Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Top 10 Lists
Top 10 Fun Grammar Rules:
1. Do not use commas, which are not necessary.
2. Do not abbrev.
3. In letters essays and reports use commas to separate items in a series.
4. Use parallel construction not only to be concise but also clarify.
5. Its important to use apostrophes right in everybodys writing.
6. A writer must be not shift your point of view.
7. Make sure each pronoun agrees with their antecedent.
8. Verbs has to agree in number with their subjects.
9. Mixed metaphors are a pain in the neck and ought to be weeded out.
10. To ignorantly split an infinitive is a practice to religiously avoid.
Top 10 Commonly Misused Words:
1. in regard to…not in regards to : "As regards" or "regarding" may also be used.
2. presently/currently: Many writers use these terms as if they were synonymous. But "presently" means
in a little while, soon. "Currently" means now. In most cases you can do just fine without using
"currently."
3. regardless - "Regardless" is a word. "Irregardless" is not a word.
4. Hopefully: Unless you're describing the way someone spoke, appeared or acted, do not use this one. Too many people use "hopefully," an adverb that must modify a verb only, as if it were a conditional phrase.
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Right: I hope we can go.
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Wrong: Hopefully, we can go.
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Wrong: Hopefully, the report will address the issue.
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Right: She eyed the interview list hopefully.
5. affect (verb) influence a change in
effect (noun) result
6. A Lot and Alot:
The words "a lot" are correct. "Alot" is incorrect and there is never an occasion in which it should be used.
The words "a lot" are correct. "Alot" is incorrect and there is never an occasion in which it should be used.
7. Good and Well:
Good is an adjective. Adjectives are used to describe nouns.
Correct: You are a good dog.
Well is an adverb. An adverb is used to describe a verb.
Well is an adverb. An adverb is used to describe a verb.
Correct: You are behaving well.
8. all together and altogether
all together - everyone or everything
altogether - completely; entirely
9. complement and compliment
complement – something that improves or completes
compliment – praise or flattery
10 . That vs. which.
Which often follows a comma and introduces a phrase that provides additional information not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
That introduces a phrase that is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Top 10 Words or Comments Overheard at Zunch
10. Whose turn is it this week to do kitchen duty?
9. Brownies in the kitchen!
8. Oh, I would say it's about 11 degrees!
7. zwebtulz
6. GOOOOOAAAALLLLLL!
5. Austin, you got lucky!
4. Ready for a rematch?
3. Judge a man by the questions he asks not by his answers.
2. What does that mean?
1. I like birds.
