Here are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
Find and correct the errors in the sentences below.
"A small number of private schools were found in the study."
“Number” is a singular, collective noun and needs a singular verb.
"A small number of private schools was found in the study."
"How long do you plan to have that closed down for?"
“For” is redundant and is a dangling preposition. The meaning is conveyed without it.
"How long do you plan to have that closed down for?"
"He said the group of protesters are upset with the 'feudal lord' approach by the bridge of shutting down the exit of the bridge."
“Group is a singular, collective noun and needs a singular verb.
"He said the group of protesters is upset with the 'feudal lord' approach by the bridge of shutting down the exit of the bridge."
Tuesday
AMONG/BETWEEN
“Between” is used when referring to two persons or things.
“Among” is used when referring to three or more persons or things.
DESERT/DESSERT/DESERT
The “desert” is very dry and sandy. (emphasis on the first syllable)
The “dessert” after a meal is really very tasty. (emphasis on the second syllable and the “ss” pronounced like a “z”)
He will “desert”, or abandon, his men because he is a coward. (emphasis on the second syllable)
Wednesday
DISINTERESTED/UNINTERESTED
“Disinterested” means objective or neutral or impartial.
“Uninterested” means bored or not curious about something.
Thursday
"So bad, in fact, that Leone, like other inmates before him, is seeking extra credit from the sentencing judge for the almost 2 1/2 years spent in pre-sentence custody."
This is an incomplete thought.
“Conditions are so bad, in fact, that Leone, like other inmates before him, is seeking extra credit from the sentencing judge for the almost 2 1/2 years spent in pre-sentence custody."
"Not only do ambulances wait to unload patients, police officers needed to escort mental health patients into care can be tied up,” Bildfell said."
This is an awkward and poorly worded sentence and should be reworded. There are too many ideas for one sentence.
"Not only do ambulances wait to unload patients, but police officers needed to escort mental health patients, can be tied up as well,“ Bildfell said."
"She's tried being authoritative, combative, even vulnerable on the campaign trail - but none of those political styles have worked for more than a few fleeting political moments."
“None” is the subject of the verb “have worked” and is singular; a singular verb is required.
"She's tried being authoritative, combative, even vulnerable on the campaign trail - but none of those political styles has worked for more than a few fleeting political moments."
Friday
"A", the indefinite article is pronounced "a" as in "fat", NOT "a" as in "hay", regardless of how Bush and Harper say it.
"The OPP offer many opportunities for training and special service, but forced transfers are a rarity."
“OPP” is a singular collective title and must have a singular verb.
"The OPP offers many opportunities for training and special service, but forced transfers are a rarity."
"It's obvious the OPP can save money by sharing senior management between four county detachments, Southward said."
“Between” is used with two objects.
“Among” is used when listing more than two objects."It's obvious the OPP can save money by sharing senior management among four county detachments, Southward said."
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"I am not young enough to know everything."
Oscar Wilde said this.
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Aphorism" (n.) is a short, pithy saying, adage or maxim.
“Carnage" (n.) means butchery, massacre or slaughter or brutal slaying of people.
“Indolent" (adj.) means lazy, shiftless, sluggish or slothful.
“Diatribe" (n.) means an attack, a loud verbal rant or harangue.
“Vagary" (n.) means an impulse, a whim, a notion or an idea.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
FUN FRIDAY FOLLIES
DEAR BROADCASTERS, NEWS READERS, REPORTERS, ORATORS, SPEAKERS, PUBLIC SPEAKERS, TEACHERS, DJ's, ET CETERA.
"A", the indefinite article is pronounced "a" as in "fat", NOT "a" as in "hay", regardless of how Bush and Harper say it.
TODAY'S FODDER
"The OPP offer many opportunities for training and special service, but forced transfers are a rarity."
Gary Rennie, "Force divided over OPP switch", The Windsor Star, Friday, February 22, 2008.
"It's obvious the OPP can save money by sharing senior management between four county detachments, Southward said."
Gary Rennie, "Force divided over OPP switch", The Windsor Star, Friday, February 22, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "vagary".
Define "vagary" and use it in a sentence. (It might be easier to use the plural form.)
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
"A", the indefinite article is pronounced "a" as in "fat", NOT "a" as in "hay", regardless of how Bush and Harper say it.
TODAY'S FODDER
"The OPP offer many opportunities for training and special service, but forced transfers are a rarity."
Gary Rennie, "Force divided over OPP switch", The Windsor Star, Friday, February 22, 2008.
"It's obvious the OPP can save money by sharing senior management between four county detachments, Southward said."
Gary Rennie, "Force divided over OPP switch", The Windsor Star, Friday, February 22, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "vagary".
Define "vagary" and use it in a sentence. (It might be easier to use the plural form.)
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS
Corrections and explanations for this week's entries will be posted Sunday.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
MULTI-MISSES
WHAT'S WRONG?
"So bad, in fact, that Leone, like other inmates before him, is seeking extra credit from the sentencing judge for the almost 2 1/2 years spent in pre-sentence custody."
Doug Schmidt, "CROWDED JAIL CONDITIONS", The Windsor Star, Thursday, February 21, 2008.
SPELLCHECK WOES
"Not only do ambulances wait to unload patients, police officers needed to escort mental health patients into care can be tied up, Bildfell said."
Gary Rennie, "Hospital Code-7s persist", The Windsor Star, Thursday, February 21, 2008.
THE USUAL
"She's tried being authoritative, combative, even vulnerable on the campaign trail - but none of those political styles have worked for more than a few fleeting political moments."
Sheldon Alberts, "Clinton begins to cast Obama as dreamer", The Windsor Star, Thursday, February 21, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "diatribe".
Define "diatribe" and use it in a sentence.
"So bad, in fact, that Leone, like other inmates before him, is seeking extra credit from the sentencing judge for the almost 2 1/2 years spent in pre-sentence custody."
Doug Schmidt, "CROWDED JAIL CONDITIONS", The Windsor Star, Thursday, February 21, 2008.
SPELLCHECK WOES
"Not only do ambulances wait to unload patients, police officers needed to escort mental health patients into care can be tied up, Bildfell said."
Gary Rennie, "Hospital Code-7s persist", The Windsor Star, Thursday, February 21, 2008.
THE USUAL
"She's tried being authoritative, combative, even vulnerable on the campaign trail - but none of those political styles have worked for more than a few fleeting political moments."
Sheldon Alberts, "Clinton begins to cast Obama as dreamer", The Windsor Star, Thursday, February 21, 2008.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "diatribe".
Define "diatribe" and use it in a sentence.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
AN INTERESTING VARIETY
DISINTERESTED / UNINTERESTED
Explain the difference in meaning between "disinterested" and "uninterested".
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Can you identify the author of the following aphorism?
"I am not young enough to know everything."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "indolent".
Define "indolent" and use it in a sentence that clearly expresses its meaning.
Explain the difference in meaning between "disinterested" and "uninterested".
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Can you identify the author of the following aphorism?
"I am not young enough to know everything."
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "indolent".
Define "indolent" and use it in a sentence that clearly expresses its meaning.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
DAILY USAGE CHALLENGES
AMONG/BETWEEN
What are the correct uses for "among" and "between"?
Create sentences to illustrate these uses.
DESERT/DESSERT/DESERT
Give the meanings and pronunciations of "desert", "dessert" and "desert".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "carnage".
Define "carnage" and use it in a sentence.
What are the correct uses for "among" and "between"?
Create sentences to illustrate these uses.
DESERT/DESSERT/DESERT
Give the meanings and pronunciations of "desert", "dessert" and "desert".
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "carnage".
Define "carnage" and use it in a sentence.
Monday, February 18, 2008
FAMILY DAY FOLLIES
THE USUAL
Find and correct the errors in the sentences below.
"A small number of private schools were found in the study."
Sonja Puzic, "Bellwood school lauded", The Windsor Star, Monday, February 18, 2008.
"How long do you plan to have that closed down for?"
Melanie Deveau interview of Ambassador Bridge representative, Windsor Now, AM 800 CKLW, Friday, February 15, 2008, 4:20 pm.
"He said the group of protesters are upset with the 'feudal lord' approach by the bridge of shutting down the exit of the bridge."
Star Staff, "Merchants, residents plan bridge protest", The Windsor Star, Monday, February 18, 2008.
PLEASE READ
There is a good article titled "Whatever language, literacy is essential", on the Opinion Page, page 7 of The Windsor Star, Monday, February 18, 2008.
Please read it and take it to heart.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "aphorism".
Define "aphorism" and use it in a sentence.
Find and correct the errors in the sentences below.
"A small number of private schools were found in the study."
Sonja Puzic, "Bellwood school lauded", The Windsor Star, Monday, February 18, 2008.
"How long do you plan to have that closed down for?"
Melanie Deveau interview of Ambassador Bridge representative, Windsor Now, AM 800 CKLW, Friday, February 15, 2008, 4:20 pm.
"He said the group of protesters are upset with the 'feudal lord' approach by the bridge of shutting down the exit of the bridge."
Star Staff, "Merchants, residents plan bridge protest", The Windsor Star, Monday, February 18, 2008.
PLEASE READ
There is a good article titled "Whatever language, literacy is essential", on the Opinion Page, page 7 of The Windsor Star, Monday, February 18, 2008.
Please read it and take it to heart.
TODAY'S WORD
The word for today is "aphorism".
Define "aphorism" and use it in a sentence.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - February 17, 2008
Below are the corrections and explanations for last week's postings.
Monday
DISSEMBLE/DISASSEMBLE
“Dissemble” means to be dishonest, to lie or to hide the truth of one’s actions.
“Disassemble” means to take apart or break down something. It is the antonym of “assemble”.
EXORCISE/EXERCISE
“Exorcise” means to try to drive out evil spirits.
“Exercise” is the exertion one uses in a workout.
Tuesday
STAND/STANCE
“Stand” is military concept and means to resist or stop something such as in “take a stand against terrorism”.
“Stance” is a position one takes such as a dancer or a batter might do. It has nothing to do with defending against something.
Wednesday
A POSER
Under what circumstances could the following be considered correct?
"Windsor and Essex County is welcoming ambassadors from around the world this week."
Windsor and Essex County would have to be considered a single entity to justify the use of the singular verb “is”. I suggest they are two places and the verb should be plural.
"Windsor and Essex County are welcoming ambassadors from around the world this week."
LIBEL/SLANDER
“Libel” means defamation or malicious damaging by means of the written word or with pictures. “Libel” can be used as a noun or a verb.
“Slander” means malicious, false or defamatory statements against another. “Slander” can be used as a noun or a verb.
Thursday
RIGHT/RITE/WRITE/WRIGHT
“Right” means correct, accurate or true.
“Rite” is a ceremony, a formal procedure or a service.
“Write” means to compose or put words on paper.
“Wright” is a workman or a construction person such as in a playwright or a millwright.
Friday
MAJORITY - SINGULAR or PLURAL?
"Majority of cops don't want OPP."
"A majority of the members of the Essex Police Association have voted against joining the OPP..."
"The majority of people don't welcome change..."
“Majority” is a collective noun which may be either singular or plural, depending upon the context.
If the reference is to many individuals, the word can be plural.
If the reference is to the group, as a whole, the word is singular.
I suggest that each of the three examples is the latter and, therefore, each verb should be singular.
"Majority of cops doesn't want OPP."
"A majority of the members of the Essex Police Association has voted against joining the OPP..."
"The majority of people doesn't welcome change..."
A REALISTIC PHILOSOPHY
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings."
Cassius said this in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar. Basically, he is saying that man’s fate is not determined by outside forces such as the stars. This is the root interpretation. Add what you like beyond that.
ADAGE
"To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge."
Benjamin Disraeli
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Excoriate" (v.) means to condemn, rebuke or decry.
“Miasma" (n.) means an unwholesome atmosphere or unhealthy vapours.
“Smarmy" (adj.) means fawning, obsequious, fulsome or boot-licking.
“Bravura" (n.) means a florid or passionate display. It is a musical term but can be applied to a person’s actions.
“Peripatetic" (adj.) means aimless, drifting or footloose.
Monday
DISSEMBLE/DISASSEMBLE
“Dissemble” means to be dishonest, to lie or to hide the truth of one’s actions.
“Disassemble” means to take apart or break down something. It is the antonym of “assemble”.
EXORCISE/EXERCISE
“Exorcise” means to try to drive out evil spirits.
“Exercise” is the exertion one uses in a workout.
Tuesday
STAND/STANCE
“Stand” is military concept and means to resist or stop something such as in “take a stand against terrorism”.
“Stance” is a position one takes such as a dancer or a batter might do. It has nothing to do with defending against something.
Wednesday
A POSER
Under what circumstances could the following be considered correct?
"Windsor and Essex County is welcoming ambassadors from around the world this week."
Windsor and Essex County would have to be considered a single entity to justify the use of the singular verb “is”. I suggest they are two places and the verb should be plural.
"Windsor and Essex County are welcoming ambassadors from around the world this week."
LIBEL/SLANDER
“Libel” means defamation or malicious damaging by means of the written word or with pictures. “Libel” can be used as a noun or a verb.
“Slander” means malicious, false or defamatory statements against another. “Slander” can be used as a noun or a verb.
Thursday
RIGHT/RITE/WRITE/WRIGHT
“Right” means correct, accurate or true.
“Rite” is a ceremony, a formal procedure or a service.
“Write” means to compose or put words on paper.
“Wright” is a workman or a construction person such as in a playwright or a millwright.
Friday
MAJORITY - SINGULAR or PLURAL?
"Majority of cops don't want OPP."
"A majority of the members of the Essex Police Association have voted against joining the OPP..."
"The majority of people don't welcome change..."
“Majority” is a collective noun which may be either singular or plural, depending upon the context.
If the reference is to many individuals, the word can be plural.
If the reference is to the group, as a whole, the word is singular.
I suggest that each of the three examples is the latter and, therefore, each verb should be singular.
"Majority of cops doesn't want OPP."
"A majority of the members of the Essex Police Association has voted against joining the OPP..."
"The majority of people doesn't welcome change..."
A REALISTIC PHILOSOPHY
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings."
Cassius said this in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar. Basically, he is saying that man’s fate is not determined by outside forces such as the stars. This is the root interpretation. Add what you like beyond that.
ADAGE
"To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge."
Benjamin Disraeli
THIS WEEK’S WORDS
“Excoriate" (v.) means to condemn, rebuke or decry.
“Miasma" (n.) means an unwholesome atmosphere or unhealthy vapours.
“Smarmy" (adj.) means fawning, obsequious, fulsome or boot-licking.
“Bravura" (n.) means a florid or passionate display. It is a musical term but can be applied to a person’s actions.
“Peripatetic" (adj.) means aimless, drifting or footloose.
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