1. Presented by : Kirstin Ahearnkahearn@ahearnink.comwww.ahearnink.comMarch 15, 2013(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013

2. Amazon has 70,000 books on grammar Google grammar 109 million results Google grammar books 141 million results Google grammar course 106 million results(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 3. Writing with poor grammar makes you seem stupid! (from www.brainmass.com) Poor grammar leads people to deduce that you may be lacking other skills and abilities. Poor grammar reeks of lack of education, lack ofintelligence, and sloppiness.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 4. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 5. If a reader has to pause to understand what the writer (or speaker) is trying to convey, the reader stops reading.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 6. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 7. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 8. subject predicate The dog howled.From www.towson.edu(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 9. Subject is a noun (person, place, thing, idea) or pronoun Proper nouns are names, always capitalized Put a or the in front of word to see if its a noun (a) mistake (the) moment (the) ideas Gerunds are nouns that end in ing (skiing)(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 10. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 11. Verb makes up the predicate part of a sentence Verb tense places the action in time Present now Past already happened Future to take placeTIP: NO VERB NO SENTENCE!(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 12. Present Perfect started in past, is still happening I have eaten 10 pies so far. Past Perfect double past tense or that happened even earlier I had eaten 10 pies when Mom walked in the door. Future Perfect combine past and future By next week, I will have gotten tired of pies.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 13. Continuous (progressive) form -ing verb I am eating. I will be eating pies forever.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 14. PRESENTPAST PAST PARTICIPLE Bear boreborne Blow blewblown Bringbrought brought Creepcrept crept Dive dived dived (dove, informal) Drag dragged dragged Draw drewdrawn Drinkdrank drunk Freeze froze frozen(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 15. PRESENTPAST PAST PARTICIPLE Getgotgot, gotten Grow grew grown Hang hung hung Hang hanged hanged (a person) Laylaid laid Lend lent lent Lielaylain Ring rang rung Shakeshookshaken(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 16. PRESENTPASTPAST PARTICIPLE Shrink shrank, shrunk shrunk,shrunken Sink sank sunk Slay slew slain Spring sprang, sprung sprung Swearsworesworn Swim swam swum Tear tore torn Weep wept wept Wringwrungwrung(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 17. In the active voice, the subject is doing the action The passive voice must have a past participle and the subject fills a different role than in the active voice. Judy was given gifts by Sam.TIP: Passive Sam actually did the giving sentences arentincorrect just notpreferred.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 18. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 19. (adjective) subject predicate Thedog howled.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 20. Describe nouns Clarify nouns Show which one, how many Can be comparative Ugly, uglier, ugliest Mean, meaner, meanest More beautiful, most unbelievable Can be absolute(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 21. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 22. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 23. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 24. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 25. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 26. Generally not capable of being intensified or compared Absolute basic certain Complete empty entire Devoid excellent fatal Finaldeadperfect Square essential unique Full harmlessimmortal Meaninglessobvious pure Superior ultimateuniversal(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 27. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 28. Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here! Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs Tell where, when, how Frequently end in ly Dont confuse with adjectives Adverbs modify VERBS - adjectives modify NOUNS Keep modifiers close to the word they are modifying! TIP: Liketeenagers, modifiers want to be closestto the ones theylove.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 29. (adjective) (adverb) subject predicate Thedog howled.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 30. Express relationships between other words(nouns) Never end a sentence with a preposition? More formal (from where will you graduate?) OK to leave at end! Idioms require certain prepositions TIP: Place the word before the fence to see if its a preposition .(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 31. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 32. (preposition) subject adjectivepredicate adverb subject The brown dog howled loudly .(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 33. Phrases that dont mean what they literally say, but have meaning to native speakers Under the weather is known by most English speakers to mean not feeling quite well Sort of holdovers that had a more literal meaning in the past Under the weather originates from when people traveled by boat; and during storms seasick passengers would go below deck, where they were literally under the weather(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 34. A chip on your shoulder:Upset for something that happened in the pastBend over backwards:Do whatever it takes to helpHave an axe to grind: To have a dispute with someoneA blessing in disguise: Something good that isnt recognized at firstRun out of steam: To be completely out of energyA piece of cake:An easy task (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 35. Half a verb Fallen / had fallen Screaming / was screaming Modifies the noun (or pronoun) Screaming with laughter, she fell off her chair.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 36. A. subject, predicate (verb) = complete thought(independent clause) The candidate addressed the crowd. B. Fragment = no subject and predicate unit addressing the crowd C. Fragment = -ing verb without a helping verb the candidate addressing the crowd D. Dependent clause = no complete thought while the candidate addressed the crowd(c) Kirstin Ahearn,From www.towson.edu 2013 37. Introduced by relative pronoun (that, which, who) orlinking conjunction(after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, while) Act as adjective, noun or adverb(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 38. A. Dependent clause, independent clause Although Tom reads novels, Jack reads comics. B. Independent clause dependent clause Jack reads comics although Tom reads novels. C. Independent ,nonessential dependentclause,clause. ,, Jack who reads comics rarely reads novels. D. Independentessential dependentclause clause. People who read comics rarely read novels.(c) Kirstin Ahearn,From www.towson.edu 2013 39. Two independent clauses may form a compound sentence. Separate the two independent clauses in a compound sentence with a comma and conjunction, or semi-colon (with or without adverb). ; Tom read the novel however, his friend saw the movie. , WRONG: Tom read the novel his friend saw the movie.(c) Kirstin Ahearn,From www.towson.edu 2013 40. Conjunction Junction, Whats Your Function? Coordinating/matchmaking And, or, but, for, nor, so, yet Connect words to words, phrases to phrases, clauses to clauses Correlative conjunctions Two conjunctions in one Either/or, neither/nor Not only, but also(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 41. Hartford is the capital of Connecticut. It is the second largest city in the state. The capital of Connecticut, Hartford, is the second largest city in the state. Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, is the second largest city in the state. Hartford, the second largest city in the state, is the capital of Connecticut. Independent, non-essential dependent clause, clause(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 42. Hartford was once known as an industrial center. It was the home of several manufacturers. They made firearms, typewriters, bicycles, and even cars. Once known as an industrial center, Hartford was the home of manufacturers of firearms, typewriters, bicycles, and even cars. Dependent (adjective) clause, independent clause(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 43. Today, great wealth abounds in Hartford. The wealth is centered in the insurance industry. However, few manufacturing jobs are still available. Although there is much wealth centered in Hartfords insurance industry today, there are few manufacturing jobs available. independent clause, independent clause(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 44. Clarity, clarity, clarity. When you become hopelessly mired in a sentence, it is best to start fresh: do not try to fight your way through against terrible odds of syntax.. The Elements of Style, E.B. White and William Strunk, Jr.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 45. Writing is really re-writing. Re-write when your sentence looses clarity (too many dashes, semicolons, commas, and other fancy marks). Think about this: Can you re-speak what you speak? Think about what you are going to say (grammar/verbs and content) before opening your mouth. Notice how professionals use the pause!(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 46. A necessary tool to clearly express a thought, direction, statement Incorrect punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence, the results of which could be far- reaching. The Associated Press Stylebook, Norm Goldstein, editor(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 47. No one can write perfect English and keep it up through a stretch of ten chapters. It has never been done. Christian Science Monitor(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 48. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 49. Possessive belonging to Form the possessive singular of nouns with s. Follow this rule whatever the final consonant (only add if plural noun ends in s). The girls food The girls food The horses food The waitresss food Exception: if the word that follows the now begins with ans, only add The waitress seat (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013From The Elements of Style, Strunk & White 50. Possessive, continued None of these pronouns need apostrophe Mine Ours Your/yours His/hers Its (note: its = it is) Theirs Whose More than one noun, make last possessive John Adams Jr.s father Mary and Garys apartment(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 51. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 52. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 53. Quiz 1. During the past few (weeks, weeks) a (weeks, weeks) worth of mail has equaled what is normally eight (weeks, weeks) worth.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 54. 1. During the past few weeks a weeks worth of mail has equaled what is normally eight weeks worth.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 55. Quiz 2. Though (its, its) now named for the avenue on which (its, its) located, sometimes (its, its) referred to by (its, its) old name. .(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 56. 2. Though its now named for the avenue on which its located, sometimes its referred to by its old name.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 57. Quiz 3. The (childrens, childrens) knowledge of the apostrophe was better than anyone (elses, elses), including the word (columnists, columnist).(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 58. 3. Thechildrens knowledge of the apostrophe was better than anyone elses, including the word columnists.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 59. Quiz 4. These (kinds, kinds) of mistakes involving (apostrophes, apostrophes) are the bane of (writers, writers) lives.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 60. kinds of mistakes involving 4. These apostrophes are the bane of writers lives.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 61. Quiz 5. After giving her employer four (months, months) notice of her departure, Jill received a (weeks, weeks) salary and ten (dollars, dollars) worth of paper clips.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 62. 5. After giving her employer four months notice of her departure, Jill received a weeks salary and ten dollars worth of paper clips.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 63. Quiz 6. (Lets, Lets) stop at the (Smiths, Smiths). house and greet all the (Smiths, Smiths).(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 64. 6. (Lets, Lets) stop at the (Smiths, Smiths). house and greet all the (Smiths, Smiths). Rob Kyff, "Word Watch," Hartford Courant (16 January 2000).(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 65. : Introduce lists Give emphasis to part of a sentence Time Biblical and legal citations Capitalize first word after colon ONLY if its aproper noun (or the start of a complete sentence) Do not combine dash and colon(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 66. Just because it is important doesnt mean it should be capitalized The new library service was popular with residents. (NOT: The new Service was popular...) Capitalize first initial in names of people, departments,places Capitalize first initial in titles BEFORE names According to Commissioner Roderick Bremby, theDepartment of Social Services will close six offices Roderick Bremby, the agencys commissioner, said Follow agency style when necessary The Commissioner said (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 67. Make the paragraph the unit of composition: one paragraph to each topic. Use short paragraphs A quote should be its own paragraph The active voice is usually more direct andvigorous than the passive (start withI, we, he, etc.) Use positive words; try to avoid the word NOT(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 68. , Helps reader understand rhythm of the sentence Read your sentence out loud for natural pause (thats where comma goes) Use sparingly Use to avoid confusion and add clarification (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013From The Elements of Style, Strunk & White 69. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 70. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 71. , In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last. If using a conjunction add commas between each item on the list The dinner will consist of light appetizers, beef, ham andcheese omelets, and strawberries and cream. Series of adjectives It was a dark, stormy night(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 72. If two clauses could stand alone, and are linked by and, but or for, use commas She was glad she attended the show, for she wasable to meet the handsome actor. Restrictive relative clauses are not set off by commas; you could NOT make these into two sentences My brother that lives in Arizona is named Pat.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 73. , A comma all by itself can transform the meaning of a sentence: He helped the native guides who were sick with malaria. No comma appears before who. Therefore, what follows isa restrictive clause. Not all the guides had malaria. He helped the native guides, who were sick with malaria. Putting the comma before who makes what follows a non-restrictive clause. It also changes the sentence to meanthat all the guides had malaria.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 74. , Use when introducing a quote President Kennedy said, Ask not what your country can do for you Use at end of attributed quote Ask not what your country can do for you,President Kennedy said. Note: commas always go inside the quotationmarks(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 75. , Use with hometowns, ages, states/country with cities John Jones, Minneapolis, Minn., was at the party. John Jones, 52, was at the party. John Jones wants to visit Dublin, Ireland, when he returns from Fargo, N.D. Use with yes, no, and indirect addresses Yes, I will be there. No, sir, I will not be there. Use with numbers (except street addresses) The jar contained 1,200 jelly beans. John Jones moved to 1234 Main Street. Do not use periods for commas(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 76. ! To express surprise, emotion, disbelief That plane ride was fantastic! Fantastic! he said. Do not overuse!!(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 77. - To be avoided whenever possible WinstonChurchill Use to join two words to form single idea Socio-economic Use to create modifier before a noun A little-used car; a little used car No hyphen with very or with adverb (-ly) With numbers (twenty-one) Suspension (10- to 20-year prison sentence)(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 78. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 79. -- Two hyphens Use to justify the first part of your sentence We walked a long time long enough to get blisters. Use as alternative to parentheses We walked a long time it was sunset before we got home and everyone had blisters. I love the dash especially in corporate documents!(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 80. () Use to clarify or add information (sparingly!) Do not capitalize first word when used within asentence Place period outside parentheses Try not to use. Perhaps you should re-write,use commas or dashes? (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 81. . At end of sentence With initials T.S. Eliot Not with acronyms (LBJ) In listing using numbers (1., 2., 3.) or letters(A., B., C.) Place inside quotation marks Single space at end of sentence(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 82. ? End of question In list: Did he practice at all? At night? Before school? None needed here: He asked who practiced the piano before the concert. Place inside quotes Who practiced? the piano teacher asked. Place outside quotes of book title. Who wrote The Elements of Style?(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 83. Direct quotes I want to learn to cook, the young girl said. Martin Luther King Jr. said, I have a dream. There is no such thing as Santa Claus, the boy told his father. All the kids on the bus say so. When writing dialogue Did you get the job? No. Did they say why? With titles of books (except the Bible and reference books), movies, plays, poems, songs, TV shows, speeches, works of art.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 84. Use to express irony The teacher could hardly spell! Unfamiliar terms tweeting Partial quotes She felt it was her best-kept secret. Quote within quote, use I felt the mayors statement, all is well, was a bit contrived, the police chief said.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 85. ; Use sparingly, if at all Used to separate a thought to a greater degreethan a comma, but less than a period. The senator never showed up to vote on legislation;therefore, it was a surprise that he won re-election. Used to clarify when lots of commas are needed The man left behind three daughters and a son fromBurlington, VT; a brother from Topeka, Kansas; andhis elderly parents, Janet and Greg Jones, alsofrom Topeka.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 86. Spell out Single digits (numbers less than nine) I want five copies; I want 10 copies At start of sentence) Twenty-nine people won the award. Simple fractions, using hyphens One-half of the pieces have been eaten. A two-thirds majority is required for the bill to pass. Decades During the eighties and nineties(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 87. If using figures for decades, use these styles: During the 80s and 90s During the 1980s and 1990s Use figures for mixed fractions (except at start of sentence) We expect a 5 percent wage increase. Five and one-half percent was the interest rate. Spell out time of day, especially with oclock She gets up at four thirty before the baby. The baby wakes up at five oclock. Use numbers with exact times The flight leaves at 6:22 a.m. She had a 7:00 p.m. deadline(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 88. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 89. Anyone who tries to explain that and which isless than an hour is asking for trouble. That is most often what you would say, so iswhat you should write. Mostly use which to describe, identify, locate, orexplain that which precedes a comma The house, which has a red roof, was on fire. - On Writing Well, William Zinsser, 2001(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 90. As the first word in a question: Which movie was playing last week? Which team won last years World Series? As a pronoun to refer back to one single noun or to a whole idea: Referring to (or re-naming) one single word: A week ago I bought a cashmere sweater which cost $150. (The word which is re-naming the sweater.) Referring to a whole idea or phrase: In 2005, we took a vacation to Walt Disney World, which helped to bond our family members together. (The word which is referring to the taking of the family vacation.)(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 www.jalc.edu 91. Used after the word in. Note: The use of in with which is correct only if there is a sense of something being contained inside or within something else. Illinois is the state in which I live. (I live inside or withinIllinois.) The room in which we are sitting is hundreds of yearsold. Important: Do not repeat the word in after using it with in which. Wrong: Illinois is the state in which I was born in. Correct: Illinois is the state in which I was born.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 92. Less formally, use where, BUT be sure you are talking about place, not time. Incorrect: He was born somewhere around1970. Correct: He was born sometime around 1970. The year 1970 is a time, not a place(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 93. Use other prepositions like these in front of the word which: to which from which at which by which under which, etc. The preposition you use will be determined by the verb in the sentence Apply to a school (the school to which I applied) Park under a lamppost (the lamp under which Iparked)(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 94. Use that before a restrictive clause and which before everything else. Gems that sparkle often elicit forgiveness. Specific types of gems (ones that sparkle) Diamonds, which are expensive, often elicitforgiveness. There was an earthquake in China, which is badnews.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 95. The lawnmower that is in the garage needs sharpening. We have more than one lawnmower. Only the one in the garage needs sharpening. The lawnmower, which is in the garage, needs sharpening. We have only one lawnmower. Its in the garage and needs sharpening.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 96. Using that is never really wrong, though it may be unnecessary Omitting that in some cases indeed may be wrong.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 97. TIP: You can take out the parts with which and not change the meaning .(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 98. The statue that stands in the hall is on loan from the museum. A number of statues are in the building. Only the one in the hall is on loan from the museum. The statue, which stands in the hall, is on loan from the museum. Only one statue is under discussion. It is on loan from the museum and happens to be in the hall.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 99. She prefers to watch movies make her cry.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 100. She prefers to watch movies that make her cry.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 101. In the crowd were several recruits are regarded as excellent prospects for next years team.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 102. In the crowd were several recruits who are regarded as excellent prospects for next years team. (preferred) In the crowd were several recruits that are regarded as excellent prospects for next years team. (acceptable)(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 103. Predictably, the studentsdid best were not the ones who stayed up all night studying.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 104. Predictably, the students who did best were not the ones who stayed up all night studying. (preferable) Predictably, the students that did best were not the ones who stayed up all night studying. (acceptable)(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 105. He bought all the books are required for the course.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 106. He bought all the books that are required for the course.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 107. To lie is to tell an untruth Lie and Lay are present-tense verbs Lie means: to rest or recline. Lay means: to put or place something orsomeone down . Verb followed by an object(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 108. VERBSIMPLE SIMPLEPAST PRESENTPAST PARTICIPLE LayLay(s) LaidHas laidLieLie(s)Lay Has lainUse the simple present forms with action which happens consistentlyor action which is happening presently.Jack always lays the cordless telephone where no one can findit.I lie down for a nap at 2 p.m. every day.TIP: you lay something down, and people lie down by themselves. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 109. VERBSIMPLESIMPLE PAST PRESENT PASTPARTICIPLE LayLay(s) Laid Has laidLieLie(s)LayHas lainUse the simple past forms with action completed in the pastRachel laid her recipe on the counter.I lay down for a nap yesterday. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 110. VERBSIMPLE SIMPLEPAST PRESENTPAST PARTICIPLE LayLay(s) Laid Has laidLieLie(s)LayHas lainUse the past participle forms with has, haveI have lain down for a nap every day this week.That hen has laid two eggs every day this week. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 111. Because indicates cause and effect Since used for relationship or time Due to is a adjective; follows to be I will go to the game because my daughter is on theteam. Since I have some extra money, I will buy the shoes. The cancellation was due to rain. TIP: DO NOT start a sentence with due to (OK to start with because )(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 112. Should have = shouldve Could have = couldve Would have = wouldve NEVER should of could of would of(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 113. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 114. Use different from NOT different than The weather was different from what we expected. Use differently than when a clause precedes and follows the expression He works differently than she does.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 115. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 116. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 117. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 118. Affect with an a means "to influence Will the budget cuts affect your staff? We can affect change by eliminating restrictions. TIP: Most of the time affect with an a is a verb and effect with an e is a noun.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 119. Effect essentially means "a result The effect of the law was harmful to the elderly The ruling had an adverse effect on how fastpeople drove on the highway. That book had a long-lasting effect on mythinking.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 120. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 121. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 122. princiPAL apal is yourfriend(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 123. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 124. Advice = recommendation Advise = the act of giving a recommendationAdverse = unfortunate;opposed (things) She had an adverse reaction.Averse = havingrepugnance (people) He is averse to a All ready = all are military draft. ready Already = refers to(c)time Ahearn, 2013Kirstin 125. Among = 3 or more Between = Just 2(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 126. Assure = to promise or say with confidence Ensure = to make sure something will or wont happen Insure = to issue an insurance policyConnote = to suggest orimplyDenote = to be a sign of e.g. = for example i.g. = that is, in other words(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 127. Every day = each day Empathy = to understand Everyday = ordinaryanothers feelings Sympathy = to feel compassion for(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 128. Fewer = number that can be counted TIP: Less than $100 Less = uncountable amount NOT under $100 Under = direction Irregardless = NO SUCH WORD EXISTS Regardless = in spite of; without regard(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 129. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 130. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 131. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 132. accidentally rhythmdefinite duelformerly benefit mischief tragedyprivilegelattershepherd ecstasyadvice describe playwright ridiculousmurmurhumorous challengetriespursue siegeeffect led despiseaffectpreceding sacrilegiousnecessaryundoubtedlyhypocrisycriticize similarrepetitionexistence losedevelopprejudicebeginningoccurredimmediately seize until similerhymedeceivefiery disappointbelievemarriage principal parallelincidentally 2013separate (c) Kirstin Ahearn,From The Elements of Style, Strunk & White too 133. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 134. See how the pros do it again: Newspapers/magazines (articles, ads) E-mails, blogs, social networks (personal/work) Mail (letters, direct mail, newsletters) Catalogs Novels, non-fiction books Cereal boxes Fun to find the mistakes (menus) Read, read, read to write (and speak)!!(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 135. Keep a word journal Write down words in a column; add definition (when you can); include brief sentence using the word Read more often; read challenging material; look closely and payattention word structure Magazines Newspapers (Wall Street Journal) Business books Essays!! E.B. White, Anne Fadiman Fiction?? Grammar sometimes used poetically Underline new words (then look them up) Practice using new words to make them second nature(dont sound forced) Use a thesaurus(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 136. At least half of the words in the English language are derived from Greek and Latin roots. Knowing these roots helps us to grasp the meaning of words before we look them up in the dictionary. It also helps us to see how words are often arranged in families with similar characteristics.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 137. Learn meaning of root wordsRoot (source) Meaning English wordsaster, astr (G) starastronomy, astrologyaudi (L)to hear audible, auditoriumbene (L)good, wellbenefit, benevolentbio (G) lifebiology, autobiographydic, dict (L) to speakdictionary, dictatorfer (L) to carrytransfer, referralgeo (G) earth geography, geologygraph (G) to writegraphic, photographymanu (L)handmanual, manuscriptphys (G) body, naturephysical, physics(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 138. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 139. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 140. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 141. Consider the specific situation/reader Text messaging abbreviations place the needs of the writer before the needs of the reader, unlike many other language developments, such as punctuation, which are meant to assist the reader. (Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies, June Casagrande) Its rude to use text messaging abbreviations when the person on the receiving end wont understand them. It may be rude NOT to use them when sending a message to someone who you know will understand the abbreviations and who is reading (and scrolling through) your message on a tiny cell phone screen. (Modern Manners Guide, http://manners.quickanddirtytips.com)(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 142. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 143. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 144. (c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 145. Resources for Vocabulary Vocab Vitamins (formerly "MyWordaDay"): http://www.vocabvitamins.com/. hoi polloi (noun) [hoi pah-LOI] 1. the common people; the masses: "We may have less down time, but today, the hoi polloi have access to services and technology that kings of the past did not even dream of. Word of the Day: http://www.merriam-webster.com quash KWAHSH verb : to nullify especially by judicial action The New York Times:http://www.nytimes.com/learning/students/wordofday/ The Atlantic Monthly:http://www.theatlantic.com/language/. Word Safari:http://home.earthlink.net/~ruthpett/safari/index.htm.(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013 146. Resources www.slideshare.net (searchgrammar and Tunxis or just When in doubt, look it up!! grammar) Great resources/tools: Grammar Smart, The Princeton Review The Elements of Style, Strunk & White Eats, Shoots, & Leaves, Lynne Truss On Writing Well, William Zinsser Any dictionary, thesaurus AP Stylebook www.bartleby.com www.wordplayblog.com www.grammar.net www.grammar.ccc.commnet.edu www.yourdictionary.com www.yourdictionary.com/library/misspelled.html (list of most commonly misspelled words)(c) Kirstin Ahearn, 2013