Sunday, March 20, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Criminal Sentence 525: Punctuating Speech
From a book I'm reading:
"'We've landed at Garden City Regional, ready for phase two,' he said."
Ready for a period also?
Just because it's casual speech doesn't mean you can dispense with punctuation. Let's fix it:
"'We've landed at Garden City Regional. Ready for phase two,' he said."
"'We've landed at Garden City Regional, ready for phase two,' he said."
Ready for a period also?
Just because it's casual speech doesn't mean you can dispense with punctuation. Let's fix it:
"'We've landed at Garden City Regional. Ready for phase two,' he said."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Criminal Sentence 524: Stung
I was looking up info on honey, and found these two sentences:
"The knowledge that bee venom possesses medicinal properties has come down to us from remote antiquity. Written evidence, as well as the observations of many beekeepers and our own long experience, confirm the effectiveness of been venom in the treatment of rheumatic fever, neuritis and some other diseases."
Anyone want to tell me what two errors there are? One is obvious. One is less so.
"The knowledge that bee venom possesses medicinal properties has come down to us from remote antiquity. Written evidence, as well as the observations of many beekeepers and our own long experience, confirm the effectiveness of been venom in the treatment of rheumatic fever, neuritis and some other diseases."
Anyone want to tell me what two errors there are? One is obvious. One is less so.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Poll Results 125
Here was the question:
Which one is correct?
Ah, the difference between to pedal (to use feet to move a bike) and to peddle (to sell). Congrats to 55% of you. The second (sold her bike at) and third (rode her bike to) options are correct.
Which one is correct?
She peddled her bike to the market. | 10 (10%) |
She peddled her bike at the market. | 3 (3%) |
She pedaled her bike to the market. | 29 (29%) |
She pedaled her bike at the market. | 2 (2%) |
Two of the above | 54 (55%) |
Ah, the difference between to pedal (to use feet to move a bike) and to peddle (to sell). Congrats to 55% of you. The second (sold her bike at) and third (rode her bike to) options are correct.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Criminal Sentence 523: Cue up the Dictionary
From a book I'm reading (a character tells another to get a camera ready):
"Take manual control of camera nine and queue it up."
We're looking for the verb "to cue," which in this case means "to get ready."
A queue is a line, or a long braided ponytail.
"Take manual control of camera nine and queue it up."
We're looking for the verb "to cue," which in this case means "to get ready."
A queue is a line, or a long braided ponytail.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Criminal Sentence 522: Twice in Two Years
From something I read:
"The fourth witness gave two accounts in 2001 and 2004."
This sentence seems to say that the witness gave two accounts in 2001 and two accounts in 2004, whereas I think the writer meant one in each year:
"The fourth witness gave two accounts, in 2001 and 2004."
You could also use a colon:
"The fourth witness gave two accounts: in 2001 and 2004."
Or even an em dash:
"The fourth witness gave two accounts--in 2001 and 2004."
"The fourth witness gave two accounts in 2001 and 2004."
This sentence seems to say that the witness gave two accounts in 2001 and two accounts in 2004, whereas I think the writer meant one in each year:
"The fourth witness gave two accounts, in 2001 and 2004."
You could also use a colon:
"The fourth witness gave two accounts: in 2001 and 2004."
Or even an em dash:
"The fourth witness gave two accounts--in 2001 and 2004."
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Criminal Sentence 521: Sexy Golf Game
From something I'm editing:
"There were golf pictures of foursomes."
This sentence does not evoke what the author intended!
"There were golf pictures of foursomes."
This sentence does not evoke what the author intended!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Poll Results 124
Here was the question:
Is there an error in this two-way conversation?
A: "Do I have all of your words?"
B: "You have our word, sir."
I would have to agree with 62% of you. "To have your word" is an expression meaning to promise, and you don't pluralize it just because more than one person is promising something. A should have said, "Do I have your word, everyone?" or something similar.
Is there an error in this two-way conversation?
A: "Do I have all of your words?"
B: "You have our word, sir."
Yes | 99 (62%) |
No | 60 (37%) |
I would have to agree with 62% of you. "To have your word" is an expression meaning to promise, and you don't pluralize it just because more than one person is promising something. A should have said, "Do I have your word, everyone?" or something similar.
Friday, March 4, 2011
National Grammar Day Contest Winner!
Drum roll ...
The entry that made me laugh the loudest was Westley's:
"Leaking badly, the sailors abandoned the ship."
I'll bet they were so afraid that they were indeed leaking!
Congrats, Westley. Please e-mail me your address so I can get you your prize (curiouscase@hotmail.com).
Thanks to everyone for entering!
Happy NG Day!
The entry that made me laugh the loudest was Westley's:
"Leaking badly, the sailors abandoned the ship."
I'll bet they were so afraid that they were indeed leaking!
Congrats, Westley. Please e-mail me your address so I can get you your prize (curiouscase@hotmail.com).
Thanks to everyone for entering!
Happy NG Day!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Criminal Sentence 520: I Feel Tense
From a book:
"Something truly horrible was taking place now as it did back then."
When you have two things that happened in the past and one happened earlier than the other, then you put the first item in the past perfect (e.g., "I had eaten). However, doing only that still isn't enough for this sentence:
"Something truly horrible was taking place now as it had back then."
It still sounds weird. Let's fix it a bit more:
"Something truly horrible was taking place now, just as it had back then."
Still not perfect but we can't scrap the sentence completely.
"Something truly horrible was taking place now as it did back then."
When you have two things that happened in the past and one happened earlier than the other, then you put the first item in the past perfect (e.g., "I had eaten). However, doing only that still isn't enough for this sentence:
"Something truly horrible was taking place now as it had back then."
It still sounds weird. Let's fix it a bit more:
"Something truly horrible was taking place now, just as it had back then."
Still not perfect but we can't scrap the sentence completely.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Criminal Sentence 519: Agreement Is a Priority
We had some lively discussion about CS 513, so here's another similar sentence to consider:
"Their capture and successful prosecution was the top priority."
The question, again, is this: Is this one subject or two separate subjects? To me, capture is one thing, and prosecution is another. The police do one, and the lawyers do the other. Thoughts?
"Their capture and successful prosecution was the top priority."
The question, again, is this: Is this one subject or two separate subjects? To me, capture is one thing, and prosecution is another. The police do one, and the lawyers do the other. Thoughts?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Criminal Sentence 518: Fashionable Wheelchair
From a book:
"The woman in the wheelchair wearing burgundy scrubs is lovely."
That's a cool idea: dress up your wheelchair!
"The woman in the wheelchair wearing burgundy scrubs is lovely."
That's a cool idea: dress up your wheelchair!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Poll Results 123
The question:
Are you planning to watch the Oscars?
Guess you guys don't watch movies so much. No biggie.
Are you planning to watch the Oscars?
Yes | 9 (26%) |
No | 25 (73%) |
Guess you guys don't watch movies so much. No biggie.
Friday, February 25, 2011
National Grammar Day Contest
March 4 is National Grammar Day. In honor of this momentous occasion, you can win a free copy of Grammar Girl's book.
Here's how:
In the Comments section of this post, write a sentence that contains a hilarious misplaced modifier. An example of a misplaced modifier is "Flying around the room, I saw a bird."
The deadline is midnight Pacific time on March 3. I'll decide which one is funniest, and I'll reveal the winner on March 4.
Here's how:
In the Comments section of this post, write a sentence that contains a hilarious misplaced modifier. An example of a misplaced modifier is "Flying around the room, I saw a bird."
The deadline is midnight Pacific time on March 3. I'll decide which one is funniest, and I'll reveal the winner on March 4.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Criminal Sentence 517: The Yes-Comma Rule
From something I'm editing:
"I was not aware of, nor prepared for the unspoken no-thinking rule."
A little baby comma is missing here. Anyone want to flex their punctuation muscles?
"I was not aware of, nor prepared for the unspoken no-thinking rule."
A little baby comma is missing here. Anyone want to flex their punctuation muscles?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Criminal Sentence 516: Toppling Capitalization Rules
Courtesy of CNN:
"Historic Cathedral toppled in New Zealand quake"
I am sorry to hear that Historic Cathedral fell down. Except I don't think that was its official name.
"Historic Cathedral toppled in New Zealand quake"
I am sorry to hear that Historic Cathedral fell down. Except I don't think that was its official name.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Poll Results 122
Here was the question:
Is this right? "He died, leaving behind a widow and four children."
I think this is not correct. I think it should be "He died, leaving behind a wife and four children." She became a widow after he died, right?
Those who thought it was correct: What is your thinking?
Is this right? "He died, leaving behind a widow and four children."
Yes | 52 (71%) |
No | 21 (28%) |
I think this is not correct. I think it should be "He died, leaving behind a wife and four children." She became a widow after he died, right?
Those who thought it was correct: What is your thinking?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Criminal Sentence 515: A New Kind of Night Out
From something I'm editing:
"...meet the girls for whine and cheese"
Now that sounds like fun!
"...meet the girls for whine and cheese"
Now that sounds like fun!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Criminal Sentence 514: A New Phenomenon
From a blog post:
"a phenomenan"
There's this new thing called a dictionary! Use it, please!
"a phenomenan"
There's this new thing called a dictionary! Use it, please!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Criminal Sentence 513: Presidential Boo Boo
From today's paper (a quote from Obama about Bush, a Medal of Honor winner):
"His humility and his decency reflects the very best of the American spirit."
Perhaps correct subject-verb agreement deserves some recognition, too!
"His humility" and "his decency" are two things, so they "reflect," not "reflects."
"His humility and his decency reflects the very best of the American spirit."
Perhaps correct subject-verb agreement deserves some recognition, too!
"His humility" and "his decency" are two things, so they "reflect," not "reflects."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Criminal Sentence 512: Wearing a Bag
From a blog:
"a green baggie t-shirt"
An interesting garment! Unless this was a plastic bag, it should be "baggy."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Poll Results 121
Here was the question:
Correct or not? "The extent of death and destruction exceeded that of Dresden."
Congrats to 62% of you. The comparison here is between "extent," singular, and "that," singular. It's a match!
Correct or not? "The extent of death and destruction exceeded that of Dresden."
Correct | 44 (62%) |
Not Correct | 26 (37%) |
Congrats to 62% of you. The comparison here is between "extent," singular, and "that," singular. It's a match!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Criminal Sentence 511: Money Issues
From a book I'm reading:
"They looked over rows and rows of gold bars and banknotes worth hundred of millions of dollars."
This is about the Nazis.
This sentence isn't that evil, but an "S" is missing!
"They looked over rows and rows of gold bars and banknotes worth hundred of millions of dollars."
This is about the Nazis.
This sentence isn't that evil, but an "S" is missing!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Criminal Sentence 510: What's in a Name II?
An error I see a lot:
"Edgar Alan Poe"
When you see the name Poe, think Allan: two L's and 2 A's!!
"Edgar Alan Poe"
When you see the name Poe, think Allan: two L's and 2 A's!!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Criminal Sentence 509: What's in a Name?
From the Web:
"Martha Steward Living Magazine"
Did she change her name?
"Martha Steward Living Magazine"
Did she change her name?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Criminal Sentence 508: A Whole Other Spelling
From a book I'm reading:
"Her role was to spy, to be the quiet mouse that slowly but surely chewed a whole in the foundation of the house."
I just about spit out my snack when I read that!
"Her role was to spy, to be the quiet mouse that slowly but surely chewed a whole in the foundation of the house."
I just about spit out my snack when I read that!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Poll Results 120
The question:
Which of these is correct?
This seemed to be a hard one. Congrats to 11% of you. The phrase "ahold of" is actually correct. I had to look it up several times just to be sure.
The incorrect items should have been like this:
a far-off land
a part of the family
Which of these is correct?
Get ahold of yourself. | 10 (11%) |
She traveled to afar off land. | 0 (0%) |
I became apart of the family. | 3 (3%) |
More than one is correct. | 5 (5%) |
All are wrong. | 67 (78%) |
This seemed to be a hard one. Congrats to 11% of you. The phrase "ahold of" is actually correct. I had to look it up several times just to be sure.
The incorrect items should have been like this:
a far-off land
a part of the family
Friday, February 4, 2011
Criminal Sentence 507: What Is Passive?
From a blog post about what not to do in a first paragraph:
"Passive voice. As in 'he/she was', or 'he/she had'. I'd say, as a rule, if you have 'had' or 'was' anywhere in your first paragraph (or even your first SENTENCE), take 'em out. And obviously, over-use of either throughout a manuscript is a no-no."
Overall, this is good advice, but "he/she was" and "he/she had" are not passive voice constructions. "She was kissed by the man" is passive voice. The writer meant "Don't use weak verbs."
Also, the period goes inside the quotation mark in American English.
Also, overuse is one word with no hyphen.
"Passive voice. As in 'he/she was', or 'he/she had'. I'd say, as a rule, if you have 'had' or 'was' anywhere in your first paragraph (or even your first SENTENCE), take 'em out. And obviously, over-use of either throughout a manuscript is a no-no."
Overall, this is good advice, but "he/she was" and "he/she had" are not passive voice constructions. "She was kissed by the man" is passive voice. The writer meant "Don't use weak verbs."
Also, the period goes inside the quotation mark in American English.
Also, overuse is one word with no hyphen.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Janet Reid's Most Recent Contest
I summoned my inner pervert and got on the finalists' list of her contest. Woo hoo!
Criminal Sentence 506: That Sentence Needs a Haircut
From a blog post:
"the shear volume..."
No shears involved. Two "E's" should be involved: "sheer."
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Criminal Sentence 505: Aaah, My Eyes!
From a blog post:
"My eyes glossed over."
My tongue hung out in disbelief (well, not really).
This is mixed up. You gloss over something when you explain something away. Your eyes glaze over when they're tired.
"My eyes glossed over."
My tongue hung out in disbelief (well, not really).
This is mixed up. You gloss over something when you explain something away. Your eyes glaze over when they're tired.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Criminal Sentence 504: The Difference an M Makes
From a class handout:
"Warming! This syllabus is designed to be read!"
And proofread?
"Warming! This syllabus is designed to be read!"
And proofread?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Poll Results 119
Here was our question:
Is this sentence incorrect? "They crashed to the ground, taking all fourteen crew to their death."
Tricky. I would go with maybe. "Deaths" sounds better, but it's not wrong to say "death." For more info on this topic, see here.
Is this sentence incorrect? "They crashed to the ground, taking all fourteen crew to their death."
Definitely yes | 44 (48%) |
Definitely no | 33 (36%) |
Maybe | 14 (15%) |
Tricky. I would go with maybe. "Deaths" sounds better, but it's not wrong to say "death." For more info on this topic, see here.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Criminal Sentence 503: Blockhead Headline
A headline in today's paper:
"Space blocks them off, but the sun does make sounds"
Don't put the cart before the horse. In other words, don't put the pronoun before its antecedent! You can't replace something that hasn't been mentioned yet!
"Space blocks them off, but the sun does make sounds"
Don't put the cart before the horse. In other words, don't put the pronoun before its antecedent! You can't replace something that hasn't been mentioned yet!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Criminal Sentence 502: Fiction on Fire
An odd sentence from a blog post:
"Many of the books have a flare of women’s fiction in them..."
I think the writer meant "a hint of women's fiction." She probably didn't mean something that is lit.
"Many of the books have a flare of women’s fiction in them..."
I think the writer meant "a hint of women's fiction." She probably didn't mean something that is lit.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Criminal Sentence 501: Being of the Grammatical Persuasion
From today's paper:
"Being of the male persuasion, it is hardly in my interest to make men look dumb. Or at least dumber than we are."
I won't argue with you. "Being of the male persuasion, I..."
"Being of the male persuasion, it is hardly in my interest to make men look dumb. Or at least dumber than we are."
I won't argue with you. "Being of the male persuasion, I..."
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Criminal Sentence 500: My Name Is Boring
One of my writing students had to write a one-page essay about herself and her career goals.
She began "My name is."
Criminally uninteresting! I helped her rewrite it, and it turned out very well.
She began "My name is."
Criminally uninteresting! I helped her rewrite it, and it turned out very well.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Poll Results 118
The question:
How many errors, if any, does this pair of sentences contain? "Some of the girls ask her who she likes. She demures and instead directs her gaze at me."
The answer:
Error 1: Our friend "whom" is missing in the first sentence: "Some of the girls ask her whom she likes." Now, I know that "whom" is becoming unfashionable, but it does have its uses, as in "To whom it may concern."
Error 2: The verb "demures" (not a real word) should be "demurs." "To demur" means to object or take exception to something. The adjective "demure" means reserved.
How many errors, if any, does this pair of sentences contain? "Some of the girls ask her who she likes. She demures and instead directs her gaze at me."
0 | 9 (15%) |
1 | 17 (29%) |
2 | 24 (41%) |
3 | 8 (13%) |
The answer:
Error 1: Our friend "whom" is missing in the first sentence: "Some of the girls ask her whom she likes." Now, I know that "whom" is becoming unfashionable, but it does have its uses, as in "To whom it may concern."
Error 2: The verb "demures" (not a real word) should be "demurs." "To demur" means to object or take exception to something. The adjective "demure" means reserved.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Criminal Sentence 499: Un-princely Error
From an AP story about Prince Charles and the succession:
"Any legal change would not effect Prince Charles."
Does poor spelling affect the monarchy?
"Any legal change would not effect Prince Charles."
Does poor spelling affect the monarchy?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Criminal Sentence 498: Word Invention
A headline in today's paper (for an article about legalizing gambling at horse and dog tracks):
"Measure would legalize racinos"
Will this word be a real word in the future?
"Measure would legalize racinos"
Will this word be a real word in the future?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Criminal Sentence 497: Calling All Sailors
From a book:
"He swaggers back to his fellow naval-baring delinquents."
At least it didn't say "naval-bearing."
"He swaggers back to his fellow naval-baring delinquents."
At least it didn't say "naval-bearing."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Criminal Sentence 496: I Want to Close My Eyes
From a book:
"You kind of get sick of the site of them."
My site is my location; my sight is my ability to see.
I'm kinda sick of the sight of typos!
"You kind of get sick of the site of them."
My site is my location; my sight is my ability to see.
I'm kinda sick of the sight of typos!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Poll Results 117
Here was the question:
Is something wrong here? "I stepped over the tangle of black chords on the floor."
Congrats to 71% of you. "Chords" should be "cords."
Is something wrong here? "I stepped over the tangle of black chords on the floor."
Yes | 50 (71%) |
No | 20 (28%) |
Congrats to 71% of you. "Chords" should be "cords."
Friday, January 14, 2011
Criminal Sentence 495: Not Your Standard Sentence
From a book:
"It is your standard stationary shop."
So the shop is stationary--does not move?
Stationery--with an e--refers to paper on which you write letters. I remember that it has an e because letters contains only e's.
"It is your standard stationary shop."
So the shop is stationary--does not move?
Stationery--with an e--refers to paper on which you write letters. I remember that it has an e because letters contains only e's.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Criminal Sentence 494: Bear with Me
From a book I read:
"My classified ad has born fruit."
"to be born" = to come out of mama: I wasn't born yesterday.
"to bear" = to manage/deal with: I have borne many tragedies.
"My classified ad has born fruit."
"to be born" = to come out of mama: I wasn't born yesterday.
"to bear" = to manage/deal with: I have borne many tragedies.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Criminal Sentence 493: A New Instrument
From a book I just finished:
"There were glittery girls waving, as well as an accordian player."
But was there a dictionary?
"There were glittery girls waving, as well as an accordian player."
But was there a dictionary?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Criminal Sentence 492: This Site Make Me Complain
From a newsletter for paralegals:
Grammar Tips — Grammar is Fun
Grammar Tips — Grammar is Fun
Well it should be and this site make it just that.
Maybe they should check their subject-verb agreement before they mention grammar!Monday, January 10, 2011
Poll Results 116
Here was the question:
What's the error in this sentence called? "That's free money take advantage of it."
I guess that was too easy. It's not a comma splice because there's no comma!
What's the error in this sentence called? "That's free money take advantage of it."
Comma splice | 14 (21%) |
Run on sentence | 50 (76%) |
Incomplete sentence | 0 (0%) |
Overly long sentence | 0 (0%) |
I call it just fine. | 1 (1%) |
I guess that was too easy. It's not a comma splice because there's no comma!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Guest Post: Verbification
This is a guest post from Daniel Koontz, author of Quick Writing Tips and Casual Kitchen:
Don't tase me bro!
Sentences like this explain why grammarians suffer.
Of course, the verb to tase is a textbook example of a verbified noun. A strict grammarian would prefer shocked by a taser or subdued by a taser instead.
Unfortunately, both substitutes are wordy and unwieldy, and neither improves upon the original. It's also questionable whether tase is even incorrect. After all, common usage allows the word gunned or knifed, both of which are examples of verbified nouns.
So what's the rule? There isn't one--at least not a clear one that shows the boundary between proper grammar and sounding like a tool. You must rely on your own ear.
Many nouns have lately been pressed into service as verbs. Not all are bad, but all are suspect.
--Strunk & White, The Elements of Style
Don't tase me bro!
Sentences like this explain why grammarians suffer.
Of course, the verb to tase is a textbook example of a verbified noun. A strict grammarian would prefer shocked by a taser or subdued by a taser instead.
Unfortunately, both substitutes are wordy and unwieldy, and neither improves upon the original. It's also questionable whether tase is even incorrect. After all, common usage allows the word gunned or knifed, both of which are examples of verbified nouns.
So what's the rule? There isn't one--at least not a clear one that shows the boundary between proper grammar and sounding like a tool. You must rely on your own ear.
Many nouns have lately been pressed into service as verbs. Not all are bad, but all are suspect.
--Strunk & White, The Elements of Style
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Another Writing Blog to Investigate
Just reconnected with a friend who does a writing blog: quickwritingtips.blogspot.com. Check it out!
Criminal Sentence 491: Frequent Error
From today's newspaper (about Southwest's new frequent-flier program):
"Cashing in an award will become drastically different under the new program and will look more similar to other airlines' programs."
What exactly is this sentence comparing?
Cashing in an award
will look more similar to
other airlines' programs
Let's just scrap this icky sentence. Anyone want to try to rewrite it?
"Cashing in an award will become drastically different under the new program and will look more similar to other airlines' programs."
What exactly is this sentence comparing?
Cashing in an award
will look more similar to
other airlines' programs
Let's just scrap this icky sentence. Anyone want to try to rewrite it?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Criminal Sentence 490: Under a Proofreader's Care
During the Christmas holiday, I spent way too much time (thanks, kids) at the Natural History Museum's live bug area. I got to see two tarantula feedings. Anyway, to distract myself from seeing my daughter sidling up to a live bug, I looked for typos. Voila.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Poll Results 115
Here was the question:
What's wrong here? "Cave bears began to move from their old territories, according to a DNA analysis led by researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig of teeth found near the Danube River."
Congrats to 78%. I hope it was obvious that this was a very awkward sentence!
What's wrong here? "Cave bears began to move from their old territories, according to a DNA analysis led by researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig of teeth found near the Danube River."
Spelling | 0 (0%) |
Misplaced Modifier | 26 (78%) |
Verb Use | 2 (6%) |
None of the Above | 5 (15%) |
Congrats to 78%. I hope it was obvious that this was a very awkward sentence!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Criminal Sentence 488: A The An Article Problem
From CNN:
"Stuck on a the tarmac for hours"
I guess the CNN graphics writer couldn't decide which article (a/the/an) to use.
"Stuck on a the tarmac for hours"
I guess the CNN graphics writer couldn't decide which article (a/the/an) to use.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Criminal Sentence 487: Kids Can't Eat Here
Not really a Criminal Sentence, but funny.
From my online banking list of credit card purchases:
"RESTAURANT ASS41222472"
I must have eaten at a restaurant, but it wasn't called that!
From my online banking list of credit card purchases:
"RESTAURANT ASS41222472"
I must have eaten at a restaurant, but it wasn't called that!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Criminal Sentence 486: That's Un-exceptable
From something I edited recently:
"The use of CO2 to clean graphite has been an excepted practice for over twenty years."
I take exception to that!
These two words sound alike but mean different things:
"accepted": related to "accept," meaning to receive with approval--We have accepted you into our club.
"excepted": related to "except," meaning anything but that--We like all of you, present company excepted.
"The use of CO2 to clean graphite has been an excepted practice for over twenty years."
I take exception to that!
These two words sound alike but mean different things:
"accepted": related to "accept," meaning to receive with approval--We have accepted you into our club.
"excepted": related to "except," meaning anything but that--We like all of you, present company excepted.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Criminal Sentence 485: Typo or Error?
From an e-mail message:
"You could use more then one."
I used to think this was just a typo, but then someone told me she'd always thought "then" was correct. Nope! It's "than" when you're saying "more than."
"You could use more then one."
I used to think this was just a typo, but then someone told me she'd always thought "then" was correct. Nope! It's "than" when you're saying "more than."
Monday, December 13, 2010
Here was the question:
Is a punctuation mark incorrect here? "At Christmas, the Germans baked squares of lebkuchen, or honey cake; loaves of stollen, a sweetbread studded with raisins, and trays of pfeffernusse, peppery spice cookies coated in sugar syrup."
Congrats to 73% of you.
As you can tell, this sentence contains an overabundance of commas here. The one semicolon is lonely and needs another friend:
"At Christmas, the Germans baked squares of lebkuchen, or honey cake; loaves of stollen, a sweetbread studded with raisins; and trays of pfeffernusse, peppery spice cookies coated in sugar syrup."
Sounds yummy!
Is a punctuation mark incorrect here? "At Christmas, the Germans baked squares of lebkuchen, or honey cake; loaves of stollen, a sweetbread studded with raisins, and trays of pfeffernusse, peppery spice cookies coated in sugar syrup."
Yes | 47 (73%) |
No | 17 (26%) |
Congrats to 73% of you.
As you can tell, this sentence contains an overabundance of commas here. The one semicolon is lonely and needs another friend:
"At Christmas, the Germans baked squares of lebkuchen, or honey cake; loaves of stollen, a sweetbread studded with raisins; and trays of pfeffernusse, peppery spice cookies coated in sugar syrup."
Sounds yummy!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Grammar Girl Episode: Just Deserts or Just Desserts?
New episode written by yours truly!
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/just-desert-or-just-dessert.aspx
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/just-desert-or-just-dessert.aspx
Criminal Sentence 484: Digit Down
From the newspaper:
"He gave a thumb's up."
A minor quibble here: It should be "thumbs up."
"He gave a thumb's up."
A minor quibble here: It should be "thumbs up."
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Criminal Sentence 483: Joint Gymnastics
From a sign:
"Men and Women's Gymnastics"
Gymnastics doesn't work this way. The men are separate from the women. They don't share the equipment, nor do they share an apostrophe. They each need their own:
Men's and Women's Gymnastics
"Men and Women's Gymnastics"
Gymnastics doesn't work this way. The men are separate from the women. They don't share the equipment, nor do they share an apostrophe. They each need their own:
Men's and Women's Gymnastics
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Criminal Sentence 482: Boys Having Babies
From a book I'm reading:
"The next day he became a grandfather when his son (BJ) gave birth to a son."
The book was not science fiction!
As far as I know, only ladies can give birth.
"The next day he became a grandfather when his son (BJ) gave birth to a son."
The book was not science fiction!
As far as I know, only ladies can give birth.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Double Reader Question
Here is the double question:
Only that often times I see "often times" and "life like" written as two words: "often times," "life like." I assume in such a context as "That's a lifelike doll," they're compound words, and I can't think of a way to say them as two words. Tell me if I'm wrong!
The short answer for both is that each is one word: oftentimes and lifelike.
You might consider using just the word often instead of oftentimes: fewer letters.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Poll Results 114
Here was the question:
What's the best way to rewrite this? "As the owner of your business, it is imperative that you learn about the business."
Congrats to 45% of you. The initial problem here is that "it" can't follow "As the owner of your business." "You" needs to go there. The second item to be concerned about is the repetition of the word "business." Therefore, the third choice is best.
What's the best way to rewrite this? "As the owner of your business, it is imperative that you learn about the business."
As the owner of your business, it is imperative that you learn about it. 13 (21%) | |
As the owner of your business, you must learn about the business. 12 (20%) | |
As the owner of your business, you must learn about it. 27 (45%) | |
No rewriting necessary. 9 (13%) |
Congrats to 45% of you. The initial problem here is that "it" can't follow "As the owner of your business." "You" needs to go there. The second item to be concerned about is the repetition of the word "business." Therefore, the third choice is best.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Criminal Sentence 481: Painter or Police Officer?
From a book I'm reading:
"I'll canvas the area over there."
Oh, and this was spoken by a police officer.
To canvass, with two S's, is to inquire, as in to canvass the neighborhood by knocking door to door and asking residents questions.
Canvas, on the other hand, isn't a verb. It's a noun and it's that thing on which painters create their art. Or maybe someone is going to put canvas on that area over there.
"I'll canvas the area over there."
Oh, and this was spoken by a police officer.
To canvass, with two S's, is to inquire, as in to canvass the neighborhood by knocking door to door and asking residents questions.
Canvas, on the other hand, isn't a verb. It's a noun and it's that thing on which painters create their art. Or maybe someone is going to put canvas on that area over there.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Reader Question: Pickup vs Pick up
Carrie's question:
I have to go research pick up vs. pickup, as in "your pictures will be ready for..."
Pickup with no space is a noun, so you use that with "Your pictures will be ready for pickup." It can also be an adjective: " a pickup game of baseball"
To pick up is a verb, so you would say, "I will pick you up at 10:00."
I have covered this topic before: here, here and here.
I have to go research pick up vs. pickup, as in "your pictures will be ready for..."
Pickup with no space is a noun, so you use that with "Your pictures will be ready for pickup." It can also be an adjective: " a pickup game of baseball"
To pick up is a verb, so you would say, "I will pick you up at 10:00."
I have covered this topic before: here, here and here.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Criminal Sentence 480: Fishy Comma
From a book I'm reading (this sentence refers to herring):
"In its fresh form, this small, silvery fish (cousin to the sardine), figured prominently in the local diet."
Hmmm. There's something fishy about that last comma! Delete! Delete!
"In its fresh form, this small, silvery fish (cousin to the sardine), figured prominently in the local diet."
Hmmm. There's something fishy about that last comma! Delete! Delete!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Criminal Sentence 479: Tall Letters on a Hill
From a blog:
"They traveled to Capital hill."
That's not the place in D.C.; that's the hill where runaway tall letters are housed.
The place in D.C. is called "Capitol Hill": two caps and an O.
"They traveled to Capital hill."
That's not the place in D.C.; that's the hill where runaway tall letters are housed.
The place in D.C. is called "Capitol Hill": two caps and an O.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Poll Results 113
Here was the question:
What's wrong here? "The source of the beliefs are as important as the beliefs themselves."
You guys are too smart!
"Source" is singular, so "are" should be "is."
What's wrong here? "The source of the beliefs are as important as the beliefs themselves."
Spelling | 0 (0%) |
Use of reflexive | 2 (3%) |
Verb agreement | 47 (92%) |
Nothing | 2 (3%) |
You guys are too smart!
"Source" is singular, so "are" should be "is."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Criminal Sentence 478: MISSING!
From a newspaper article:
"Unless you're running, biking or swimming, it's going to be hard to around town this weekend."
To what, that is the question!
"Unless you're running, biking or swimming, it's going to be hard to around town this weekend."
To what, that is the question!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Criminal Sentence 477: Facial-Hair Problem
From a book I read:
"...curling mustach..."
Perhaps this curling mustachE got chopped a bit too much!
"...curling mustach..."
Perhaps this curling mustachE got chopped a bit too much!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Poll Results 112
Here was the question:
Do you chuckle at this or not? "Jazz Men Rice"
Well, is it funny when you hear that it was supposed to be Jasmine Rice?
Do you chuckle at this or not? "Jazz Men Rice"
Ha ha | 13 (41%) |
Not ha ha | 18 (58%) |
Well, is it funny when you hear that it was supposed to be Jasmine Rice?
Friday, November 19, 2010
Criminal Sentence 476: Going back to School
From a newspaper article:
"their freshmen year"
This sentence concerns two people. Had it concerned one person, the correct phrase would have been "his/her freshman year." It's about two, so let's pluralize both words: "their freshmen years."
"their freshmen year"
This sentence concerns two people. Had it concerned one person, the correct phrase would have been "his/her freshman year." It's about two, so let's pluralize both words: "their freshmen years."
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Criminal Sentence 475: Which Noun?
From junk mail I received:
"You currently have a $30 credit towards this service which expires 12/31/10."
Question: Does the credit or the service expire at the end of the year?
"You currently have a $30 credit towards this service which expires 12/31/10."
Question: Does the credit or the service expire at the end of the year?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Reader Question: Subject-Verb Agreement
Here is the question:
I recently came upon this sentence and, though I couldn't figure out why, it rubbed me wrong.
"Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event."
My question is, should events be plural (because reactions are plural)? If it was just one emotion, it should read Grief is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. But it is a group of emotions, therefore plural. To me, the subject-verb don't seem to be in agreement.
The short answer is that this sentence is fine. The subject is the plural "Profound sadness, grief, and anger" and the verb is the plural "are." Don't be fooled by other elements in the sentence. You can have one or more reactions to a single event, so this is just peachy.
I recently came upon this sentence and, though I couldn't figure out why, it rubbed me wrong.
"Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event."
My question is, should events be plural (because reactions are plural)? If it was just one emotion, it should read Grief is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. But it is a group of emotions, therefore plural. To me, the subject-verb don't seem to be in agreement.
The short answer is that this sentence is fine. The subject is the plural "Profound sadness, grief, and anger" and the verb is the plural "are." Don't be fooled by other elements in the sentence. You can have one or more reactions to a single event, so this is just peachy.
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