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I do not accept and do not publish comments by those who want to use my blog as a forum to promote their agenda, product or service.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.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
CORRECTIONS & EXPLANATIONS - January 10, 2010
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.
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, January 8, 2010
FRIDAY'S WORD FUN
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.
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, January 7, 2010
THURSDAY IS "M" DAY
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"?
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"?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
THINKING CHALLENGES
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
HERE WE GO AGAIN!
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.
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.
Monday, January 4, 2010
NEW YEAR! SAME OLD PROBLEMS!
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
