Here are some questions about grammar I got from readers of my grammar column together with my answers: Q. Which of these is correct: “cannot” or “can not”? A. Both are acceptable, but “cannot” is more common. The two-word version can be used for emphasis: No, you can not eat the salamander. Q. Which … More Questions About Grammar and Usage
“It is very useful, when one is young, to learn the difference between “literally” and “figuratively.” If something happens literally, it actually happens; if something happens figuratively, it feels like it is happening. If you are literally jumping for joy, for instance, it means you are leaping in the air because you are very happy. … More Quote of the Day
Here is a potpourri of pet peeves that readers sent me when I was writing a grammar column. Using hopefully to mean “it is hoped” or “I hope” as in “Hopefully, the burglars will get caught.” Some grammarians and others argue that this usage is incorrect because hopefully means “full of hope” and doesn’t make … More Pet Peeves in Grammar and Usage
Pronoun reference is an important grammatical concept. Pronouns always refer to nouns or to other pronouns. Without pronouns, we would have to monotonously repeat nouns all the time. The pronouns in the following sentences are in bold type: When I met Jan, she was walking her dog, which she had just bought. Albert’s cousin, … More Pronoun Reference
“Autobiography is only to be trusted when it reveals something disgraceful. A man who gives a good account of himself is probably lying, since any life when viewed from the inside is simply a series of defeats.”–George Orwell
George Orwell’s Six Rules of Writing Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print. Never use a long word where a short one will do. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. Never use the passive where you can … More George Orwell’s Six Rules of Writing
PREPOSITIONS Choose the correct word: Colbart divided the vodka (between/among) all his friends. After accidentally shooting his friend in the face, The Vice-President didn’t feel (like/as if) he needed to tell anyone. The vodka bottle fell (off of/off) the table and broke. Has she been (into/in to) see you today? The three stooges walked (into/in … More About Prepositions-Quizzes
“My life needs editing”–Mort Sahl
“Ocean, n. A body of water occupying about two-thirds of a world made for man — who has no gills.” ― Ambrose Bierce, The Unabridged Devil’s Dictionary
“When you catch an adjective, kill it. No, I don’t mean utterly, but kill most of them–then the rest will be valuable. They weaken when they are close together. They give strength when they are far apart.” –Mark Twain
No Harm Spilt 