Michael's English Usage

MICHAEL'S ENGLISH USAGE IS ALIVE

2010-05-18T12:21:00.001-04:00

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2010-05-12T11:12:00.000-04:00

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Michael's English is alive and active and has a new RSS feed.

Please redirect to michaelsenglishusage.com

I hope everyone will return and keep up the fight.

Michael Lyons

CHANGE IS COMING

2010-04-23T08:18:00.000-04:00

EXCITING EVENT

MICHAEL'S ENGLISH USAGE

NEW DESIGN & NEW SERVER

We are still working on the new chapter for Michael's English Usage. We are transferring to a new server and will present a completely redesigned and expanded format.

Michael's English Usage has recently celebrated the completion of three years of posts and this entry is number 894. We will have created 900 posts within the next two weeks and are very proud of that accomplishment.

The new format will provide direct Twitter and Facebook contact and use, and I encourage you to make use of these new tools and to make suggestions for topics to be discussed.

An exciting new feature will be the ability to advertise on Michael's English Usage, and I hope people and companies will take advantage of this opportunity.

A great new feature will be an internal search engine which will allow specific access to past post content. As a result, the speed of finding previous topics will be fantastically streamlined.

As always, readers will have the opportunity to subscribe to Michael's English Usage and I hope many will take advantage of this.

The newly formatted Michael's English Usage will be up and running over the weekend. Please enjoy the new format. Visit us often. The address will be the same. The content will have the same mandate. And remember: proper English usage is not a dead concept.

Thank you for your support. I hope you continue to visit.

Michael Lyons

INCISIVE/DECISIVE

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "incisive" and "decisive".

Create sentences that depict the correct meaning of each word.

PET PEEVE

Chances are good that you can guess what the pet peeve is.
The question is, "What makes it so peevish, and incidentally, so wrong?"

"At the time Bain went missing, Bernardo had committed a series of sexual assaults in her area."
Dalson Chen, City law firm files $13M lawsuit in wrongful conviction", Friday, April 23, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "ephemeral"
Define "ephemeral" and use it in a sentence.
What part of speech is "ephemeral"?

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

GRAMMAR GEEK GLEE

2010-04-22T09:21:00.002-04:00

EXCITING EVENT

MICHAEL'S ENGLISH USAGE

NEW DESIGN

NEW SERVER

Tomorrow will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Michael's English Usage because we will be transferring to a new server and will present a completely redesigned and expanded format.

Michael's English Usage has recently celebrated the completion of three years of posts and this entry is number 893. We will have made 900 posts in the next two weeks and are very proud of that accomplishment.

The new format will provide direct Twitter and Facebook contact and use, and I encourage you to make use of these new tools and to make suggestions for topics to be discussed.

An exciting new feature will be the ability to advertise on Michael's English Usage, and I hope people and companies will take advantage of this opportunity.

A great new feature will be an internal search engine which will allow specific access to past post content. As a result, the speed of finding previous topics will be fantastically streamlined.

As always, readers will have the opportunity to subscribe to Michael's English Usage and I hope many will take advantage of this.

The newly formatted Michael's English Usage will be up and running over the next two days. Please enjoy the new format. Visit us often. The address will be the same. The content will have the same mandate. And remember: proper English usage is not a dead concept.

Thank you for your support. I hope you continue to visit.

Michael Lyons

RAISON D’ĒTRE
Identify and correct error in the following piece.

Bonus # 1: identify the irony in this entry.
Bonus # 2: identify how this example epitomizes Michael's English Usage.

"In schools the need could not be more urgent. More than one in three adults in the nation's capital are illiterate."
Nora O'Donnell, NBC Evening News with Brian Williams, Wednesday, April 21, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "momentous".
What part of speech is "momentous"?
Define "momentous" and use it in a sentence.

MIXED BAG OF WORD THOUGHTS

2010-04-21T08:32:00.001-04:00

FEELINGS FOR/FEELINGS ABOUT

Explain the difference in meaning between "feelings for" and "feelings about".

Create a sentence that displays the correct meaning of "feelings for".

Create a sentence that displays the correct meaning of "feelings about".

WOW! WHAT A GREAT CONCEPT

Identify the author of the following truism.

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "eschew".
Define "eschew" and use it in a sentence.
What part of speech is "eschew"?
List two noun forms of "eschew".

I LOVE SARCASM

2010-04-20T08:48:00.001-04:00

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF FINE PROFESSIONAL WRITING

Find and correct the error in the following piece. Be sure to cite the applicable rule.

BONUS: feel free to LOL if you identify and understand the irony of this entry.

"So much so that the powers of the Internet have been harnessed to create a punctuation mark intended to show when a sentence is sarcastic."
Mike Barber, Canwest News Service, "Sarcasm mark patented", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, April 20, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "bilious".
What part of speech is "bilious".
Define "bilious" and use it in a sentence.
What is the root of the word?
What other parts of speech can be made with "bilious"?
Apply the definition of "bilious" to the example of professional writing listed above.

WOEFUL WRITING

2010-04-19T08:19:00.000-04:00

ANOTHER "PROFESSIONAL" CONTRIBUTION

Identify, explain and correct the error in the following piece.

"Which surely obliges them to be straight with people about the limitations of the anti-HST initiatives."
Vaughn Palmer, Guest Column, "B.C. deals with the HST", The Windsor Star, Monday, April 19, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "indefatigable".
What part of speech is "indefatigable"?
Define "indefatigable" and use it in a sentence.

REMEMBER THE FORMAT

Five days a week, this blog presents grammar errors, sentence structure errors, punctuation errors, word misuses and abuses and a word for the day. You are asked to identify the errors and correct them and to define and use the word of the day. On the Sunday after each week's entries, the corrections and explanations are posted.

The concept is intentionally Socratic and is intended to challenge you to think about correct English usage in daily communication and to review your responses each Sunday.

The original catalyst for this blog was the appalling misuse of English by professional writers and newscasters. For three years they have provided the material for this blog and, unfortunately, I have all the faith in the world that they will continue to do so. Just listen for two minutes to any newscast by any news station in the country and you will understand.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - April 18, 2010

2010-04-18T08:37:00.000-04:00

Here are the corrections and explanations for last week’s posts.

Monday

Identify and correct the error in the following selection.

“I was expecting to be one of the youngest in attendance but was surprised to find a decent amount of 20-somethings scattered in the crowd.”

How many times do I have to list this error?

“Amount” words relate to quantities of things that are measured in bulk.
“Number” words relate to things that can be counted.

“I was expecting to be one of the youngest in attendance but was surprised to find a decent number of 20-somethings scattered in the crowd.”

Tuesday

CONTAMINATES/CONTAMINANTS

“Contaminates” is a verb meaning to make impure or to pollute.

“Contaminants” is a noun referring to a type of material or stuff that pollutes or makes impure.

“Contaminants” is the goo; “contaminates” is the action.

Wednesday

VAPID/VACUOUS

“Vapid” is an adjective meaning dull, flat, lethargic or sluggishness or lacking in zest or liveliness.

“Vacuous” is an adjective meaning inanely foolish, hollow or empty.

Thursday

SHINED/SHONE

“Shined” is the transitive form, meaning an object is required, of the verb “to shine”.
“He shined his light on the old raccoon who was scavaging in the trash can.”

“Shone” is used when the verb is intransitive, or lacking an object, or when the context merely speaks of the act of shining.
“The sun shone intensely all day long.”

Friday

Correct the errors in the following. Be sure to explain what is wrong in each example.
Hint: there are six.

“I should of wrote that story yesterday so that I could of went to the ball game today.”

1. “Of” is incorrect. “Of” is a preposition; it can never be substituted for an auxiliary verb and, most definitely, cannot be used as a contraction for “have”.
2. “Wrote” is incorrect. The participial form of “to write” is needed.
3. The second “of” is incorrect. “Of” is a preposition; it can never be substituted for an auxiliary verb and, again, cannot be used as a contraction of “have”.
4. “Went” is incorrect. “Went” cannot be used with an auxiliary verb such as “could”.

“I should have written that story yesterday so that I could have gone to the ball game today.”

“I was shocked when I seen what happened when I went in the room this morning.”

5. “Seen” is incorrect. The past tense of “to see” is “saw”.
6. “In” is incorrect. There is a difference in meaning between “in” and “into”. The difference is between entering and exiting a room and toilet humour.

“I was shocked when I saw what happened when I went into the room this morning.”

PET PEEVE - THE/THEE

“Thee” is an old form of the pronoun “thou”. It really is the objective case of “thou”.
Today, it means “you”.
“Thee” is pronounced as in “he”.
“I give thee a lesson which you should heed.”

“The” is known as a definite article.
“The” denote a specific item or word as opposed the the indefinite article “a” which designates any item or word.
“The” is pronounced as in “duh” and is NOT pronounced as in “he”.
“The writing is on the wall that many people constantly mispronounce the definite article “the”.

“THE” and “THEE” are NOT interchangeable.

WOW! HOW TRUE IS THIS!

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”
Isaac Asimov, a US science fiction novelist and scholar who lived from 1920 to 1992 said this.

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Redolent” (adj.) means remindful, heedful, smelling of, perfumed or scented.

“Cosmology” (n.) refers to the branch of philosophy concerned about the origin and general structure of the universe, its parts, elements and laws.
“Cosmos” refers to the world or universe.
“Logy” refers to combining forms of science, knowledge, thinking or studying.

“Voracious” (adj.) means excessively greedy or grasping, devouring or craving.

“Vainglory” (n.) refers to excessive ego, boastfulness, self-love or narcissism.
The root is glory of vanity or pomp.
“Vainglorious” is the adjective form.

“Savant” (n.) refers to a man of learning, an intellectual or a scholar.

FRIDAY FUN?

2010-04-16T08:14:00.000-04:00

ACTUAL LANGUAGE USE

Correct the errors in the following. Be sure to explain what is wrong in each example.
Hint: there are six.

"I should of wrote that story yesterday so that I could of went to the ball game today."

"I was shocked when I seen what happened when I went in the room this morning."

PET PEEVE - THE/THEE

What does "thee" mean?
What part of speech is "thee"?
How is "thee" pronounced?

What does "the" mean?
What part of speech is "the"?
How is "the" pronounced?

"THE" and ""THEE" are NOT interchangeable.
So why do people pronounce "the" as "thee" when speaking?

Wake up! Ignorance is not bliss!

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "savant".
What part of speech is "savant"?
Define "savant" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

A BANNER DAY FOR GRAMMAR

2010-04-15T08:50:00.000-04:00

RECOGNITION

Michael's English Usage

is honoured and proud to be included

in the university online review

as one of the

top 50 blogs

for grammar geeks.

I recommend you access the site listed below

to gain further insights into

the correct use of the English language.

Keep the torch burning brightly!

Thank you.

http://www.universityreviewsonline.com/2005/10/50-best-blogs-for-grammar-geeks.html

SHINED/SHONE

Explain the different uses of the words "shined" and "shone".

What is the specific part of speech of each word?

Create sentences for "shined" and "shone" that clearly show the correct use of each word.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "vainglory".

What part of speech is "vainglory"?

What other parts of speech can you list of this word?

Define "vainglory" and use it in a sentence.

What is the root of the word?

VERY EASY WORDS TODAY

2010-04-14T08:28:00.000-04:00

VAPID/VACUOUS

Explain the difference between the words "vacuous" and "vapid".

What part of speech is each word?

Create sentences that clearly reveal the meanings of "vapid" and "vacuous".

WOW! HOW TRUE IS THIS!

Identify the author of the following truism.

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "voracious".
What part of speech is "voracious"?
Define "voracious" and use it in a sentence.

THIS IS "C" DAY

2010-04-13T07:59:00.001-04:00

CONTAMINATES/CONTAMINANTS

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "contaminates" and "contaminants".

What part of speech is each word?

Create sentences using "contaminates" and "contaminants" that clearly show the meanings of each word.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "cosmology".
What part of speech is "cosmology"?
Define "cosmology" and use it in a sentence.
What is the root word of "cosmology"?
Hint: if you know the root, the definition should be easy. What is it?
Hint # 2: if you know the meaning of the word's suffix, the definition becomes even easier. What is it?

GOOD MONDAY MORNING

2010-04-12T08:12:00.000-04:00

"WHEN WILL IT EVER END...?"

Identify and correct the error in the following selection.

"I was expecting to be one of the youngest in attendance but was surprised to find a decent amount of 20-somethings scattered in the crowd."
Dylan Kristy, "At 83, Rickles hasn't lost step", The Windsor Star, Monday, April 12, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "redolent".
What part of speech is "redolent"?
Define "redolent" and use it in a sentence.
List two other parts of speech that can be formed from "redolent".

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - March 29 - April 9, 2010

2010-04-11T08:22:00.000-04:00

Here are the corrections and explanations for the last two weeks of entries.

Monday, March 29

Identify each error and correct it.

“The two of us were in on Windsor's casino explosion from Day 1: Myself as a reporter at city hall, where Windsor's public debate about casino gambling started in earnest in 1990. Andrews was part of a team of NDP public wonks sent down here by the Bob Rae government to open a ‘temporary’ casino.”

“Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and cannot be used in this example.
The colon suggests there is a list to follow, but the sentence ended with only one example. It should be rewritten.

“The two of us were in on Windsor's casino explosion from Day 1. I was a reporter at city hall where Windsor's public debate about casino gambling started in earnest in 1990. Andrews was part of a team of NDP public wonks sent down here by the Bob Rae government to open a ‘temporary’ casino.”

Below is an alternate that is acceptable and correct.

“The two of us were in on Windsor's casino explosion from Day 1: I, as a reporter at city hall where Windsor's public debate about casino gambling started in earnest in 1990; and Andrews, as part of a team of NDP public wonks sent down here by the Bob Rae government to open a ‘temporary’ casino.”

Tuesday, March 30

ADAPT/ADOPT

“Adapt”, a verb, means to write in a different form, to accommodate or make fit or to accept.
“I will adapt to the new challenges and survive.”

“Adopt”, a verb, means to take over, to borrow, to assume or take on titles.
“I will adopt those children because I love them.”

Wednesday, March 31

Carefully read the following passage and find two errors. One should make you either laugh or groan; the other should just make you groan. Explain the errors and correct them.

“During surgery, Elalem took tissue samples from Milosevski's stomach and himself walked them to the pathology department.”

Did Elalem take samples from Milosevski and from himself? It sure sounds like it. Read it closely.
The problem is the misuse of the word “himself”. It must be eliminated and then the sentence makes sense; mind you, I have never seen tissue samples walk so I would change “walked”.

“During surgery, Elalem took tissue samples from Milosevski's stomach and took them to the pathology department.”

Thursday, April 1

PRESCRIBE/PROSCRIBE

“Prescribe”, a verb, means to lay down rules, to dictate or to order.

“Proscribe” is a verb meaning to disallow, to forbid or to veto.

Monday, April 5

SURE/SURELY

“Sure” is an adjective meaning certain.

“Surely” is an adverb meaning undoubtedly.

Just for fun, “surely” can modify “sure”, but “sure” cannot modify “surely”. And don’t call me “Shirley”. (Do you know who said that in a famous movie? Do you know the movie?)

Tuesday, April 6

TIMES/MULTIPLY

“Times” does not mean “multiply” even though we use the term times-tables.
Simply, “times” must not be used to mean multiply.
“Multiply”, meaning to increase, is the correct term.

“I multiply 2 by 2 and I get 4. I do not times the numbers. Even I can understand that.”

Wednesday, April 7

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces.

“And waded right in to the unbearable heaviness of being Tiger.”

There is no subject of this group of words pretending to be a sentence.
“In to” should be “into”.

“And he waded right into the unbearable heaviness of being Tiger.”

“Some of it self-imposed, some out of self-preservation.”

This is an incomplete thought because there is no verb.

“Some of it was self-imposed, some was out of self-preservation.”

Thursday, April 8

NOTHING

“Nothing” is a singular noun; therefore, its verb must also be singular.

“Nothing but weeds grows in my yard.” (wrong)
“Nothing but weeds grow in my yard.”

“Nothing except sweet candies appeal to Tiffany.” (wrong)
“Nothing except sweet candies appeals to Tiffany.”

Friday, April 9

Fix the errors in the following pieces. Be sure to cite the rule for each error.

“First, to give the impression Earl Woods is in a galaxy far, far away, a virtual Obi-Wan Kenobi offering words of wisdom to a much younger Tiger; the one we knew and loved before all those sordid details about his mistresses and sex life hit the press.”

This is an incomplete thought; there is no main verb.
The semicolon should be a period.

“First, the commercial gives the impression Earl Woods is in a galaxy far, far away, a virtual Obi-Wan Kenobi offering words of wisdom to a much younger Tiger, the one we knew and loved before all those sordid details about his mistresses and sex life hit the press.”

“Or for those of us who refuse to buy it, cowardice and more cowardice.”

This is an incomplete thought; there is no main verb.

“The commercial shows those of us who refuse to buy it, cowardice and more cowardice.”

“He acts like a kid who's just been taken to the woodshed; a sombre, stoic, sheepish look on his face.”

The semi-colon and word structure are wrong and destroy the correct sense of what is being said.

“He acts like a kid who's just been taken to the woodshed with that sombre, stoic, sheepish look on his face.”

“And the par-five 13th when he went in the creek with his second shot, and survived.”

This is an incomplete sentence because there is no main verb.
“He went in the creek...” conjures up an interesting image, especially if he did it in front of millions of viewers. Actually and factually, his ball went into the creek.
The comma after “shot” is really unnecessary because the subject of both verbs is “he”, but I know what the writer is trying to do.

“He survived the par-five 13th when he drove his ball into the creek with his second shot.”

INTERESTING AND TRUE

“Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
Voltaire, a French humanist and satirist who lived from 1694 to1778, wrote this.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH:

WHY DO WRITERS,

ESPECIALLY SPORTS WRITERS,

INSIST ON WRITING IN

HEADLINES INSTEAD OF IN SENTENCES?

ONE TRUE RULE

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.”
Sophocles, a Greek tragic dramatist who lived from 496 BC to 406 BC, penned this statement.

TWO WEEKS OF WORDS

“Temporize” (v.) means to draw out a discussion to gain time, to linger, to loaf or to mill around.

“Maven” (n.) refers to someone who is highly skilled, adept, a wizard, a virtuoso or a star.

“Lupine” (adj.) means resembling a wolf, a wild species, savage or ravenous”.
Bonus: “lupine”, as a noun, refers to any plant of the leguminous species with blue, pink or white flowers.

“Tawdry” (adj.) means flashy, cheap, garish, gaudy or trashy.
“Tawdrily” is the adverb form.
“Tawdriness” is the noun form.

“Enmity” (n.) refers to hostility, antagonism or a deep-seated ill-will.

“Solicitous” (adj.) means showing concern and anxiety, afraid, concerned or careful of someone or something.
“Solicit” is the verb form.
“Solicitously” is the adverb form.
“Solicitousness” is the noun form.
“Solicitor” is another noun form.

“Naught” “n.) refers to a quantity of no importance, nothing or a complete failure.
“Naughty” is the most commonly used word that is derived from “naught”, suggesting sexual impropriety, raciness or auto erotic, so be careful when calling a child “naughty”.

“Amorphous” (adj.) means having no definite form or distinct shape, lacking structure or artificial.

“Ambiguity” (n.) refers to an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context,
other parts of speech, unclearness or uncertainty.
“Ambiguous” is the adjective form.
“Ambiguously” is the adverb form.

FRIDAY'S FOLLIES

2010-04-09T08:35:00.000-04:00

A PLETHORA OF EXAMPLES

Find and fix the errors in the following pieces. Be sure to cite the rule for each error.

"First, to give the impression Earl Woods is in a galaxy far, far away, a virtual Obi-Wan Kenobi offering words of wisdom to a much younger Tiger; the one we knew and loved before all those sordid details about his mistresses and sex life hit the press."
Karen Hall, "Shame on you, Tiger Woods", The Windsor Star, Friday, April 9, 2010.

"Or for those of us who refuse to buy it, cowardice and more cowardice."
Karen Hall, "Shame on you, Tiger Woods", The Windsor Star, Friday, April 9, 2010.

"He acts like a kid who's just been taken to the woodshed; a sombre, stoic, sheepish look on his face."
Karen Hall, "Shame on you, Tiger Woods", The Windsor Star, Friday, April 9, 2010.

"And the par-five 13th when he went in the creek with his second shot, and survived."
Cam Cole, "Watson wows Augusta", The Windsor Star, Friday, April 9, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "ambiguity".
What part of speech is "ambiguity"?
What other parts of speech can be made from "ambiguity"?
Define "ambiguity" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for the entries from this week and last week will be posted Sunday.

ANOTHER YEAR - A CONTINUING MISSION

2010-04-08T08:53:00.000-04:00

NOTHING

Correct the following sentences and cite the rule that applies.

"Nothing but weeds grows in my yard."

"Nothing except sweet candies appeal to Tiffany."

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "amorphous".
What part of speech is "amorphous"?
Define "amorphous" and use it in a sentence.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ME:

THREE YEARS AND COUNTING

On April 6, 2007, I published my first blog entry, citing lofty ideals and a mandate to harass professional writers, newscasters and radio and television speakers for so much abuse of the English language. I like to think that, in a small way, I have pushed them to be aware of their obligations to the public and, especially, to young and impressionable readers and listeners.

I take pride in offering a word-a-day to challenge people to broaden their vocabularies.

I also take pride in trying to improve punctuation, sentence structure and grammar.

Today's posting is number 881 and I fully intend to keep going, to keep challenging and to always champion the correct use of the English language.

Please visit my "FRIENDS" who are listed in the column to the right.

Please join the "FOLLOWERS" of this blog by clicking on "follow" in the box to the right.

Thank you. Come back often.

BAD STRUCTURAL WRITING

2010-04-07T08:39:00.001-04:00

SPORT BLOOPERS

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces.

"And waded right in to the unbearable heaviness of being Tiger."
Cam Cole, "Rival feels Tiger's pain", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, April 7, 2010.

"Some of it self-imposed, some out of self-preservation."
Cam Cole, "Rival feels Tiger's pain", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, April 7, 2010.

ONE TRUE RULE

Identify the author of the following truism.

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "naught".
What part of speech is naught"?

Define "naught" and use it in a sentence.
What is the most commonly used word that is derived from "naught"?

BRANCHING OUT

2010-04-06T08:43:00.000-04:00

TIMES/MULTIPLY

In the world of math, what is correct: to "times" numbers, or to "multiply" numbers?

Explain the correct use of the terms "times" and "multiply".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "solicitous".
What part of speech is "solicitous"?
Define "solicitous" and use it in a sentence.
List four other forms of "solicitous" and identify what part of speech each is.

BACK TO WORD BUSINESS

2010-04-05T08:43:00.000-04:00

SURE/SURELY

Explain the differences between the words "sure" and "surely".
What part of speech is each word?
Create sentences that clearly show the correct use of "sure" and "surely".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "enmity".
What part of speech is "enmity"?
Define "enmity" and use it in a sentence.

REMEMBER

Corrections and explanations for last week and this week's entries will be posted next Sunday.

LAST OFFERINGS OF THE WEEK

2010-04-01T09:03:00.000-04:00

TAKE NOTE

The next entry on the blog will be on Monday, April 5, 2010.

The corrections and explanations for this week and next week

will be published on Sunday, April 11, 2010.

I wish everybody a wonderful and happy Easter.

PRESCRIBE/PROSCRIBE

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "prescribe" and "proscribe".
Create sentences that clearly show the correct use of "prescribe" and "proscribe".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "tawdry".
What part of speech is "tawdry"?
Define "tawdry" and use it in a sentence.
What other forms of the word can you list?

READ VERY CLOSELY TODAY

2010-03-31T08:48:00.000-04:00

DOUBLE DOSE

Carefully read the following passage and find two errors. One should make you either laugh or groan; the other should just make you groan.
Explain the errors and correct them.

"During surgery, Elalem took tissue samples from Milosevski's stomach and himself walked them to the pathology department."
Sarah Sacheli, "Suit cites MDs' errors in loss of stomach", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, March 31, 2010.

INTERESTING AND TRUE

Identify the author of the following piece of philosophy.

“Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "lupine". (Adjective form)
Define "lupine" and use it in a sentence.
Bonus: win a gold star by giving the noun definition of "lupine".

EASILY MISUSED WORDS

2010-03-30T08:56:00.000-04:00

ADAPT/ADOPT

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "adapt" and "adopt".
Create sentences that clearly show the meanings of the words "adapt" and "adopt".
What part of speech is each word?
What other parts of speech can be made from these words?

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is ""maven".
What part of speech is "maven"?
Define "maven" and use it in a sentence.

MONDAY MOANING

2010-03-29T08:10:00.000-04:00

ALAS! ALACK! SUCH WRITING WOES!

How many errors can you find in the following piece?
Identify each error and correct it.

"The two of us were in on Windsor's casino explosion from Day 1: Myself as a reporter at city hall, where Windsor's public debate about casino gambling started in earnest in 1990. Andrews was part of a team of NDP public wonks sent down here by the Bob Rae government to open a "temporary" casino."
Chris Vander Doelen, "Casino exec had wild ride", The Windsor Star, Saturday, March 27, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "temporize".
What part of speech is "temporize"?
Define "temporize" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - March 28, 2010

2010-03-28T08:23:00.000-04:00

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

Monday

PRECEDE/PROCEED

“Precede” (v.) means to occur earlier in time, to go ahead of, before or in advance of something.
“The cheerleaders will precede the team when going into the stadium.”

“Proceed” (v.) means to go on, to continue, to carry on.
“We will move into the stadium and then proceed to the benches at the north end.”

Tuesday

DISSEMBLE/DISASSEMBLE

“Dissemble” (v.) means to be dishonest, to conceal the real nature of, to give a false appearance of or to try to hide what is being done.
“The bullies did nothing but dissemble about the brawl and then police were completely frustrated.”

“Disassemble” (v.) means to take apart, to break apart or to tear down.
“They will disassemble the old house and try to salvage as much as they can in order to save money.”

Wednesday

INTERMENT/INTERNMENT

“Interment” (n.) refers to the burial or the ritual placing of a corpse into a grave.
“We will conduct the interment this morning at 11:00 and will have a rollicking good wake immediately after.”

“Internment” (n.) refers to confinement or imprisonment.
“His internment was for a period of ten years in solitary confinement.”

Thursday

MANIFEST/MANIFESTO/MANIFESTATION

“Manifest” (adj.) means readily seen or understood, apparent, evident or clear.
“Manifest” can also be a verb or a noun.
“The manifest devastation to the town clearly showed the cruelty of the conquering army.”

“Manifesto” (n.) is a public declaration as of a sovereign or a government. It also can refer to a list of cargo on a ship.
“The conquering forces posted their manifesto on the door of the government building so everyone could read it.”

“Manifestation” (n.) refers to an indication or a public demonstration for political effect or an expression of emotion without words.
“Her tears were a powerful manifestation of the pain she had suffered when her husband was killed.”

Friday

GARRULOUS/QUERULOUS

“Garrulous”, an adjective, means chatty, gabby, given to much talk, especially about trifles.

“Querulous”, also an adjective, means fretful, whiney, grumbling or faultfinding, petty, complaining or tending to make moral judgments based on personal opinions.

CYNICAL BUT PROFOUND

Explain how the quote reflects the title.

“He wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat.”
William Shakespeare wrote this in “Much Ado About Nothing”.

The cynicism is that hats are often changed and more often taken off and put on just to suit the weather. Shakespeare’s profundity ridicules those who are so fickle as to have such shallow faith. I am sure there are other interpretations, but this one is very evident.

PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK

Find and correct the peeve in the following sentence. Posit why it qualifies as a "pet peeve".

“I was driving behind a woman that refused to drive up to the speed limit.”

People are not things. A person should not, and cannot, be a “that”! It ticks me off that people are so inconsiderate as to refer to others as things and that is why it qualifies as a pet peeve. I will not address the problem of the person who will not go the speed limit; that is another peeve that will get some attention in a different forum.

"I was driving behind a woman who refused to drive up to the speed limit."

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Pyre” (n.) refers to wood piled or heaped for burning, particularly as a funeral rite.
“Pyromaniac”, referring to one obsessed with fires, is a word derived from “pyre”.

“Retributive” (adj.) means avenging, paying back, seeking revenge or vindicatory.
“Retribution” (n.) and “retributory” (adj.) are other forms of the word.

“Harangue” (n.) refers to a bombastic declamation, a rant or a lecture.
“Harangue” (v.) means to address forcefully, to berate, to rebuke or lambast.

“Extemporize” (v.) means to perform without preparation, to ad-lib or to improvise.
“Extemporaneous” is the adjective form.
“Extempore” is the adverb form.

“Postulate” (v.) means to claim, to hold, to claim, to hold as a fundamental truth or to assume the existence of truth without reasoning.

SOME MORE INTERESTING WORDS

2010-03-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

GARRULOUS/QUERULOUS

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "garrulous" and "querulous".
What part of speech is each word?
Use "garrulous" and "querulous" in sentences that display their respective meanings.

PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK

Find and correct the peeve in the following sentence. Posit why it qualifies as a "pet peeve".

"I was driving behind a woman that refused to drive up to the speed limit."

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "postulate".
What part of speech is "postulate"?
Define "postulate" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

INTERESTING WORDS

2010-03-25T08:37:00.001-04:00

MANIFEST/MANIFESTO/MANIFESTATION

The root word is the same but "manifest", "manifesto" and "manifestation" have somewhat different meanings.

What part of speech is each word?

Explain the differences in meaning among the three words, "manifest", "manifesto" and "manifestation".

Create clear sentences that display the meanings of "manifest", "manifesto" and "manifestation".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "extemporize".
What part of speech is "extemporize"?
Define "extemporize" and use it in a sentence.
What other forms of the word can be listed?

SOME CLEVER WORDS & IDEAS

2010-03-24T08:27:00.000-04:00

INTERMENT/INTERNMENT

Explain the difference between the words "interment" and "internment".

Create sentences for "interment" and "internment" that reflect the meanings of the words.

CYNICAL BUT PROFOUND

Identify the author of the following piece.
Explain how the quote reflects the title.

“He wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "harangue".
What part of speech is "harangue"?
Define "harangue" and use it in a sentence.

WORDS THAT SOUND GOOD

2010-03-23T08:27:00.000-04:00

DISSEMBLE/DISASSEMBLE

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "dissemble" and "disassemble".
What part of speech is each word?
Create sentences that demonstrate the meanings od "dissemble" and "disassemble".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "retributive".
What part of speech is "retributive"?
Define "retributive" and use it in a sentence.
What other parts of speech can be made from "retributive"?

"P" AS IN POPULAR

2010-03-22T08:33:00.000-04:00

PRECEDE/PROCEED

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "precede" and "proceed".
What part of speech is each word?
Create sentences that display the meanings of the words "precede" and "proceed".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "pyre".
Define "pyre" and use it in a sentence.
What part of speech is "pyre"?
What other words can you list that use "pyre" as a base?

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - March 21, 2010

2010-03-21T08:45:00.000-04:00

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

Monday

DEW/DO/DOO/DUE

“Dew” (n.) is the moisture on the grass in the morning and it should be pronounced as in “pew”.

“Do”, normally a verb meaning to perform or accomplish something, can be a noun referring to a party or a hair style.

“Doo” (n.) on the grass is what your dog left and you didn’t pick up.

“Due” is an adjective meaning owing or scheduled to arrive.

Tuesday

REPEL/REPULSE

“Repel”, a verb, means to force back, to reject or to fill with distaste or disgust.

“Repulse”, also a verb, means to fight off, to drive away or to ward off.

The subtle difference between the two is that one is repelled by another person, not repulsed, ever though that person might be repulsive.

HOW MANY?

How many errors can you detect in the following piece? Give the specifics of each and fix each.

“Laying in bed at Royal Inland Hospital Ben Basaraba, 24, from Creston, B.C., talks about the Big Iron Shootout at Revelstoke, where two were killed and 30 injured in a snowmobile-triggered avalanche on Boulder Mountain Saturday.”

“To lay” means to put down something as in “laying a floor.”
“Laying in bed” conjures interesting images but it is wrong; “lying”is required, and don’t make a pun of that.
An inconsistency is evident in “...two were killed and 30 injured...” in that numbers under one hundred should be written; at least, the writer could be consistent.
To keep the verbs consistent, “were” should be inserted before “injured”.

“Lying in bed at Royal Inland Hospital Ben Basaraba, 24, from Creston, B.C., talks about the Big Iron Shootout at Revelstoke, where two were killed and thirty were injured in a snowmobile-triggered avalanche on Boulder Mountain Saturday.”

Wednesday

Identify and correct the error in the following entry.

“Almost as tickled as CBS, which can expect off-the-charts ratings if Woods is still alive on the weekend, after ESPN carries the first two rounds.”

This is an incomplete thought. Who, or what, is almost as tickled?

“The PGA will be almost as tickled as CBS, which can expect off-the-charts ratings if Woods is still alive on the weekend, after ESPN carries the first two rounds.”

Thursday

NOTATE/NOTE

“Notate” means to write comments about a text or to make notations about text. Thios os often done by students in the margins of their textbooks.

“Note” means to pay attention, to observe or to notice. There are many other meanings but this is the operational one for this context.

ONE TO PONDER

“Prejudice is opinion without judgment.”
Voltaire, a French author, humanist and satirist who lived from 1694 to 1778, wrote this.

Friday

Identify and correct the errors in the following selections.

“Too much to handle.”

This is an incomplete thought; there is no verb.

“The Spitfires were too much to handle.”

“To doubt whether this Spitfire squad has what it takes to complete the mission.”

This also is an incomplete thought.

“This win should stop to any doubt whether this Spitfire squad has what it takes to complete the mission.”

LAST WEEK'S PET PEEVE - PRONUNCIATION OF "A"

This peeve involves everyone from the President of the United States down through a multitude of reporters and tons of people in between. It wouldn't be quite so bad if there were any consistency but there is none.

The indefinite article "a" is pronounced "a" as in "hat". It is NOT PRONOUNCED as "a" as in "hay".

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Harbinger” (n.) refers to a forerunner, a herald or a precursor, as in the robin being the harbinger of the coming of spring.

“Rancorous” (adj.) means showing deep-seated resentment, animosity or bitterness.
“Rancor” is the US noun form and “rancour” is the British and Canadian form.

“Comportment” (n.) refers to a dignified manner of conduct, a bearing or presence as in the queen having regal comportment.

“Barbarous” (adj.) means brutal, cruel, vicious, beastly or savage.

“Apocalyptic” (adj.) means foreshadowing, prophetic or revelatory.
“Apocalypse” is the noun form. The term is used in the bible regarding revelations of the ultimate divine purpose.

FRIDAY'S FARE

2010-03-19T08:21:00.000-04:00

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Identify and correct the errors in the following selections.

"Too much to handle."
Bob Duff, "Spits flex muscles", The Windsor Star, Friday, March 19, 2010.

"To doubt whether this Spitfire squad has what it takes to complete the mission."
Bob Duff, "Spits flex muscles", The Windsor Star, Friday, March 19, 2010.

THIS WEEK'S PET PEEVE - PRONUNCIATION OF "A"

This peeve involves everyone from the President of the United States down through a multitude of reporters and tons of people in between. It wouldn't be quite so bad if there were any consistency but there is none.

The indefinite article "a" is pronounced "a" as in "hat". It is NOT PRONOUNCED as "a" as in "hay".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "apocalyptic".
What part of speech is "apocalyptic"?
Define "apocalyptic" and use it in a sentence.
List other forms of the word and identify what part of speech each is.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

REALLY EASY ENTRIES TODAY

2010-03-18T07:57:00.000-04:00

NOTATE/NOTE

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "notate" and "note".
What part of speech is each word?
Define "notate" and "note" and use them in sentences.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "barbarous".
What part of speech is "barbarous"?
Define "barbarous" and use it in a sentence.

HOW DIFFICULT IS SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION?

2010-03-17T08:46:00.000-04:00

NON-COMPLETE THOUGHT

Identify and correct the error in the following entry.

"Almost as tickled as CBS, which can expect off-the-charts ratings if Woods is still alive on the weekend, after ESPN carries the first two rounds."
Cam Cole, Canwest News Service, "Woods will hide behind Augusta's veneer", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

HERE IS ONE TO PONDER

Identify the author of the following thought.

“Prejudice is opinion without judgment.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "comportment".
What part of speech is "comportment"?
Define "comportment" and use it in a sentence.

WORD PRECISION DEMANDED

2010-03-16T08:45:00.000-04:00

REPEL/REPULSE

Explain the difference in meaning between "repel" and "repulse". It is very subtle, so be precise.

Create sentences that demonstrate the meanings of the words "repel" and "repulse".

HOW MANY?

How many errors can you detect in the following piece? Give the specifics of each and fix each.

"Laying in bed at Royal Inland Hospital Ben Basaraba, 24, from Creston, B.C., talks about the Big Iron Shootout at Revelstoke, where two were killed and 30 injured in a snowmobile-triggered avalanche on Boulder Mountain Saturday."
Keith Anderson, Canwest News service, photo tag, "B.C. plans crackdown", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, March 16, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "rancorous".
Define "rancorous" and use it in a sentence.
What part of speech is "rancorous"?
What is the noun form of the word?
Create a sentence using "rancorous".

DO A GOOD JOB TODAY

2010-03-15T08:13:00.000-04:00

DEW/DO/DOO/DUE

Define these four common and simple words: "dew", "do", "doo" and "dew".
What part of speech is each word?
Create sentences for "dew", "do", "doo" and "dew" which display the meanings of the words.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "harbinger".
What part of speech is "harbinger"?
Define "harbinger" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - March 14, 2010

2010-03-14T09:15:00.000-04:00

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

Monday

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces. Try to identify four examples.

“Grow your savings with ING Connect.”

You cannot grow savings; savings grow by themselves as do crops and hair.

“Build your savings with ING Connect.”

“We've extended our working hours and grown our team...”

This is the same rule violation as in the first example.

“We've extended our working hours and developed our team...”

“French frigate Nivose has seized 35 pirates in three days off of Somalia, the French military said on Sunday, claiming 'the biggest seizure' so far in the vital shipping lane.”

“Off of” is incorrect; these two prepositions cannot be used together.
How does France “seize” pirates which is what is stated in the headline? I have interesting visions coming into my mind on that one. I think it is a poor choice of words.

“French frigate Nivose has seized 35 pirates in three days off Somalia, the French military said on Sunday, claiming 'the biggest seizure' so far in the vital shipping lane.”
France captures pirates off Somalia, The Windsor Star, Monday, March 8, 2010.

Tuesday

ANTI-/ANTE-

“Prefix” is something put in front or before a word or element..

“Anti” is a prefix meaning opposed to or against, preventing or relieving.
“Anticlimax”, “antidote” and “anticipate” are some examples.

“Ante” is a prefix meaning before or preceding.
“Antedate”, “antecedent” and “antediluvian” are examples.
“Ante”, as a noun, refers to a stake in poker put in the pool be each player before the hand is seen.

Wednesday

EXALT/EXULT

“Exalt” (v.) means to raise something up high, to extol the virtues of something or someone or to glorify.
“Exaltation” is the noun form.
“Exalted” is the participial form.
“Exalter” is a noun form for one who exalts.

“Exult” (v.) means to celebrate joyfully, to rejoice proudly ot to be highly elated.
“Exultingly” is the adverb form.
“Exultant” is the adjective form.
“Exultation” is the noun form.

Thursday

DEPRECIATE/DEPRECATE

“Depreciate”, a verb, means to lower or lessen the value of something, to decay or to belittle.
It is spoken with a soft “c”.
“Depreciation” is the noun form.
“A car’s value depreciates with age.

“Deprecate”, a verb, means to express earnest disapproval of, to urge reasons against or to protest against.
It is spoken with a hard "c".
“Deprecation” is the noun form.

“Please do not deprecate my efforts at explaining the meaning of words.”

Friday

IMMIGRATE/EMIGRATE

“Immigrate” means to move into a new country; “im”, which has to do with going in, is the clue.

“Emigrate” means to leave a country. The “e” at the beginning of the word is the clue because it comes from “ex” meaning to go out as in “exit”.

A CHARACTER TRUTH

“Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.”
William Shakespeare, who lived from 1564 to 1616, wrote this.
Bonus: it is taken from Titus Andronicus.

THE WEEK'S PET PEEVE

Is this one unbelievably inane or just inane?
"My bad!"

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Effusive” (adj.) means alive, animated, gushing or said with unrestrained enthusiasm

“Anterior” (adj.) means near the head, toward the front plane of the body or prior in time.

“Fractious” (adj.) means easily irritated or annoyed, hard to manage or unruly.

“Decadent” (adj.) means marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay, epicurean or voluptuous.
“Decadence” is the noun form.
“Decadently” is the adverb form.

“Imprecate” (v.) means wish harm upon, to put a curse on, to damn or to utter obscenities.
“Imprecatory” is the adjective form.
“Imprecation” is the noun form.

I LOVE FRIDAY

2010-03-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

THIS WEEK'S PET PEEVE

Is this one unbelievably inane or just inane? You decide. Fell free to comment.

"My bad!"

IMMIGRATE/EMIGRATE

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "immigrate" and "emigrate".
What part of speech is each word?
Use "immigrate" and "emigrate" in sentences.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "imprecate".
What part of speech is "imprecate"?
Define "imprecate" and use it in a sentence.
What is the noun form of the word?

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

"D" DAY

2010-03-11T08:21:00.000-05:00

DEPRECIATE/DEPRECATE

Explain the difference between the words "depreciate" and "deprecate"; be sure to consider pronunciation in your explanation.
What part of speech is each word?
What other parts of speech can be made from "depreciate" and "deprecate"?
Create sentences using "depreciate" and "deprecate".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "decadent".
What part of speech is "decadent"?
What other part of speech can be derived from "decadent"?
Define "decadent" and use it in a sentence.

SOME GOOD WORDS & THOUGHTS

2010-03-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

EXALT/EXULT

Explain the difference between "exalt" and "exult".

What part of speech is each word?

List as many forms of "exalt" and "exult" as you can.

Create sentences for "exalt" and "exult" that clearly show the meanings of the words.

A CHARACTER TRUTH

Identify the author of the following thought.
Bonus: get a gold star if you can name the work from which this quote is taken.

“Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "fractious".
What part of speech is "fractious"?
Define "fractious" and use it in a sentence.

A PREFIX CHALLENGE

2010-03-09T08:26:00.000-05:00

ANTI-/ANTE-

Define the word "prefix".
Explain the difference between the prefixes "anti" and "ante".
Create sentences using words that contain the prefixes "anti" and "ante".
List three words for each of the two prefixes. Be sure you know the meanings of the words you list. You may not use the word of the day that is listed below.

TODAY'S WORD

Today's word is anterior".
What part of speech is "anterior"?
Define "anterior" and use it in a sentence.

BASIC WRITING NON-SKILL

2010-03-08T08:20:00.000-05:00

PROFESSIONAL WRITERS AT WORK AGAIN!

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces. Try to identify four examples.

"Grow your savings with ING Connect."
ING commercial

"We've extended our working hours and grown our team..."
Bell Canada commercial

"French frigate Nivose has seized 35 pirates in three days off of Somalia, the French military said on Sunday, claiming 'the biggest seizure' so far in the vital shipping lane."
France seizes pirates off Somalia, The Windsor Star, Monday, March 8, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "effusive".
What part of speech is "effusive"?
Define "effusive" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - February 7, 2010

2010-03-07T08:14:00.000-05:00

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

Monday

Identify and correct the errors in the following examples.

“The other podium. The one the International Olympic Committee - and everyone on Earth other than North Americans - recognizes as the true measure of the sporting nations: gold medals, baby.”

There are two incomplete thoughts in this example and they should be all in one sentence.
I disagree with the use of dashes in place of commas, but that is often debated. To me, a dash says that the writer has no idea of the correction punctuation to be used.
Is “baby” necessary?

“The real test is the other podium, the one the International Olympic Committee, and everyone on Earth other than North Americans, recognizes as the true measure of the sporting nations: gold medals, baby.”

“Not the loose change the Americans have been scooping up at every turn. Not the, er, minor medals. Gold.”

This example is also made up of incomplete thoughts. The next thing will probably be sentences with all the words in short forms. Pseudo-jock-cool-style should not trump good grammar in newspaper reporting!

“The true test is not the loose change the Americans have been scooping up at every turn, not the, er, minor medals. Only gold is the standard.”

Tuesday

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces: there are two; some might argue there are three.

“Which is why, 10 minutes into the Canada-U.S. hockey game on Sunday, my wife - a hockey fan of the rabid French-Canadian variety - and I decided we had to watch the rest of the game in public somewhere.”

This is a subordinate clause because of the word “which”, a subordinate conjunction; “which” must be changed.
Note my objection to dashes; it applies here, also.

“That is why, 10 minutes into the Canada-U.S. hockey game on Sunday, my wife, a hockey fan of the rabid French-Canadian variety, and I decided we had to watch the rest of the game in public somewhere.”

“And we sung the whole thing, no petering out in embarrassed silence halfway through like the old days.”

Conjugate the verb “to sing”. The past tense is “sang”.
“Sung” can only be used with an auxiliary verb such as “have”.
The sentence structure is faulty; try adding prepositions to make better sense.

“And we sang the whole thing, with no petering out in embarrassed silence halfway through like we used to do in the old days.”

Wednesday

PRESUME/ASSUME

“Presume” means to gather, to infer, to understand without prior knowledge or to believe without prior proof or to behave arrogantly or overconfidently. The key to this word is the prefix “pre” which means before.
“Do not presume to be in charge if people do not obey your wishes.”

“Assume” means to take for granted without verification or proof, to suppose or to take on titles, to take control of or to pretend or to be taken up.
“I assume you will speak about your Olympic experiences when you return from the games.”

Thursday

Identify and correct the error in the following piece.

“ ‘If the (bridge company) wishes to resubmit the application at some future date, there submission should demonstrate that sufficient legal authority to build the proposed bridge exists - which includes definitive proof of resolution of the property rights issue,’ said Elgaaly.”

What does “there” mean?
What does “their” mean?
How could anyone make this mistake?
And then, how could the writer use “their”, a plural word, when referring to a singular entity, “company”?
A dash is used again; it should be a comma.

“ ‘If the (bridge company) wishes to resubmit the application at some future date, its submission should demonstrate that sufficient legal authority to build the proposed bridge exists, which includes definitive proof of resolution of the property rights issue,’ said Elgaaly.”

PRONOUNS

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
The key is simple: there are subjective pronouns and objective pronouns and they are not interchangeable.

“Mary likes Joe and I.”

“Like” takes an object after it so “I” cannot be used.

“Mary likes Joe and me.”

“Us computer users consider ease of use when we buy our computer programmes.”

“Us” is objective and cannot be used as a subject.

“We computer users consider ease of use when we buy our computer programmes.”

“The winner of the gold medal was her.”

“Was” is a copula verb and takes a subjective completion after it. If you don't believe me, put "she" as the subject.

“The winner of the gold medal was she.”
“She was the winner of the gold medal.”

“Cathy and me like him.”

“Me” cannot be used as a subject.

“Cathy and I like him.”

Friday

Identify and correct the errors in the following excerpts.

"...according to he and his attorney..."

“To” is a preposition and takes an object after it; “he” is subjective and cannot be used.
Courtesy always demands that the other person be placed first.

"...according to his attorney and him..."

"...one of the problems of the federal government is how to continue to grow employment opportunities..."

We do not grow things; they grow by themselves. Use “build”, “increase”, “expand”, “develop" or “cause to grow” instead.

"...one of the problems of the federal government is how to continue to expand employment opportunities..."

A NOBLE CONCEPT

“All virtue is summed up in dealing justly.”
Aristotle, the Greek critic, philosopher and physicist who lived from 384 BC to 322 BC, wrote this.

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Valedictory” (n.) refers to a farewell address or oration delivered by an outstanding member of a graduating class or a bidding farewell or goodbye.

“Winsome” (adj.) means charming in a naive, childlike manner, appealing or fair.

“Excoriate” (v.) means to decry, to condemn, to strip or remove the skin from or to denounce.

“Debacle” (n.) refers to a sudden or violent collapse, a ound defeat or a disaster.

“Obloquy” (n.) refers to a state of disgrace resulting from public abuse, ignominy, shame or a malicious attack.

HAVE A GOOD GRAMMAR FRIDAY

2010-03-05T08:17:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS

I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the organizers of National Grammar Day that was celebrated yesterday. The next step is to try to convince people, especially professionals who are in the faces of the public on a daily basis, the importance of this movement.

TV ANCHORMEN AT WORK

Identify and correct the errors in the following excerpts from some local newscasts last night.

"...according to he and his attorney..."
Devin Scillian, WDIV Local 4 News, Detroit, Thursday, March 4, 2010, 6:04 pm.

"...one of the problems of the federal government is how to continue to grow employment opportunities..."
Jim Crichton, "A" News, Windsor, Thursday, March 4, 2010, 6:05 pm.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "obloquy".
What part of speech is "obloquy"?
Define "obloquy" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

A MIX OF ENGLISH USAGE CHALLENGES

2010-03-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

CARELESS PROOFING

Identify and correct the error in the following piece.

" 'If the (bridge company) wishes to resubmit the application at some future date, there submission should demonstrate that sufficient legal authority to build the proposed bridge exists - which includes definitive proof of resolution of the property rights issue,' said Elgaaly."
Dave Battagello, "Plan for 2nd span takes big hit", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

PRONOUNS

Read the following sentences and identify the errors in them.
Cite the applicable rule and correct the errors.

"Mary likes Joe and I."
"Us computer users consider ease of use when we buy our computer programmes.'
"The winner of the gold medal was her."
"Cathy and me like him."

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "debacle".
What part of speech is "debacle"?
Define "debacle" and use it in a sentence.

REMEMBER TOMORROW!

NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY

March 4, 2010

nationalgrammarday.com

GOOD THOUGHT CHALLENGES

2010-03-03T08:30:00.001-05:00

NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY

March 4, 2010

nationalgrammarday.com

PRESUME/ASSUME

Explain the difference between the words "presume" and "assume".
Create sentences that show the meanings of the words "presume" and "assume".

A NOBLE CONCEPT

Identify the author of the following truism.

“All virtue is summed up in dealing justly.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "excoriate".
What part of speech is "excoriate"?
Define "excoriate" and use it in a sentence.

WRITING 01

2010-03-02T08:31:00.002-05:00

NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY

March 4, 2010

nationalgrammarday.com

SOME BASICS

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces: there are two; some might argue there are three.

"Which is why, 10 minutes into the Canada-U.S. hockey game on Sunday, my wife - a hockey fan of the rabid French-Canadian variety - and I decided we had to watch the rest of the game in public somewhere."
Chris Vander Doelen, "What a game changer", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

"And we sung the whole thing, no petering out in embarrassed silence halfway through like the old days."
Chris Vander Doelen, "What a game changer", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "winsome".
What part of speech is "winsome"?
Define "winsome" and use it in a sentence.

MARCH IN LIKE A LION

2010-03-01T08:21:00.000-05:00

NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY

March 4, 2010

nationalgrammarday.com

BE PROUD AND ENTHUSIASTIC BUT...

Identify and correct the errors in the following examples.

"The other podium. The one the International Olympic Committee - and everyone on Earth other than North Americans - recognizes as the true measure of the sporting nations: gold medals, baby."
Cam Cole, "Gold-plated Games", The Windsor Star, Monday, March 1, 2010.

"Not the loose change the Americans have been scooping up at every turn. Not the, er, minor medals. Gold."
Cam Cole, "Gold-plated Games", The Windsor Star, Monday, March 1, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "valedictory".
What part of speech is "valedictory"?
Define "valedictory" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - February 28, 2010

2010-02-28T08:01:00.001-05:00

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

Monday

DENOTATION/CONNOTATION

“Denotation” refers to the meaning of a term, its dictionary meaning or the class to which a term is applicable.

Connotation” refers to the implied or suggested or secondary meaning of a word.

The denotation of “man” is as the adult male of a species.
The denotation of “woman” is as the adult female of the species.

The connotation of “man” is one of strength, honour, skill and power.
The connotation of “woman” is one of motherliness, compassion, endurance and emotions.

“Now don’t get all bent out of shape about the imagery of men and women as presented in the examples because there are more connotations than I could ever posit.”

Tuesday

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.”

I have cited this three or for times and some writers just don’t learn. So I will repeat.
Amount words relate to quantities of things that are measured in bulk.
Number words relate to things that can be counted.

“Defence lawyer Frank Miller, who represents Billy pressed Hilborn on the number of people who visited the apartment.”

Wednesday

UNDUE/UNDO

“Undue”, an adjective, is the opposite of “due”; it means unwarranted or improper.
“She resented his undue attention every time she went for a stroll.”

“Undo”, a verb, is the opposite of “do”; it means to cancel or to reverse.
“It is very easy to undo mistakes on a computer.”

Thursday

MOOT/MUTE

“Pronunciation’” is the stress or emphasis that is put on a word.
.
“Moot”, an adjective, means open to discussion, to argue or to debate. It is pronounced as in the word “boot”.
“Which hockey team, Canada or the United States, is better ought to be a moot point; after all, it is our game.”

“Mute”, an adjective, means refraining from speech, silence or soundless. It is pronounced as in the word “cute”; the “u” sounds like “you”.
“The man was mute in front of the judge when confronted with an extensive list of his crimes.”

Friday

"THEIR" - PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK

“Every person must have their passport to cross the border.”

“Every person” is singular. “Their” is plural and must be changed to match the subject. If you don’t like “his”, use “her”.

“Every person must have his passport to cross the border.”

BARELY, HARDLY, SCARCELY

“Barely”, “hardly” and “scarcely” are negatives; to couple them with a negative verb is incorrect since two negatives make a positive.

“He was so proud he couldn't hardly speak.” (wrong)
“He was so proud he could hardly speak.”

“We weren't scarcely able to do the job because of the cold.” (wrong)
“We were scarcely able to do the job because of the cold.”

“I don't barely know her but I would like to.” (wrong)
“I barely know her but I would like to meet her.”

The Bonus star is for not ending the preceding sentence with a preposition. Read it again to see the correction.

A GOOD PHILOSOPHY

“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.”
Henry Miller, a US author who lived from 1891 to 1980, said this.

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Myopic” (adj.) means not being able to focus on near objects; it is a vision impairment called short-sightedness.
The connotation of “myopic” refers to a personality trait wherein a person is short-sighted and cannot see beyond the moment.

“Exigent” (adj.) means demanding immediate notice or attention, urgent, precise accuracy and much effort.
“Exigency” is the noun form.
“Exigence” is another noun form.

“Titillation” (n.) is an aroused excitement or exhilaration.

“Twitter” (v.) means to utter a succession of small, tremulous sounds, as a bird, to tremble with excitement.
A “twitterer” is a bird that twitters.
“Twittery” (adj.) means tremulous, bird-like excitement.
“Twit” (v.) means to jibe at, to reproach or upbraid.
“Twit”, as a noun, connotes one who has a brain the size of a bird. Might this definition apply to a certain form of communication popular of the internet?

“Diffidence” (n.) refers to a lack of self-confidence, self-distrust, self-doubt or reticence.

NATIONAL GRAMMAR DAY

March 4, 2010

nationalgrammarday.com

A FULL FEAST OF FOIBLES FOR FRIDAY

2010-02-26T08:26:00.000-05:00

"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.

2010-02-25T08:32:00.000-05:00

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

SMALL WORD CHALLENGES

2010-02-24T08:36:00.000-05:00

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.

WORD PRECISION

2010-02-23T08:27:00.001-05:00

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.

WORD PLAY

2010-02-22T08:09:00.000-05:00

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".

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - February 21, 2010

2010-02-21T08:32:00.000-05:00

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.

GOOD ENGLISH! GET EXCITED!

2010-02-19T08:03:00.000-05:00

PET PEEVES

How many peeves can you list from the conversation below?
Create an acceptable alternative conversation.

Diner: "Thank you for seating us so quickly."
Server: "No problem. What can I get yous guys to drink?"

BREAKUP/BREAK UP

Explain the difference in meaning between "breakup" and "break up".
Create sentences using "breakup" and "break up". Be sure the respective meanings are clear.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "burgeoning".
What part of speech is "burgeoning"? Be very specific.
Define "burgeoning" and use it in a sentence.
What other parts of speech can be made with "burgeoning"?

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

"S" IS THURSDAY'S SOUND

2010-02-18T08:50:00.000-05:00

SUBMITTAL/SUBMISSION

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "submittal" and "submission".
Identify the verb forms of each word.
Create sentences that clearly show the definition of "submittal" and "submission".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "sybaritic".
What part of speech is "sybaritic"?
Define "sybaritic" and use it in a sentence.
List other forms of the word.

MY WRITING MISSION

2010-02-17T09:16:00.001-05:00

COPYWRITE/COPYRIGHT

I received a comment yesterday about whether or not my material is under (copywrite or copyright). So today's effort is directed at these words.
Which, "copywrite" or "copyright", is the correct term?
What parts of speech can the correct word be?
Create a sentence for each part of speech of the correct word.

FYI

I use several sources for my grammar, sentence structure and punctuation lessons. Since all of my entries are based on universal rules for correct writing, I make no proprietary claims nor do I acknowledge any sort of ownership or plagiarism.
With anything that I post from a newspaper, TV ad, radio commentator or other source, I give due and proper ownership to the author. I work on the basis that if someone authored and put his name to a piece, he owns it, including the errors he might make in his writing and he is fair game for this blog.
I expect correctness in professional writing and speaking and if I don't see or hear it, I claim the right to comment.

TRUE CYNICISM

Identify the writer of the following brutal comment.

“Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "mesmerize".
What part of speech is "mesmerize"?
Define "mesmerize" and use it in a sentence.

SMALL POSERS

2010-02-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

WRITING STYLE OR WRITING ERROR?

Is there a mistake in the entry below? What is it? Correct it and give your reasons.

"Not surprising for a toddler who has probably never seen temperatures below 26 C."
Frances Willick, The Windsor Star, Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "hoar".
What parts of speech can "hoar" be?
Define "hoar" and use it in sentences as two different parts of speech..

WORD RELATIONSHIPS

2010-02-15T09:07:00.000-05:00

A VERY COMMON MISTAKE

Correct the error in the following piece. Cite the applicable rule for your correction.
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."
Jeff Bolinchowski, "FRUGAL FIAT 500 WINNING FANS", Windsor Star, Monday, February 15, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "ameliorate".
What part of speech is "ameliorate"?
Define "ameliorate" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - February 14, 2010

2010-02-14T08:11:00.000-05:00

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

Monday

“Alternate”, as an adjective, means another choice or something different.
“Alternate” can also be a verb but the emphasis is on the last syllable.
“Alternate” can also be a noun.

“Alternative”, as an adjective, means every other as in meeting on alternative weeks throughout the year.
“Alternative”, as a noun, refers to another choice, as in, ‘My alternative to becoming a lazy retiree is to write a daily blog about using English correctly’.

Tuesday

COMMON WORDS/COMMON MISTAKES

What do “phenomena”, “criteria”, “media”, “data” and “stadia” all have in common?

The words are all plural forms.
“Phenomenon”, “criterion”, “medium”, “datum” and “stadium” are the respective singular forms.
The most commonly misused examples are “data” with a singular verb and “stadiums” instead of “stadia”. “Criteria” is often misused when only a single “criterion” is needed.

Wednesday

Correct any errors and give reasons for your choices.

“ ‘Dr. Bernie Warren is a very unique individual who is highly recognized in the medical community,’ said Bird.”

“Unique”, an absolute modifier, means one-of-a-kind and cannot be compared.

“ ‘Dr. Bernie Warren is a unique individual who is highly recognized in the medical community,’ said Bird.”

Thursday

FLOE/FLOW

“Floe” (n.) is a flat mass of ice floating at sea.

“Flow” (v.) means to move smoothly or to stream.

Friday

POPULACE/POPULOUS

Populace”, a noun, refers to the population, as a whole, or the people of a country.

“Populous”, an adjective, refers to the density of population within a country, as in California is more populous than all of Canada.

I REALLY LIKE THIS ONE

“Patterning your life around others' opinions is nothing more than slavery.”
Lawana Blackwell, a Louisiana writer penned this line in her book, “The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark”.

PET PEEVES - NEW DEPARTMENT

“NO PROBLEM”

Suggest an improvement for the word exchange below.
“Thank you for doing that job.”
“No problem.”

“No problem” has become a substitute for “you’re welcome” and places the importance on the job done by the server instead of responding to the politeness of the job receiver. It suggests the server is doing a favour for the receiver and sounds self-centred. It is better than no response at all but it is not as polite as "Thank you" and is a pet peeve.

“Thank you for doing that job.”
“You’re welcome.”

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Abhorrent” (adj.) means detestable, repulsive or obscene.
“Abhor” is the verb form.
“Abhorrence” is the noun form.

“Kibosh” (n.) refers to nonsense or to rendering something as definitely impossible or out of the question.

“Ruminate” (v.) means to chew, to masticate or to think about or ponder about at length and in depth.
“Rumination” is the noun form.
“Ruminant” refers to any chewing type animal.

“Foppish” (adj.) means affecting extremes in dress and manner or dandyish.
“Fop” is the noun form.
“Foppishly” is the adverb form.

“Expediency” (n.) refers to advantageousness, advisability or something that is quick, easy or politic rather than something that is right and just.

WORD CORRECTNESS

2010-02-12T07:49:00.001-05:00

PET PEEVES - NEW DEPARTMENT

"NO PROBLEM"

Check the exchange below and explain the problem with it.
Suggest an improvement.

"Thank you for doing that job."
"No problem."

POPULACE/POPULOUS

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "populace" and "populous".
What part of speech is each word?
Use "populace" and "populous" in sentences that clearly show their meanings.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "expediency".
What part of speech is "expediency"?
Define "expediency" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

QUICKIES

2010-02-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

FLOE/FLOW

Explain the difference between the words "floe" and "flow".
What part of speech is each word?
Create sentences that show the meanings of both words.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "foppish".
What part of speech is "foppish"?
Define "foppish" and use it in a sentence.
List two other forms of "foppish" and identify what part of speech each is.

SOME WORD CHALLENGES

2010-02-10T08:49:00.000-05:00

BACK TO BUSINESS

How many errors can you find in the following entry? Correct each and give reasons for your choices.

" 'Dr. Bernie Warren is a very unique individual who is highly recognized in the medical community,' said Bird."
Rajana Bird, vice-president of research, University of Windsor, " 'Clown doctor' honoured by university," Windsor Star, Wednesday, February 10, 2010.

I REALLY LIKE THIS ONE

Identify the author of the following concept.

“Patterning your life around others' opinions is nothing more than slavery.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "ruminate".
What part of speech is "ruminate"?
What other parts of speech can be made with "ruminate"?
Define "ruminate" and use it in a sentence.

THIS SHOULD BE EASY

2010-02-09T08:07:00.001-05:00

COMMON WORDS/COMMON MISTAKES

What do "phenomena", "criteria", "media", "data" and "stadia" all have in common?
What is the singular form of each word?
What are the mistakes often associated with each word?
Create a sentence for each word in its singular form.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "kibosh".
What part of speech is "kibosh"?
Define "kibosh" and use it in a sentence.
Hint: you may be surprised at the real meaning of the word.

"A" GOOD MONDAY MORNING

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

ALTERNATE/ALTERNATIVE

Explain the difference between "alternate" and "alternative".
What part of speech is each word?
Be sure to refer to "alternate" as two different parts of speech in your explanation.
Create sentences using "alternate" and "alternative". Be sure the sentences clearly show the meanings of the words.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for Monday is "abhorrent".
What part of speech is "abhorrent"?
Define "abhorrent" and use it in a sentence.
What other parts of speech can be made from "abhorrent"?

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - February 7, 2010

2010-02-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

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

Monday

APPOSE/OPPOSE

“Appose”, a verb, mean to put or place something close to or next to something else or to put things side by side. A close comparison would be to the word “juxtapose”.
“Football, as apposed to rugby, is a highly sophisticated situation-driven game.”
“The words ‘a verb’ are in apposition to the word ‘appose’ in the explanation above.”

“Oppose”, a verb, means to object to or go against something or someone.
“I oppose that new legislation because I think it infringes upon the common man and I hope it is never brought into law.”

Tuesday

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

Correct the subject-verb problems and give the reason for the fix.

“The climate in both places are mild.”

The subject is climate and it is singular. The verb must be in agreement and also be singular.

“The climate in both places is mild.”

“Neither John nor Mary know what caused the problem.”

If one or more singular subject is joined to one or more plural subject by “or” or “nor”, the verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb.

“Neither John nor Mary knows what caused the problem.”

“Joe and his sister knows what the problem is.”

A compound subject whose parts are joined by 'and' normally takes a plural verb.

“Joe and his sister know what the problem is.”

“Every boy and girl have to participate.”

When the compound subject is modified by the words “each” or “every” a singular verb is used.

“Every boy and girl has to participate.”

Wednesday

Find and correct the error in the following piece.

“Clement said the city would one day like to move the fenced and lighted baseball stadium further into the park, clearing the way for a soccer field.”

“Further” means in addition to. “Farther” refers to distance. They are not interchangeable.

“Clement said the city would one day like to move the fenced and lighted baseball stadium further into the park, clearing the way for a soccer field.”

Thursday

FOUNDER/FLOUNDER

“Founder”, as a verb means to fill with water and sink. It is metaphorically used to refer to disasters and catastrophic failures.

“Flounder” means to thrash about in the water and is metaphorically used to refer to desperate struggles.

“If you are sunk, you have foundered; if you are still struggling you are floundering.”

Friday

SET/SIT

“Sit” means to rest on the lower part of the body.

“Set” means to place something or someone down.

“I sit down by the fire because it is warm and comforting and I set my book down beside me when I am tired of reading.”

THINK ABOUT THIS ONE

“Truth persuades by teaching, but does not teach by persuading.”

Quintus Septimius Tertullianus, a Carthaginian who lived from 160 AD to 230 AD, penned this. I didn’t know who wrote it either but I really like its depth of meaning.

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Traduce” (v.) means to malign, to pick apart, to badmouth or to drag through the mud.

“Phlegmatic” (adj.) means stolid, cold or unemotional.

“Serendipity” (n.) refers to accidental sagacity, the art of making desirable but unsought-for discoveries by accident.

“Fetish” (n.) refers to any object of blind reverence, a charm, a blind devotion; in psychology, it refers to the compulsive use of some inanimate object in attaining sexual gratification.
“Fetishist”, as a noun refers to a user of fetishes.
“Fetishism”, also a noun, is the psychological compulsive behaviour.
“Fetishistic” is the adjective form.

“Sagacious” (adj.) means acutely insightful and wise, observant and thoughtful or crafty.
“Sagacity” is the noun form.
“Sagaciously” is the adverb form.

SIMPLY 'S'

2010-02-05T08:28:00.000-05:00

SET/SIT

This is probably really simple, but too many mistakes are made using these words.
Explain the difference in meaning and use of the words "set" and "sit".
What part of speech is each word.
Create sentences using "set" and "sit" that display each word's meaning clearly.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "sagacious".
What part of speech is "sagacious"?
Create a sentence using "sagacious" in such a way as the word's meaning is displayed.
What other parts of speech can be made of "sagacious"?

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

'F': TODAY'S ALLITERATIVE EFFORTS

2010-02-04T08:31:00.000-05:00

FOUNDER/FLOUNDER

Explain the difference between the words "founder" and "flounder"
Use "founder" and "flounder" in sentences that clearly show the meanings of the words.
Use each word as a noun and as a verb.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "fetish".
What party of speech is "fetish"?
Define "fetish" and use it in a sentence.
What other forms of the word can you list?

THOUGHT REQUIRED

2010-02-03T08:39:00.000-05:00

A SIMPLE SLIP?

Find and correct the error in the following piece.

"Clement said the city would one day like to move the fenced and lighted baseball stadium further into the park, clearing the way for a soccer field."
Craig Pearson, "Jackson Park makeover unveiled", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

THINK ABOUT THIS ONE

Identify the author of the following concept. Even if you cannot come up with an answer, think about the depth of the content.

“Truth persuades by teaching, but does not teach by persuading.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "serendipity".
What part of speech is "serendipity"?
Define "serendipity" and use it in a sentence.

TEST YOUR AGREEMENT SKILLS

2010-02-02T08:22:00.000-05:00

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

Below are sentences which are not correct.
What is the problem for each sentence?
What is the applicable rule for each sentence?
Correct each problem.

"The climate in both places are mild."

"Neither John nor Mary know what caused the problem."

"Joe and his sister knows what the problem is."

"Every boy and girl have to participate."

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "phlegmatic".
What part of speech is "phlegmatic"?
Define "phlegmatic" and use it in a sentence.

THE WEEK STARTS EASILY

2010-02-01T08:02:00.000-05:00

APPOSE/OPPOSE

Explain the difference in meaning between the words "appose" and "oppose".
What part of speech is each word?
Use "appose" and "oppose" in sentences that display their respective meanings.
List other forms or parts of speech of each word.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "traduce".
What part of speech is "traduce"?
Define "traduce" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - January 31, 2010

2010-01-31T08:09:00.000-05:00

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

Monday

SOLID/STOLID

“Solid”, as a noun, refers to a shape or a substance that is not soft or yielding.

“Solid” as an adjective, means of one substance, heavy, substantial or incapable of being seen through.
“The shot was so solid it broke the plexiglass.”

“Stolid”, an adjective, means dull, tedious, unemotional or dull.
“The preacher’s sermon was stolid and boring.”

BONUS: "MOTLEY"

Explain why "motley" in today's alliterative heading is appropriate.
“Motley” can mean varied and the headline addresses various words. The alliterations contained in Monday’s “Motley Mix” and “stolid and solid” are varied and reflect the meanings of the words.

Tuesday

COMPLIMENT/COMPLEMENT

“Compliment”, a verb, means to hail, to herald, to acclaim or to express respect for.
“I compliment you on your new hairdo.”
several meanings for these words; try to list at least two for each.

“Compliment”, as a noun, refers to the congratulations or praise given to someone.
“”Your compliment is appreciated.”

“Complement”, as a verb, means to complete or to round out or to make full.
“Those earrings complement the dress you are wearing.”

“Complement”, as a noun, refers to a complete number, something added to make perfect or complete or a word or phrase to complete a grammatical construction.
“Putting verbs into sentences is absolutely necessary as a complement to the definition of a sentence as being a group of words expressing a complete thought.”

Wednesday

REEK/WREAK

“Reek”, a verb, means to give off smoke or vapours, to smell or to exude a brutally unpleasant odour such as heavy sweat.
“The smells from the dry forest reek of the recent devastating fire.”

“Wreak” is a verb meaning to cause to happen or to occur, to generate or to bring forth.
“High and low atmospheric pressure often wreak havoc when they come together.”

Thursday

What errors are committed below?

“As many as 200 corporate and private planes lined up at Windsor Airport. Luxury hotel rooms and restaurants filled to capacity. Jet-setters from around the world descending on Windsor.”

There are three incomplete thoughts is this example; all three groups are without verbs. The three are prefaced by the sentence, “Picture it.” But the punctuation must be changed to connect the ideas and to make a complete thought.

“Picture it: as many as 200 corporate and private planes lined up at Windsor Airport; luxury hotel rooms and restaurants filled to capacity; jet-setters from around the world descending on Windsor.”

Friday

BREACH/BREECH

“Breach”, as a verb, means to act in disregard of laws and rules.
“Speeders flagrantly breach the law and should be punished severely.”

“Breach” as a noun, refers to an opening, a gap or a failure to perform some act or obligation.
“The breach in the levee widened disastrously as the unrelenting water drove against it.”

“Breech”, a noun, refers to the rear of a gun barrel where bullets are loaded or to rear-ends.
“The breech of the gun jammed because the gun was never cleaned.”

TOO CYNICAL?

Identify the author of the following observation.

“It has been said that man is a rational animal. All my life I have been searching for evidence which could support this.”
Bertrand Russell, a British author and philosopher who lived from 1872 to 1970, wrote this.

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Vituperate” (v.) means to rail against, to revile or to find fault with abusively.
“Vituperation” is the noun form.
“Vituperative” is the adjective form.
“Vituperatively” is the adverb form.

“Capricious” (adj.) Means changeable, impulsive or whimsical.
“Capriciousness” is the adjective form.
“Capriciously” is the adverb form.
“Caprice”, which comes from the same root, refers to the tendency to change one’s mind without reason or apparent motive.

“Quixotic” (adj.) means incapable of dealing sensible with practical matters, romantic or unrealistic. It also means extravagantly chivalrous as was Don Quixote.

“Obnoxious” (adj.) means offensive, unpleasant, detestable or repulsive.

“Bravado” (n.) refers to a swaggering show of courage, fanfare or ostentation.

"B" DAY

2010-01-29T08:05:00.002-05:00

BREACH/BREECH

Explain the difference between the words "breach" and "breech".
What part of speech is each word?
Use "breach" and "breech" in sentences that clearly reveal their meanings.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "bravado".
What part of speech is "bravado"?
Define "bravado" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

CORRECT STRUCTURE REQUIRED

2010-01-28T09:06:00.000-05:00

HEADLINE SENTENCE WRITING

Read the following excerpt and identify the errors in it. It reflects a type of journalism that is pervading writers and newsreaders and it is insidiously destroying correct English usage.
I do not accept this lame form of communication and will rail against it until I die because it only serves to lead us to accept ignorance and shoddy writing techniques.

Now that my diatribe is finished, correct the errors in the piece. Give reasons for your choices.

"As many as 200 corporate and private planes lined up at Windsor Airport. Luxury hotel rooms and restaurants filled to capacity. Jet-setters from around the world descending on Windsor."
Editorial opinion, "Red Bull's return", The Windsor Star, Thursday, January 28, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "obnoxious".
What part of speech is "obnoxious"?
Define "obnoxious" and use it in a sentence.

GOOD WORDS - INTERESTING IDEA

2010-01-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

REEK/WREAK

Explain the difference between the words "reek" and "wreak".
What part of speech is each word?
Use "reek" and "wreak" in sentences that clearly express their different meanings.

TOO CYNICAL?

Identify the author of the following observation.

“It has been said that man is a rational animal. All my life I have been searching for evidence which could support this.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "quixotic".
What part of speech is "quixotic"?
Define "quixotic" and use it in a sentence.
What other part of speech can this word be?

THE "Cs" HAVE IT

2010-01-26T08:26:00.000-05:00

COMPLIMENT/COMPLEMENT

Explain the difference in meanings and use of the words "compliment" and "complement".
There could be several meanings for these words; try to list at least two for each.
Create sentences for "compliment" and "complement" that express the meanings of the words.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "capricious".
What part of speech is "capricious"?
Define "capricious" and use it in a sentence.
Identify two other forms of this word.

MONDAY'S MOTLEY MIX

2010-01-25T07:49:00.000-05:00

SOLID/STOLID

Explain the difference between the words "solid" and "stolid".
What part of speech is each word?
Use "solid" and "stolid" in sentences that clearly display their respective meanings.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "vituperate".
What part of speech is "vituperate"?
Define "vituperate" and use it in a sentence.
List three other forms in which the word can be used.

BONUS

Explain why "motley" in today's alliterative heading is appropriate.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - January 24, 2010

2010-01-24T08:53:00.000-05:00

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

Monday

OPPRESSION/REPRESSION/SUPPRESSION

“Oppression” is the act of subjugating by cruelty or keeping down by unjust use of force or authority. It is always bad and implies serious persecution.
“The dictator was quilty of extreme cruelty in the oppression of the people.”

“Repression” refers to keeping things under control and can sometimes be a good thing. It can also be a type of defence mechanism to protect oneself.
“I will repress the temptation to jeer at his immaturity even though he should be stopped.”

“Suppression” refers to witholding from publication, to abolish or to stop.
“Suppression of embarrassing and critical blogging is systematically carried out in communist China.”

Identify and correct the error in the following piece.

“Especially when that player is being compared to himself.”

The context is that a great, young player should not be compared to other great players and this should be avoided. But, I am not even sure this sentence makes sense even within the context. Read it carefully and then draw your own conclusions. Irrespective of any context, it is still an incomplete thought.

“A young player should not be compared to the greats of the game, especially when that player is being compared to himself.”

Tuesday

MISLEAD/MISLED

“Mislead” is the present tense of the verb “to mislead”.
“Misled” is the past tense of the same verb.
They are not interchangeable.
“So when you mislead your lawyer, you have actually misled him.”

Wednesday

DEMUR/DEMURE

“Demur” is a verb meaning to resist answering questions, to disagree or to differ with.
“I do not like the tone of your questions and I demur answering them.”

“Demure” (adj.) refers to a quiet, reserved person.
“She was a beautiful and demure cherub.”

Thursday

ENAMOURED BY/ENAMOURED OF/ENAMOURED WITH

“Enamoured of” and “enamoured with” are acceptable choices.
If you say “enamoured by” someone or something, you are saying he or it is crazy about you. Would you like to be enamoured by a skunk?

Friday

Find and correct the error in the following piece.

“About 15 minutes later, two men wearing ski masks busted through a side door.”

“Bust” and “busted”, when used as verbs, are not correct and should be avoided. The correct form is “burst”.

“About 15 minutes later, two men wearing ski masks burst through a side door.”

HOW TRUE IS THIS?

“We rarely think people have good sense unless they agree with us.”
Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a French author penned this.

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Debilitate” (v.) means to drain, to make feeble, to fatigue or to wear down.
“Debilitation” is the noun form.
“Debilitative” is the adjective form.
“Debility” is another noun form.

“Mythomania” (n.) refers to lying or exaggerating to an abnormal degree.

“Depredation” (n.) refers to the act of plundering, preying upon or robbing.
“Depredate” is the verb form.
“Depredatory” is the adjective form.
“Depredator” is the noun form referring to someone who lays waste or plunders.

“Empirical” (adj.) means guided by or derived from experience or depending upon experience or observation alone, without using science.
“Empiricism” is a philosophy espousing the doctrine that all knowledge is derived from experience.

“Vindictive” (adj.) Means vengeful, rancourous or showing deep-seated resentment.
“Vindictiveness” is the noun form.
Ironically, “vindication” (n.) and “vindicate” (v.) mean to uphold or justify by argument or evidence.

MORE SUBTLETY OF WORD MEANINGS

2010-01-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

WOW!

Find and correct the error in the following piece. Give reasons for your correction.

"About 15 minutes later, two men wearing ski masks busted through a side door."
Trevor Wilhelm, "Police probe west-side home invasions", The Windsor Star, Friday, January 22, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "vindictive".
What part of speech is "vindictive"?
Define "vindictive" and use it in a sentence.
List other forms of the word and explain the subtle differences between the meanings of those words and the meaning of "vindictive".

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

THINK DEEPLY TODAY

2010-01-21T08:13:00.000-05:00

ENAMOURED BY/ENAMOURED OF/ENAMOURED WITH

"Enamoured by", "enamoured of" and "enamoured with" are three common expressions and often one is misused.
Carefully think about the meaning of each and then determine which one is misused. Give reasons for your choices.
Create sentences for each expression to help you in your determination.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "empirical".
What part of speech is "empirical"?
Define "empirical" and use it in a sentence.
What is the philosophy based on this word and what is the major theme of this philosophy?

THESE SHOULD CHALLENGE

2010-01-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

DEMUR/DEMURE

Explain the difference in meaning and use of the words "demur" and "demure".
What part of speech is each word?
Create sentences for each word that show their meanings.

HOW TRUE IS THIS?

Identify the author of the following.

“We rarely think people have good sense unless they agree with us.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "depredation".
What part of speech is "depredation"?
Define "depredation" and use it in a sentence.
List other parts of speech for this word.

"M" MUSINGS

2010-01-19T08:35:00.000-05:00

MISLEAD/MISLED

There is some confusion with the use of the words "mislead" and "misled".
Explain the correct use of "mislead" and "misled". Be sure to take tense into account.
Create sentences correctly using "mislead" and "misled".

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "mythomania".
What part of speech is "mythomania"?
Define "mythomania" and use it in a sentence.

PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAP

2010-01-18T08:14:00.000-05:00

OPPRESSION/REPRESSION/SUPPRESSION

Explain the subtle differences in meaning of the words "oppression", "repression" and "suppression".
Use "oppression", "repression" and "suppression" in sentences that clearly show each word's meaning.

STYLE EXCUSE DOESN'T CUT IT

Identify and correct the error in the following piece.

"Especially when that player is being compared to himself."
Bob Duff, "Hall not the next Messier", The Windsor Star, Monday, January 18, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "debilitate".
What part of speech is "debilitate"?
Define "debilitate" and use it in a sentence.
List three other forms of the word and identify what part of speech they are.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - January 17, 2010

2010-01-17T07:32:00.001-05:00

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

Monday

IGNORANT/STUPID

“Ignorant” means being unaware of facts, ideas or knowledge.
“The young driver made a mistake at the intersection because he was ignorant of the correct place to stop.”

“Stupid” means incapable of learning because of a basic mental deficiency.
“The young man was unable to learn complicated algebraic calculations and was labelled stupid in his academic assessment.”

Tuesday

PARTAKE/PARTICIPATE

“Partake” means to consume, especially in relation to food.
“We are going to the wine festival next week and will partake of the generous variety of choice local wines and food.”

“Participate” means to take part in an activity.
“We love to play hockey and participate in any pick-up game we can.”

Wednesday

I suggest there are two errors in the following piece: one should be obvious; one is potentially debatable. Find and correct what you consider incorrect. Give reasons for your choices.

“Francis said other factors looked at include the 48 new daycare centres that have become established locally in the past five years, as well as the poor economy that has seen less parents needing daycare services because more are out of work.”

“Fewer” refers to things that can be counted.
“Less” refers to things measured in bulk.
Therefore, there should be “fewer” parents, not less “parents”.
The comma after “years” must be eliminated.

“Francis said other factors looked at include the 48 new daycare centres that have become established locally in the past five years as well as the poor economy that has seen fewer parents needing daycare services because more are out of work.”

Thursday

CROSS/ACROSS/ACROSSED

“Cross” is a verb or a noun.
“I always cross the street at the light.”
“A cross is the well-known symbol of Christianity.”
“Across” is a preposition which is a word that starts a phrase. Occasionally it can be used as an adverb or an adjective.
“He threw the ball across the field.”
“He ran across to greet his girlfriend.”
“They often worked at cross purposes.’

“Crossed” is the past participle or past tense of the verb “to cross”.
“He crossed the teacher and paid dearly for it.”

“Acrossed” is not a word: neither is “acrost”.

Friday

Find, explain and correct the errors.

“Daniel Carcillo could care less if Maple Leafs and their supporters don't like him.”

This begs the question: “How much less could he care?” It makes no sense. The correct term is “could not care less”.

“Daniel Carcillo could not care less if Maple Leafs and their supporters don't like him.”

“So jeer him if you want. He couldn't care.”

This, by implication because it is from the same article, is the same error as in the previous example. The correct meaning dictates choice of words.

“So jeer him if you want. He couldn't care less.”

THIS SAYS IT ALL!

“Where is there dignity unless there is honesty?”
Cicero, a Roman orator who lived from106 BC to 43 BC, penned this adage.

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Aliterate” (n.) refers to a person who can read but is disinclined to take information from literary sources. It refers to an ignoramus or an uneducated person.

“Illiterate” is similar but refers to a person who is unable to read.

“Literate” refers to a person who can read and write.

“Expurgate” (v.) means to cut short, to shorten or to take away.

“Impeccable” (adj.) means faultless, perfect or clean.

“Ignominious” (adj.) means disgraceful, shameful degrading or dishonourable.

“Deprecate” (v.) means to express strong disapproval of, to find fault with, to cheapen or to degrade.
“Deprecative”, “deprecatory” and “deprecator” are other forms of the word.

THINK BEFORE WRITING!

2010-01-15T08:21:00.000-05:00

INCREDIBLE!

Find and explain the errors in the following pieces.
Correct them.

"Daniel Carcillo could care less if Maple Leafs and their supporters don't like him."
Mike Zeisberger, "Them's fighting words", Toronto Sun, Thursday, January 14, 2010.

"So jeer him if you want. He couldn't care."
Mike Zeisberger, "Them's fighting words", Toronto Sun, Thursday, January 14, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "deprecate".
What part of speech is "deprecate"?
Define "deprecate" and use it in a sentence.
What other forms of the word can you list?
Try to use it in your speech today.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

CORRECTNESS: A CROSS TO CARRY

2010-01-14T08:18:00.001-05:00

CROSS/ACROSS/ACROSSED

What parts of speech are "cross", "across" and "acrossed"?
What is the correct way to use each word?
Create sentences for"cross", "across" and "acrossed" that clearly show the correct meaning of each word.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "ignominious".
What part of speech is "ignominious"?
Define "ignominious" and use it in a sentence.
Use "ignominious" in your speech today.

COMMENTS

If you want to leave a comment on any of my postings, please do so, but it must, at the very least, make sense and be relevant.

WRITING SUBTLENESS

2010-01-13T08:27:00.000-05:00

TWO CHALLENGES

I suggest there are two errors in the following piece: one should be obvious; one is potentially debatable. Find and correct what you consider incorrect. Give reasons for your choices.

"Francis said other factors looked at include the 48 new daycare centres that have become established locally in the past five years, as well as the poor economy that has seen less parents needing daycare services because more are out of work."
Doug Schmidt, "CITY PONDERS DAYCARE CUTS", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, January 13, 2010.

THIS SAYS IT ALL!

Identify the author of the following truism.

“Where is there dignity unless there is honesty?”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "impeccable".
What part of speech is "impeccable"?
Define "impeccable" and use it in a sentence.
Try using it in your speech today.

FINE DISTINCTIONS

2010-01-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

PARTAKE/PARTICIPATE

This was triggered by the misuse of one of the terms by a CBC television reporter during yesterday's morning news.

Explain the meaning and correct use of the terms "partake" and "participate".
What part of speech is each word?
Use "partake" and "participate" in sentences that clearly show their meanings.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "expurgate".
What type of word is "expurgate"?
Define "expurgate" and use it in a sentence.

RECRUITING FOLLOWERS

I am still recruiting followers for this blog. Join michaelsenglishusage.com by
clicking on "Followers" in the right column and following the instructions. It can be anonymous and it is a worthwhile endeavour.

MONDAY WORD MOTIF

2010-01-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

COMMENTS

I happily accept, encourage and, generally, publish, comments sent to this blog by readers.
I do not accept and do not publish comments by those who want to use my blog as a forum to promote their agenda, product or service.
If any comment does not relate directly to the use of the English language or to some information I have put forth on that topic, it is summarily rejected.
I will not allow this blog to be a platform for free advertising of vapid tripe, so, spam freaks, quit cluttering my time.
If you want to advertise, show me the money and we will talk; otherwise, get lost!

IGNORANT/STUPID

Explain the difference between the words "ignorant" and "stupid".
What type of word is each?
What is the noun form of each word?
Create sentences for "ignorant" and "stupid" that clearly show the meanings of the words.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "aliterate".
What part of speech is "aliterate"?
What words can you list that are similar to "aliterate" but have slightly different meanings?
Create a sentence using "aliterate".
Define "aliterate" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - January 10, 2010

2010-01-10T07:55:00.000-05:00

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

Monday

Find and correct the errors in the following examples.

“By sharply increasing the maximum penalties for those he says don't follow the rules.”

This is not a complete thought.

“He will reward drivers by sharply increasing the maximum penalties for those he says don't follow the rules.”

“Just as we missed the debate on lowering the blood alcohol limit to .05 and the option of jailing a driver under the recently instituted 'street racing' legislation without that person being able to launch a legal defence.”

This, also, is not a complete thought.

“If there was any debate, we missed it, just as we missed the debate on lowering the blood alcohol limit to .05 and the option of jailing a driver under the recently instituted 'street racing' legislation without that person being able to launch a legal defence.”

Tuesday

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces.

“More than 9,000 investors lost over $100 million in funds that went missing from Norbourg over a five-year period.”

How many times do I have to say it? “PEOPLE AND THINGS DO NOT GO MISSING!”

“More than 9,000 investors lost over $100 million in funds that disappeared from Norbourg over a five-year period.”

“Particularly since, as McGuinty noted, these workers have 'been sheltered from the full ravages of this private-sector recession.’ ”

This is an incomplete thought.

“McGuinty noted these workers have 'been sheltered from the full ravages of this private-sector recession.’ ”

Wednesday

THEORY/HYPOTHESIS

A “theory” is a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.
“Einstein’s theory of relativity was the seminal addition to the understanding of speed and light.”

A “hypothesis” is a proposition proposed as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena. It can be thought of as a mere assumption or guess to guide an investigation of facts.
“The detective used the concept of greed in trying to understand a motive for the crime.”

Thursday

MAJORITY ARE/MAJORITY IS

“Majority” can be either singular or plural.
“Majority” should be used only with countable nouns.

“Majority is” must be used when referring to a group in its entirety.
“The majority council opinion is that DRIC is short-changing the city.”

“Majority are” must be used when referring to the group as individuals.
“The majority of callers are opposed to daylight savings time changes.”

Friday

TORTUROUS/TORTUOUS

“Torturous” means painful or unpleasant as with torture.
“The constant loudness of the amplified drumming was torturous and harmful to her sense of hearing.”

“Tortuous” means tangled or twisted.
“The winding path through the brambles was brutally tortuous.”

DO YOU AGREE?

“The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.”
Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher who lived from 1844 to1900, wrote this idea.

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Matriculate” (v.) means to enroll as a student, to enter or to sign up for something.

“Voluminous” (adj.) means large in volume or bulk, sizable or large.
Other forms of the word are “volume”, “voluminously”, “voluminousness” and “voluminosity”.

“Minion” (n.) refers to a follower, a parasite or a servile or base favourite of a prince or parton.

“Meticulous” (adj.) means precise, finicky, fussy or excessively concerned about niceties.
The noun form is “meticulosity”.

“Rakish” (adj.) means dashing, jaunty, modish or stylish.

FRIDAY'S WORD FUN

2010-01-08T08:28:00.000-05:00

TORTUROUS/TORTUOUS

Explain the difference between the words "torturous" and "tortuous".
Create sentences for "torturous" and "tortuous" that clearly show the meanings of the words.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "rakish".
What paert of speech is "rakish"?
Define "rakish" and use it in a sentence.

RECRUITMENT

I am recruiting more followers for this blog. If you read Michael's English Usage with any regularity, I ask you to sign up as a "Follower". Check the sidebar to the right and click on it. I am broadening my campaign for correct language usage and need your support. Sign up today and help to eradicate poor and disgusting English use.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

THURSDAY IS "M" DAY

2010-01-07T08:09:00.001-05:00

RECRUITMENT

I am recruiting more followers for this blog. If you read Michael's English Usage with any regularity, I ask you to sign up as a "Follower". Check the sidebar to the right and click on it. I am broadening my campaign for correct language usage and need your support. Sign up today and help to eradicate poor and disgusting English use.

MAJORITY ARE/MAJORITY IS

Explain the correct use of the terms "majority are" and "majority is".
Create sentences that fully depict the correct use of "majority are" and "majority is".

TODAY'S WORD

Because I didn't pay attention yesterday when I chose my word of the day, I repeated the word from Tuesday. I will try to do better.
So, today there will be two words.

Today's word is "minion".
What part of speech is "minion"?
Define "minion" and use it in a sentence.

Today's second word is "meticulous".
What part of speech is "meticulous"?
Define "meticulous" and use it in a sentence.
What is the noun form of "meticulous"?

THINKING CHALLENGES

2010-01-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

THEORY/HYPOTHESIS

Define and explain the differences between the words "theory" and "hypothesis".
Create sentences that clearly show the meanings of each word.
Identify the verb forms for each word.

DO YOU AGREE?

Identify the author of the following piece.

"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently."

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "voluminous".
What part of speech is "voluminous"?
Define "voluminous" and use it in a sentence.

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

2010-01-05T08:28:00.000-05:00

PROFESSIONALS AT WORK!

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces.

"More than 9,000 investors lost over $100 million in funds that went missing from Norbourg over a five-year period."
Mike De Souza, Canwest News Service, "Crime victims upset at Tories", The Windsor Star, January 5, 2010.

"Particularly since, as McGuinty noted, these workers have 'been sheltered from the full ravages of this private-sector recession.' "
Editorial, "McGinty can't lead restraint", The Toronto Sun, January 5, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "voluminous".
What part of speech is "voluminous"?
Define "voluminous" and use it in a sentence.
List as many other forms of the word "voluminous" as you can.

NEW YEAR! SAME OLD PROBLEMS!

2010-01-04T08:35:00.002-05:00

WELCOME!

The objective of this blog is very simple: to improve the use of the English language by everyone, but especially by professional writers and speakers. I think we should all strive for perfection in our communication, be it written or oral. So too, those who are paid to write or speak should write and speak correctly because they are the exemplars of the language and if they are not using it properly, they are abrogating their responsibility to their readers, especially the children.

I do not accept jargon. I do not accept incomplete sentences. I do not accept incorrect punctuation. I do not accept the misuse of words. I do not accept the computer short forms used by the twits who twitter.

I do accept the beauty and versatility of the English language, but it must be used correctly, and those who violate that premise are fodder for this blog.

So, welcome to my world. This is Posting # 802, an effort that has taken nearly three years to accomplish. Share my vision. Feel free to comment and criticize. If I make a mistake, let me know and I will correct it.

Send comments to me at any time via the "Comment" unit at the end of each posting. Remain anonymous if you like. Attach your e-mail if you want. Join the club. Help eradicate the abuse of the English language.

A COMPLETE SENTENCE! WHAT IS THAT!

Find and correct the errors in the following examples.
Be sure to explain the errors.

"By sharply increasing the maximum penalties for those he says don't follow the rules."
Lead editorial opinion, "Traffic fines", The Windsor Star, Monday, January 4, 2010.

"Just as we missed the debate on lowering the blood alcohol limit to .05 and the option of jailing a driver under the recently instituted 'street racing' legislation without that person being able to launch a legal defence."
Lead editorial opinion, "Traffic fines", The Windsor Star, Monday, January 4, 2010.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "matriculate".
What part of speech is "matriculate"?
Convert "matriculate" to other parts of speech.
Define "matriculate" and use it in a sentence.

I WISH THE VERY BEST TO YOU

2009-12-21T08:46:00.002-05:00

The next entry of

Michael's English Usage

will be on

Monday, January 4, 2010

Please have a safe and happy holiday season.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - December 20, 2009

2009-12-20T08:07:00.000-05:00

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

Monday

TAUNT/TAUT/TOUT

“Taunt”, a verb, mens to carp persistently, to harass, to bait, to ride or to tease.
“They taunted the boy until so much that he completely withdrew from society.”

“Taunt”, as a noun, refers to an aggravation or a mockery.
“The brute’s taunt of the little boy was cruel and demeaning.”

“Taut”, which is always an adjective, means tight or distended or pulled tight.
“She had extremely taut stomach muscles.”

“Tout”, as a verb, means to show off, to boast or to brag.
“The pushy political aide touted the seeming virtues of his boss and income provider.”

“Tout” as a noun refers to one who a huckster or a seller of shoddy goods.
“The circus tout conned many a child into wasting his loose change.”

Tuesday

COMPLEMENT/COMPLIMENT

“Complement”, as a verb, means to complete, to fill up or to make full.
“The shoes beautifully complement your stunning wardrobe.”

Complement”, as a noun, refers to a complete number or quantity, a supplement to make something complete or full.”
“The addition of one more egg in the carton made a full complement of a dozen eggs.”

“Compliment”, as a noun, refers to praise, adulation or adoration.
“The shy hockey player took the compliment of his fan with typical humility.”

“Compliment”, as a verb, means to express respect for, to praise or to esteem.
“I compliment you on your winning the race under such severe circumstances.”

Wednesday

The following pieces are either confusing, inconsistent, incomplete, poorly punctuated or structurally incorrect. Correct what needs attention.

“Spencer and Brittany must read daily, practise their musical instruments and arrive at school prepared. Balance, without sacrificing responsibility.”

The second group of words is not a complete thought; a verb is needed or the punctuation needs to be changed.

“Spencer and Brittany must read daily, practise their musical instruments and arrive at school prepared: balance, without sacrificing responsibility.”

“Assignments are effective only when they're engaging and meaningful, for example, deciding which strategy to use to solve a math problem, instead of rote repetition.”

The punctuation is incorrect; a colon should be used after “meaningful” instead of a comma.

“Assignments are effective only when they're engaging and meaningful: for example, deciding which strategy to use to solve a math problem, instead of rote repetition.”

“The only conclusive way to improve academic success, studies show, is simple: Reading with or to kids every day.”

“Reading” should not be capitalized.

“The only conclusive way to improve academic success, studies show, is simple: reading with or to kids every day.”

“A subject of a previous court order forcing him to provide a blood sample for the police DNA databank, Blair's blood on the broken glass linked him to the crime.”

There is no principal clause in this unit, so it is an incomplete thought.
A comma cannot be used in place of a full stop, which requires a period. A semi-colon can be used when the topics are related.

“Blair was a subject of a previous court order forcing him to provide a blood sample for the police DNA databank; Blair's blood on the broken glass linked him to the crime.”

Thursday

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces.
There are four; I bet you miss one.
Hint: I just gave you a hint.

“So as of this week, the Ontario Labour Relations Board has two bitter City of Windsor disputes in front of it: The bad-faith bargaining charges filed by CUPE during its summer strike, and the PETU dispute.”

There should be no capitalizing after the colon.
The comma is not needed after “strike”.

“So as of this week, the Ontario Labour Relations Board has two bitter City of Windsor disputes in front of it: the bad-faith bargaining charges filed by CUPE during its summer strike and the PETU dispute.”

“Yes - the same benefits-for-life package that was at the heart of the CUPE strike.”

This is an incomplete thought; take out “that”.

“Yes - the same benefits-for-life package was at the heart of the CUPE strike.”

“Maybe not the same thing, but close enough to keep everybody happy.”

This, too, is an incomplete thought.

“Maybe it was not the same thing, but it was close enough to keep everybody happy.”

Friday

HISTORICAL/HISTORIC/HISTORICALLY

“Historical” means taking place in history, from the past or having to do with history.
“There is doubt that the historical Knights of the Round Table ever existed.”

“Historic” means having significance in history and usually refers to an event or to a person.
“Martin Luther King made historic contributions to the American civil rights movement.

“Historically” is the adverb form of both words.
“Historically, the home teams wear their dark jerseys and the visiting teams wear their white or light jerseys.”

TAKE THIS TO HEART

“Ignorance never settles a question.”
This was penned by Benjamin Disraeli (1804 - 1881).

LAST WEEK’S WORDS

“Gregarious” (adj.) Means social, avoiding of solitude, communal or needing social contact.

“Chronological” (adj.) means arranged in order of time or in a time sequence.
Other forms are “chronologist”, “chronometer” and “chronoscope”. The simplest form is “watch” or “clock”.

“Tantamount” (adj.) means being essentially equal, as good as or equivalent to.

“Conjecture” (n.) refers to a hypothesis, an opinion based on incomplete evidence, speculation or supposition.

“Colloquy” (n.) refers to a conversation, a dialogue or a group discussion.

GOOD FRIDAY CHALLENGES

2009-12-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

HISTORICAL/HISTORIC/HISTORICALLY

"Historical", "historic" and "historically" are often interchanged and often used incorrectly.
What part of speech is each word?
Explain the differences in meaning among the words "historical", "historic" and "historically".
Use "historical", "historic" and "historically" in sentences that demonstrate their meanings.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "colloquy".
What part of speech is "colloquy"?
Define "colloquy" and use it in a sentence.

CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS

Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.

SAME OLD...SAME OLD!

2009-12-17T08:23:00.000-05:00

YESTERDAY...CONTINUED...

Identify and correct the errors in the following pieces.
There are four; I bet you miss one.
Hint: I just gave you a hint.

"So as of this week, the Ontario Labour Relations Board has two bitter City of Windsor disputes in front of it: The bad-faith bargaining charges filed by CUPE during its summer strike, and the PETU dispute."
Chris Vander Doelen, "Timing bad for PETU", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 17, 2009.

"Yes - the same benefits-for-life package that was at the heart of the CUPE strike."
Chris Vander Doelen, "Timing bad for PETU", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 17, 2009.

"Maybe not the same thing, but close enough to keep everybody happy."
Chris Vander Doelen, "Timing bad for PETU", The Windsor Star, Thursday, December 17, 2009.

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "conjecture".
What part of speech is "conjecture"?
Define "conjecture" and use it in a sentence.

THE ART OF WRITING?

2009-12-16T09:03:00.002-05:00

CONFUSING CONSTRUCTION

The following pieces are either confusing, inconsistent, incomplete, poorly punctuated or structurally incorrect. Read the following and determine the flaws in each. Be sure to correct what needs attention.

"Spencer and Brittany must read daily, practise their musical instruments and arrive at school prepared. Balance, without sacrificing responsibility."
Anne Jarvis, "Students' homework excessive", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

"Assignments are effective only when they're engaging and meaningful, for example, deciding which strategy to use to solve a math problem, instead of rote repetition."
Anne Jarvis, "Students' homework excessive", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

"The only conclusive way to improve academic success, studies show, is simple: Reading with or to kids every day."
Anne Jarvis, "Students' homework excessive", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

"A subject of a previous court order forcing him to provide a blood sample for the police DNA databank, Blair's blood on the broken glass linked him to the crime."
Sarah Sacheli, "Violent offender set free on peace bond", The Windsor Star, Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

TAKE THIS TO HEART

Identify the author of the following aphorism.

“Ignorance never settles a question.”

TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "tantamount".
What part of speech is "tantamount"?
Define "tantamount" and use it in a sentence.