The other day, I saw an article that snarked, "kids these days think 'Britney' is the correct spelling." Seriously? So, what is the "correct" spelling? Brittani? Brittney? Brittny? Britnee? Brittnee? Brittany? I'm pretty sure the writer would choose the last one—after they yelled at me to get off their lawn.
This got me thinking. What constitutes a "correct" spelling of a name? Is there such a thing? I believe there is and there is not.
If, like the aforementioned writer, you think there is only one true "correct" spelling of any given name, well, I hate to tell you this, but that's wrong. Almost every name has variants. Don't believe me? Check behindthename.com for yourself. Even John can be spelled differently. In fact, you can make up new ways to spell a name if you are a new parent and you want to name your kid J'onh or Marri or whatever. That's entirely up to you.
However, if you know someone named Teri, and you write it down as Terri or Terry—or anything else other than Teri—you are spelling it wrong. For example, my name is Esther and so very often, I have people writing it as "Ester" instead. This is wrong, because my name is spelled "Esther." If your name was Ester, I spelled it "Esther," that would be wrong too. If you called Britney "Brittany," that would be wrong. Each person's name is spelled a certain way that their parents chose for them (or, rarely, they chose themselves), and that is the correct spelling for their name.
However your name is spelled on your birth certificate, that is the correct spelling for your name—or if you use a nickname, you decide how it is spelled, and that is the correct spelling. But others with a name that sounds the same may have a different spelling, and that is the correct spelling for their name. Therefore, it is possible to misspell a name, but only when that name belongs to a specific individual and you are writing about that person.
I've often been told that I'm too picky when it comes to spelling and grammar.
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Friday, 5 July 2013
Lead Vs. Led
One of the most common mistakes I see is the confusion of "lead" and "led." It seems that many people don't know how to use these words. So here's a (hopefully) simple explanation.
Lead
This word has two meanings and two pronunciations.
1. Pronounced LEED.
verb (used with object)
This can also be a noun, as in someone who takes the lead, or a leash.
Pronounced LED.
noun
As in, pencil lead.
Led
This word has only one meaning and one pronunciation.
verb
It is used in cases such as "Yesterday, I led the choir in singing 'Amazing Grace.'"
It is never correct to use "lead" as a past tense of itself. Do not say "Yesterday, I lead the choir in singing 'Amazing Grace.'" Bad. Very bad.
I see it all the time online, though. It drives me crazy, because I pronounce it LEED in my head, and then it sounds awful. "Are you aware of what leed to this?" Ugh. No. "Are you aware of what led to this?" Much better.
It's very simple: when it's a verb, it's spelled just how it sounds. Today, I lead. Yesterday, I led. Easy peasy.
Now, do it right. Please.
(All definitions from dictionary.com)
Lead
This word has two meanings and two pronunciations.
1. Pronounced LEED.
verb (used with object)
1.
to go before or with to show the way; conduct or escort: to lead a group on a cross-country hike.
2.
to conduct by holding and guiding: to lead a horse by a rope.
3.
to influence or induce; cause: Subsequent events led him to reconsider his position.
4.
to guide in direction, course, action, opinion, etc.; bring: You can lead her around to your point of viewif you are persistent.
5.
to conduct or bring (water, wire, etc.) in a particular course.
This can also be a noun, as in someone who takes the lead, or a leash.
Pronounced LED.
noun
1.
Chemistry . a heavy, comparatively soft, malleable, bluish-gray metal, sometimes found in its naturalstate but usually combined as a sulfide, especially in galena. Symbol: Pb; atomic weight: 207.19;atomic number: 82; specific gravity: 11.34 at 20°C.
2.
something made of this metal or of one of its alloys.
3.
4.
bullets collectively; shot.
5.
black lead or graphite.
As in, pencil lead.
Led
This word has only one meaning and one pronunciation.
verb
simple past tense and past participle of lead.
It is used in cases such as "Yesterday, I led the choir in singing 'Amazing Grace.'"
It is never correct to use "lead" as a past tense of itself. Do not say "Yesterday, I lead the choir in singing 'Amazing Grace.'" Bad. Very bad.
I see it all the time online, though. It drives me crazy, because I pronounce it LEED in my head, and then it sounds awful. "Are you aware of what leed to this?" Ugh. No. "Are you aware of what led to this?" Much better.
It's very simple: when it's a verb, it's spelled just how it sounds. Today, I lead. Yesterday, I led. Easy peasy.
Now, do it right. Please.
(All definitions from dictionary.com)
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
A Pause at the End of a Clause
No one seems to have any idea how to use a comma. This is partly due to the sometimes contradictory rules, but there are times when it is quite clearly wrong to include a comma, and other times when it is just as erroneous to omit one.
Everyone's heard the riddle "What is the difference between a cat and a comma?" The answer is "One has claws at the end of its paws, while the other is a pause at the end of a clause." This is one of the definitions of a comma, but by no means the be-all and end-all of its purpose and uses. In fact, if you only place a comma in your writing where you would pause while speaking, you'll probably include hundreds of unnecessary commas that really shouldn't be there.
In the above paragraph, there are two sentences that illustrate the "pause at the end of a clause."
Both of these sentences have a connecting word immediately following the comma. You might conclude therefore, that there should always be a comma before a connecting word. That would be wrong, though. If you look more closely, you'll notice that each part of the above sentences could be a sentence on its own if you removed the comma and connecting word, and inserted a period instead. Eg: "One has claws at the end of its paws. The other is a pause at the end of a clause." Please note: Do not ever, on pain of death, leave out the connecting word while using a comma in a case like this.
Another common use for commas is with dialogue tags. This is actually much easier to do than the above example; however, I see it done wrong so often. For those who really have no clue, a dialogue tag is something like "he said" or "she whispered." A dialogue tag is not "he smiled" or "she wept." The simple rule is to use commas with dialogue tags, but use periods when it's not a dialogue tag, but a description or some such. Here are some examples:
A more advanced comma technique is to offset interrupting information in the middle of a sentence. I did this above as well: "Do not ever, on pain of death, leave out the connecting word while using a comma in a case like this." The phrase "on pain of death" is not necessarily needed in order for the sentence to be correct, but I wanted it in there, so I put commas around it to indicate that it was extraneous information that I inserted. You can also use the long dash—or em or en dash—to create a similar effect, but I find it to be much more dramatic so I save it for specific times when I want to look dramatic.
The most controversial comma use is usually known as the "Oxford comma" (although, it seems that Oxford no longer uses it). Most people know agree that when you're writing a list, you use commas between the items in the list. However, there is a debate whether you need a comma between the last two items on the list. You may have seen this on Facebook or Pinterest:
There are other rules and not-rules and conventions around comma use, but I believe I've covered the basics here. If you have any questions, let me know.
Everyone's heard the riddle "What is the difference between a cat and a comma?" The answer is "One has claws at the end of its paws, while the other is a pause at the end of a clause." This is one of the definitions of a comma, but by no means the be-all and end-all of its purpose and uses. In fact, if you only place a comma in your writing where you would pause while speaking, you'll probably include hundreds of unnecessary commas that really shouldn't be there.
In the above paragraph, there are two sentences that illustrate the "pause at the end of a clause."
- One has claws at the end of its paws, while the other is a pause at the end of a clause.
- This is one of the definitions of a comma, but by no means the be-all and end-all of its purpose and uses.
Both of these sentences have a connecting word immediately following the comma. You might conclude therefore, that there should always be a comma before a connecting word. That would be wrong, though. If you look more closely, you'll notice that each part of the above sentences could be a sentence on its own if you removed the comma and connecting word, and inserted a period instead. Eg: "One has claws at the end of its paws. The other is a pause at the end of a clause." Please note: Do not ever, on pain of death, leave out the connecting word while using a comma in a case like this.
Another common use for commas is with dialogue tags. This is actually much easier to do than the above example; however, I see it done wrong so often. For those who really have no clue, a dialogue tag is something like "he said" or "she whispered." A dialogue tag is not "he smiled" or "she wept." The simple rule is to use commas with dialogue tags, but use periods when it's not a dialogue tag, but a description or some such. Here are some examples:
- "I always hear 'punch me in the face' when you're talking," John said sarcastically.
- "Hello, Sweetie." River smiled.
- Leonard sighed. "For God's sake, Sheldon," he said, "do I have to hold up a sarcasm sign every time I open my mouth?"
- "Dear God." Sherlock shook his head in amazement. "What is like in your funny little brains? It must be so boring."
- "Dear God," Sherlock said in amazement. "What is like in your funny little brains? It must be so boring."
A more advanced comma technique is to offset interrupting information in the middle of a sentence. I did this above as well: "Do not ever, on pain of death, leave out the connecting word while using a comma in a case like this." The phrase "on pain of death" is not necessarily needed in order for the sentence to be correct, but I wanted it in there, so I put commas around it to indicate that it was extraneous information that I inserted. You can also use the long dash—or em or en dash—to create a similar effect, but I find it to be much more dramatic so I save it for specific times when I want to look dramatic.
The most controversial comma use is usually known as the "Oxford comma" (although, it seems that Oxford no longer uses it). Most people know agree that when you're writing a list, you use commas between the items in the list. However, there is a debate whether you need a comma between the last two items on the list. You may have seen this on Facebook or Pinterest:
- We invited the strippers, Stalin, and Hitler.
- We invited the strippers, Stalin and Hitler.
There are other rules and not-rules and conventions around comma use, but I believe I've covered the basics here. If you have any questions, let me know.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Shutter vs Shudder
What is wrong with this sentence?
If you think that's a fine sentence, you're not alone. But you are very, very wrong.
(From dictionary.com)
You can shutter, but there must be an object. You shutter something; you don't merely shutter. I don't want to imagine what you mean if you try to say that you are shuttering yourself. Although, that might be an interesting metaphor.
I don't think I've ever heard or seen anyone use meaning number 3 from the above definition. Everyone shuts things; does that mean that we are all shutters? I guess so, at times in our lives. It's an odd term, though. I cannot see a use for it.
I think the most common usage would be in photography. The shutter is a very important part of the camera, without which it wouldn't work. Any photographer worth his or her salt knows that.
Window shutters are not so common on newer houses, but you can find them on older houses still. Before windows had glass, shutters were used to keep out the weather and bugs and such.
Therefore, you cannot shutter with dread. You can, however, shudder.
shud·der [shuhd-er]
verb (used without object)
1. to tremble with a sudden convulsive movement, as from horror,fear, or cold.
noun
2. a convulsive movement of the body, as from horror, fear, or cold.
(From dictionary.com)
Notice that this is a verb with no object. You can shudder. You cannot shudder something.
I don't really understand why so many people confuse these two words. I guess they sound similar, but so what? So do many words in English. If we mixed up words every time they sound alike, we'd be giving our lovers read roses, drinking tee, etc.
Shudder and shutter don't even sound exactly alike, unless you pronounce a 't' like a 'd' and then there really is no hope for you. *shudder*
- "I shuttered at the feeling of dread that swept over me."
If you think that's a fine sentence, you're not alone. But you are very, very wrong.
A camera shutter |
shut·ter [shuht-er]
noun
1. a solid or louvered movable cover for a window.
2. a movable cover, slide, etc., for an opening.
3. a person or thing that shuts.
4. Photography . a mechanical device for opening and closing the aperture of a camera lens to expose film or the like.
verb (used with object)
5. to close or provide with shutters: She shuttered the windows.
6. to close (a store or business operations) for the day or permanently.
(From dictionary.com)
You can shutter, but there must be an object. You shutter something; you don't merely shutter. I don't want to imagine what you mean if you try to say that you are shuttering yourself. Although, that might be an interesting metaphor.
Window shutters |
I don't think I've ever heard or seen anyone use meaning number 3 from the above definition. Everyone shuts things; does that mean that we are all shutters? I guess so, at times in our lives. It's an odd term, though. I cannot see a use for it.
I think the most common usage would be in photography. The shutter is a very important part of the camera, without which it wouldn't work. Any photographer worth his or her salt knows that.
Window shutters are not so common on newer houses, but you can find them on older houses still. Before windows had glass, shutters were used to keep out the weather and bugs and such.
Therefore, you cannot shutter with dread. You can, however, shudder.
shud·der [shuhd-er]
verb (used without object)
1. to tremble with a sudden convulsive movement, as from horror,fear, or cold.
noun
2. a convulsive movement of the body, as from horror, fear, or cold.
(From dictionary.com)
Notice that this is a verb with no object. You can shudder. You cannot shudder something.
I don't really understand why so many people confuse these two words. I guess they sound similar, but so what? So do many words in English. If we mixed up words every time they sound alike, we'd be giving our lovers read roses, drinking tee, etc.
Shudder and shutter don't even sound exactly alike, unless you pronounce a 't' like a 'd' and then there really is no hope for you. *shudder*
Monday, 24 December 2012
Let it Reign, Let it Rein, Let it Rain
Which is correct?
reign [reyn]
noun
1.the period during which a sovereign occupies the throne.
2.royal rule or authority; sovereignty.
3.dominating power or influence: the reign of law.
verb (used without object)
4.to possess or exercise sovereign power or authority.
5.to hold the position and name of sovereign without exercising the ruling power.
6.to have control, rule, or influence of any kind.
7.to predominate; be prevalent.
rein [reyn]
noun
1.Often, reins. a leather strap, fastened to each end of the bit of a bridle, by which the rider or driver controls a horse or other animal by pulling so as to exert pressure on the bit. See illus. under harness.
2.any of certain other straps or thongs forming part of a harness, as a checkrein.
3.any means of curbing, controlling, or directing; check; restraint.
4.reins, the controlling or directing power: the reins of government.
verb (used with object)
5.to check or guide (a horse or other animal) by exerting pressure on a bridle bit by means of the reins.
6.to curb; restrain; control.
These are both not to be confused with the water that falls from the sky.
rain [reyn] Show IPA
noun
1.water that is condensed from the aqueous vapor in the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops more than 1 / 50 in. (0.5 mm) in diameter. Compare drizzle ( def 6 ) .
2.a rainfall, rainstorm, or shower: We had a light rain this afternoon.
3.rains, the rainy season; seasonal rainfall, as in India.
4.weather marked by steady or frequent rainfall: We had rain most of last summer.
5.a heavy and continuous descent or inflicting of anything: a rain of blows; a rain of vituperation.
(definitions from dictionary.com)
When words sound the same, they are called "homonyms." Usually, the different spellings have different meanings, and should not be mixed up if you don't want to sound completely stupid.
- I reigned in my excitement.
- I reined in my excitement.
reign [reyn]
noun
1.the period during which a sovereign occupies the throne.
2.royal rule or authority; sovereignty.
3.dominating power or influence: the reign of law.
verb (used without object)
4.to possess or exercise sovereign power or authority.
5.to hold the position and name of sovereign without exercising the ruling power.
6.to have control, rule, or influence of any kind.
7.to predominate; be prevalent.
rein [reyn]
noun
1.Often, reins. a leather strap, fastened to each end of the bit of a bridle, by which the rider or driver controls a horse or other animal by pulling so as to exert pressure on the bit. See illus. under harness.
2.any of certain other straps or thongs forming part of a harness, as a checkrein.
3.any means of curbing, controlling, or directing; check; restraint.
4.reins, the controlling or directing power: the reins of government.
verb (used with object)
5.to check or guide (a horse or other animal) by exerting pressure on a bridle bit by means of the reins.
6.to curb; restrain; control.
These are both not to be confused with the water that falls from the sky.
rain [reyn] Show IPA
noun
1.water that is condensed from the aqueous vapor in the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops more than 1 / 50 in. (0.5 mm) in diameter. Compare drizzle ( def 6 ) .
2.a rainfall, rainstorm, or shower: We had a light rain this afternoon.
3.rains, the rainy season; seasonal rainfall, as in India.
4.weather marked by steady or frequent rainfall: We had rain most of last summer.
5.a heavy and continuous descent or inflicting of anything: a rain of blows; a rain of vituperation.
(definitions from dictionary.com)
When words sound the same, they are called "homonyms." Usually, the different spellings have different meanings, and should not be mixed up if you don't want to sound completely stupid.
Friday, 28 September 2012
Tenants of Faith?
I read online recently about someone who was "ridiculed for following the tenants of her faith." I immediately started wondering what a tenant of faith was, and imagined someone renting a room in a church or temple. However, how could one follow a person who rented a room in a place of worship? and why would you be ridiculed for doing so? That makes no sense. Obviously, they didn't mean tenants.
ten·ant [ten-uhnt]
noun
They meant tenets.
ten·et [ten-it; Brit. also tee-nit]
noun
any opinion, principle, doctrine, dogma, etc., especially one held as true by members of a profession, group, or movement.
Doesn't anyone proofread anything anymore?
ten·ant [ten-uhnt]
noun
- a person or group that rents and occupies land, a house, an office, or the like, from another for a period of time; lessee.
- Law . a person who holds or possesses for a time lands, tenements, or personalty of another, usually for rent.
- an occupant or inhabitant of any place.
They meant tenets.
ten·et [ten-it; Brit. also tee-nit]
noun
any opinion, principle, doctrine, dogma, etc., especially one held as true by members of a profession, group, or movement.
Doesn't anyone proofread anything anymore?
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Diffusing the Situation
Which of the following sentences is correct?
If you chose number 2, you are correct. The following is dictionary.com's definitions of the two words:
defuse:
verb (used with object)
diffuse:
verb (used with object)
You see that you cannot diffuse a situation. At all. Ever. Please don't write/say that you or someone else did that.
PS: I do not approve of spelling 'fuse' with a zed as above: "fuze." It just looks stupid.
- The bomb squad diffused the bomb.
- The bomb squad defused the bomb.
If you chose number 2, you are correct. The following is dictionary.com's definitions of the two words:
defuse:
verb (used with object)
- to remove the fuze from (a bomb, mine, etc.).
- to make less dangerous, tense, or embarrassing: to defuse a potentially ugly situation.
diffuse:
verb (used with object)
- to pour out and spread, as a fluid.
- to spread or scatter widely or thinly; disseminate.
- Physics . to spread by diffusion.
You see that you cannot diffuse a situation. At all. Ever. Please don't write/say that you or someone else did that.
PS: I do not approve of spelling 'fuse' with a zed as above: "fuze." It just looks stupid.
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