
Bonus: connect your correction to today's title and win a gold star.
“Jensen compared the 500 to a Volkswagen. But she said its smaller size wouldn't fit she and her husband's lifestyle.”
“She” is subjective. “Her” is objective. “Her” must be used because it is the indirect object of the verb “fit”.
The speaker should put the other person first and herself last.
Silver Star Winner: this example is a word relationship between a verb and its object.
Gold Star Winner: fixing the error is an amendment or “amelioration”.
“Jensen compared the 500 to a Volkswagen. But she said its smaller size wouldn't fit the lifestyle of her husband and her.”
Tuesday
WRITING STYLE OR WRITING ERROR?
“Not surprising for a toddler who has probably never seen temperatures below 26 C.”
This is not a sentence because it is not a complete thought. What is not surprising for a toddler? Who knows? I, the reader, should not have to go on an expedition to be able to understand a story. The fault is laziness or ignorance of correct writing rules on the part of the writer.
“Complete wonder at snow is not surprising for a toddler who has probably never seen temperatures below 26 C.”
Wednesday
COPYWRITE/COPYRIGHT
“Copywrite” is not a word.
“Copyright” is the correct word and refers to one’s right to copy the material he owns.
“I own the copyright to my play ‘The Mien of Maude’.”
Thursday
SUBMITTAL/SUBMISSION
“Submittal” is the act of giving in, surrendering or submitting. It does not refer to the thing being submitted.
“Your submittal to the punishment will sit well with the public.”
“Submission” is a message, an entry, a recommendation or a compliance.
“Your submission to the play publishing committee has been turned down.”
Friday
BREAKUP/BREAK UP
A “breakup” occurs when two people separate.
“Our breakup was painful but necessary.”
A “break up” is the separating of things.
“The ice jam will break up when the weather gets warmer.”
TRUE CYNICISM
“Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers.”
T. S. Eliot, dramatist & poet, penned this.
PET PEEVES
Diner: "Thank you for seating us so quickly."
Server: "No problem. What can I get yous guys to drink?"
I hate the self-centred “no problem” that people use in lieu of “You’re welcome.” This was my pet peeve last week and I am emphasizing hgow much I detest it.
“Yous” IS NOT A WORD! “You” can be singular or plural. “Yous” is just plain ignorant.
“Guys” is a universally abused word but it's gender is male; women and girls who want to be “one of the guys” should gives their heads a big shake.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Ameliorate” (v.) means to improve, amend, comport, ease or make better.
“Hoar”, as a noun, refers to ice.
“Hoar”, as an adjective, means covered with frost or showing the grey signs of age.
“Mesmerize” (v.) means to bewitch, to induce hypnotism, to thrill or to magnetize.
“Sybaritic” (adj.) means luxurious, sensuous, voluptuous or epicurean.
A “sybarite” is one devoted to luxury and decadence.
“Burgeoning” is the present participle of the verb “burgeon” meaning growing and flourishing or sprouting.
“Burgeon” is the verb form.
Monday
WORD RELATIONSHIPS
Bonus: connect your correction to today's word and win a silver star.
Bonus: connect your correction to today's title and win a gold star.
“Jensen compared the 500 to a Volkswagen. But she said its smaller size wouldn't fit she and her husband's lifestyle.”
“She” is subjective. “Her” is objective. “Her” must be used because it is the indirect object of the verb “fit”.
The speaker should put the other person first and herself last.
Silver Star Winner: this example is a word relationship between a verb and its object.
Gold Star Winner: fixing the error is an amendment or “amelioration”.
“Jensen compared the 500 to a Volkswagen. But she said its smaller size wouldn't fit the lifestyle of her husband and her.”
Tuesday
WRITING STYLE OR WRITING ERROR?
“Not surprising for a toddler who has probably never seen temperatures below 26 C.”
This is not a sentence because it is not a complete thought. What is not surprising for a toddler? Who knows? I, the reader, should not have to go on an expedition to be able to understand a story. The fault is laziness or ignorance of correct writing rules on the part of the writer.
“Complete wonder at snow is not surprising for a toddler who has probably never seen temperatures below 26 C.”
Wednesday
COPYWRITE/COPYRIGHT
“Copywrite” is not a word.
“Copyright” is the correct word and refers to one’s right to copy the material he owns.
“I own the copyright to my play ‘The Mien of Maude’.”
Thursday
SUBMITTAL/SUBMISSION
“Submittal” is the act of giving in, surrendering or submitting. It does not refer to the thing being submitted.
“Your submittal to the punishment will sit well with the public.”
“Submission” is a message, an entry, a recommendation or a compliance.
“Your submission to the play publishing committee has been turned down.”
Friday
BREAKUP/BREAK UP
A “breakup” occurs when two people separate.
“Our breakup was painful but necessary.”
A “break up” is the separating of things.
“The ice jam will break up when the weather gets warmer.”
TRUE CYNICISM
“Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers.”
T. S. Eliot, dramatist & poet, penned this.
PET PEEVES
Diner: "Thank you for seating us so quickly."
Server: "No problem. What can I get yous guys to drink?"
I hate the self-centred “no problem” that people use in lieu of “You’re welcome.” This was my pet peeve last week and I am emphasizing hgow much I detest it.
“Yous” IS NOT A WORD! “You” can be singular or plural. “Yous” is just plain ignorant.
“Guys” is a universally abused word but it's gender is male; women and girls who want to be “one of the guys” should gives their heads a big shake.
LAST WEEK’S WORDS
“Ameliorate” (v.) means to improve, amend, comport, ease or make better.
“Hoar”, as a noun, refers to ice.
“Hoar”, as an adjective, means covered with frost or showing the grey signs of age.
“Mesmerize” (v.) means to bewitch, to induce hypnotism, to thrill or to magnetize.
“Sybaritic” (adj.) means luxurious, sensuous, voluptuous or epicurean.
A “sybarite” is one devoted to luxury and decadence.
“Burgeoning” is the present participle of the verb “burgeon” meaning growing and flourishing or sprouting.
“Burgeon” is the verb form.
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