Cheryl Norman, Grammar Cop :-)

It’s here, the first national grammar day.  Good grammar is an endangered species, but it’s not dead.  In fact, groups like SPOGG promote the use of good grammar, identifying and drawing attention to misuse in the public eye.

In honor of National Grammar Day, I’m serving a high fiber lunch (good for colons!) and drinking a Grammartini!  Join me and join SPOGG over at http://nationalgrammarday.com. 

Finally, here is my grammar pet peeve for the day: the split infinitive.  
(BAD: I wanted to seriously talk about my feelings with him.  BETTER: I wanted to talk seriously about my feelings with him.) 

It’s better to save your adverb for last, or place it before your “to” + verb phrase.   

Cheryl

Spellcheck won’t catch ‘em, your ear won’t catch ‘em, but your editor sure will. I’m referring to homophones, words that sound alike or similar but have different meanings. The subject arose yesterday when a friend of mine referred to our chapter’s profits from the bizarre. Fatigue clouded her brain. Of course, she knew better and meant bazaar, but it’s an easy mistake to make.Thank God we don’t edit each other’s e-mails because I’m guilty of homophones myself, such as reign when I mean rein or peek when I mean pique. I may call myself Grammar Guru but without proofreading, I’m Grammar Goofy.

too, to, two
seam, seem
hem, him
hear, here
your, you’re
forth, fourth
for, four, fore
led, lead
need, knead
their, they’re, there
its, it’s
bridle, bridal
peek, peak, pique
tents, tense
cents, sense, since
sheik, chic
stationery, stationary
capital, capitol
rain, rein, reign
affect, effect
accept, except
sheer, shear
die, dye
lie, lye
peal, peel
aloud, allowed
banned, band
passed, past
doe, dough
deer, dear
rapt, wrappedAre there others not on this list that have confused you in your writing? Come on, share with Cher!

Grammar enthusiasts, mark your calendars for March 4, 2008.  That’s National Grammar Day.  For details, check out:

 

glitter-graphics.com 

Author Cheryl Norman