Welcome, Everyone! I hope you've been well since our last lesson and that you're ready for another topic on a grammar blooper we see all the time. If you'll pay attention and learn today's rules, you'll get an A+ for being sharp as a brier.
Today's lesson is centered on something we see written way too much: run-on sentences. Back in my teaching days, I constantly saw students using tons of them in things they wrote. This error is also seen quite a bit in written publications such as newspapers, magazines, and other such material. Let's see if we can fix this problem right now!
Here are some examples of this mistake:
1. He was behind the door when brains were passed out, he's also so clumsy he couldn't hit the ground if he fell.
...or...
2. We knew which truck we wanted to buy, we didn't have enough money.
...or...
3. Horror stories are thrilling, many people enjoy them.
...or...
4. Stephen King is a very popular horror writer, his books sell especially well at Halloween.
So... what do you think is wrong with these sentences? Each example shows two separate sentences written as though they were one sentence. This error is called a run-on sentence since they show two sentences joined by a comma. (They have run into each other :-)
All you need to do to correct this is
1. Form two separate sentences by using a period between them:
He was behind the door when brains were passed out. He's also so clumsy, he couldn't hit the ground if he fell.
2. Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, so, yet, nor) between the two sentence parts (or clauses):
We knew which truck we wanted to buy, BUT we didn't have enough money.
3. Join the two sentence parts with a semicolon:
Horror stories are thrilling; many people enjoy them...or finally...
4. Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb (therefore, then, moreover, nevertheless, besides, also, still, finally, consequently, accordingly, furthermore, hence, however, indeed, otherwise, thus)followed by a comma between the two sentence parts:
Stephen King is a very popular horror writer; THEREFORE, his books sell especially well near Halloween.
Now try your hand at figuring out which one in the two pairs of following sentences is correct:
A. Waccamaw Academy will have its first football team in its 40-year history next fall. The decision was made Monday night by the school's board of directors.
B. Waccamaw Academy will have its first football team in its 40-year history next fall, the decision was made Monday night by the school's board of directors.
C. The Columbus County Courthouse should look beautiful, it should also be a place where people can work or visit safely.
D. The Columbus County Courthouse should look beautiful, but it should also be a place where people can work or visit safely.
E. Whiteville's newest retail destination, Lowe's Home Store, will open next week, and many residents are thrilled.
F. Whiteville's newest retail destination, Lowe's Home Store, will open next week, many residents are thrilled.
G. The Columbus County Parks and Recreation Department began in 1977 with a budget of only $13,000, today it operates on a budget of roughly $500,000.
H. The Columbus County Parks and Recreation Department began in 1977 with a budget of only $13,000; however, today it operates on a budget of roughly $500,000.
...And...here are the incorrect answers: B, C, F, and G...and they're all incorrect because we see two sentence parts (or independent clauses) joined together by a comma as one sentence...that's why we call them run-on-sentences. Now how did we correct them?
A. We simply placed a period between the two parts.
D. Both parts are joined together by a comma and the coordinating conjunction, BUT.
E. Both clauses are joined together by a comma with another coordinating conjunction, AND.
H. Both clauses are joined together by a semicolon and the conjunctive adverb, HOWEVER.
Well, all of you grammar scholars, that should help if you've been confused by a teacher writing RS somewhere on your composition. RS just means that you've used a run-on sentence in your paragraph. Of course, now you know what to do to avoid this...Right? You have several options when choosing how to correct this error, but just be sure it makes sense. Read your idea to yourself and, no doubt, your "ear" (and common sense) will tell you what is correct.
Time to go, so take good care of yourself, and keep on with your good speech and writing. Peace and happiness to all, GG
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
32. Begone WENT for GONE!
Welcome back to another grammar lesson. I know you've heard this error before as it is very common in these parts of North Carolina, but we surely aren't alone, and I'm about as determined as a duck after a June bug to help get rid of it!
Just recently I heard a sheriff on national TV make the following statement about a crime that was being investigated:
"It (the outcome of a crime) could have WENT either way."
Aargh!! Once again we hear people who should know better making unbelievable errors when they speak! Just ask any English teacher and others who love the Mother Tongue :-)
I imagine you can now guess what the topic of today's lesson will be. Yup, the outrageous misuse of WENT for GONE.
Let's see what's going on here.
Okay. If you'll just think about a few simple little rules, I think you'll never have trouble again with these two verbs.
The verb GO is a very irregular verb in English, and both WENT and GONE are some of its forms. As we have learned before, we sometimes need to take a look at verb conjugation to understand more fully why some rules are they way they are. Since this error is most often seen in the present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect tenses, we will concentrate there. Here's the correct use of GO in these tenses:
Present Perfect - I have gone, you have gone, he/she/it has gone, we have gone, you have gone, and they have gone
Past Perfect - I had gone, you had gone, he/she/it had gone, etc.
Futre Perfect - I shall/will have gone, you will have gone, he/she/it will have gone, etc.
Ah, ha! Did you see any examples of
"I have WENT..." , "You had WENT..." , "He/she/it will have WENT..." ?
No way! And that's because using WENT for GONE in these cases is about as bad as throwing a clod in the churn.
Now all of this begs the question: Why do lots of folks make this mistake? Maybe the answer lies in the fact that WENT actually IS corrrect in the PAST tense form of GO. Check this out:
Past of GO - I went, you went, he/she/it went, we went, you went, they went
Considering this, it's pretty easy to figure how some folks just confuse the past tense use with the three perfect tenses of GO.
Now let's see how well you can do with the following sentences:
1. David had (gone, went) a country mile before he saw the racetrack.
2. I have (gone, went) just about as far as I can go on this rocky path with no shoes on.
3. Ray (gone, went) down the road to find Linwood and jerk a knot in his tail.
4. Have you ever (gone, went) to a pig pickin'?
5. Junior (gone,went) to Cafe Gourmet last night and told me today that he ate so much his stomach was touching the table when he finished.
Here are the answers: GONE is the correct answer in sentences 1, 2, and 4. WENT is correct in sentences 3 and 5. The explanation is very simple. Sentences 1, 2, and 4 each have an "H" word (had, have, and Have) as part of the verb. The other two sentences do NOT have an "H" word as part of the verb. Pretty easy, huh? If for no other reason than that, you should never make a mistake again with GONE and WENT!
Be merciful to us English teachers by helping others who persist in saying things such as, " I had WENT to see my aunt, but she wasn't home," or "Have you WENT to buy your new shoes yet?"
We'll be forever in your debt!
For now, I'm signing off. Have a great week and practice perfect grammar! Peace and happiness, GG
Just recently I heard a sheriff on national TV make the following statement about a crime that was being investigated:
"It (the outcome of a crime) could have WENT either way."
Aargh!! Once again we hear people who should know better making unbelievable errors when they speak! Just ask any English teacher and others who love the Mother Tongue :-)
I imagine you can now guess what the topic of today's lesson will be. Yup, the outrageous misuse of WENT for GONE.
Let's see what's going on here.
Okay. If you'll just think about a few simple little rules, I think you'll never have trouble again with these two verbs.
The verb GO is a very irregular verb in English, and both WENT and GONE are some of its forms. As we have learned before, we sometimes need to take a look at verb conjugation to understand more fully why some rules are they way they are. Since this error is most often seen in the present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect tenses, we will concentrate there. Here's the correct use of GO in these tenses:
Present Perfect - I have gone, you have gone, he/she/it has gone, we have gone, you have gone, and they have gone
Past Perfect - I had gone, you had gone, he/she/it had gone, etc.
Futre Perfect - I shall/will have gone, you will have gone, he/she/it will have gone, etc.
Ah, ha! Did you see any examples of
"I have WENT..." , "You had WENT..." , "He/she/it will have WENT..." ?
No way! And that's because using WENT for GONE in these cases is about as bad as throwing a clod in the churn.
Now all of this begs the question: Why do lots of folks make this mistake? Maybe the answer lies in the fact that WENT actually IS corrrect in the PAST tense form of GO. Check this out:
Past of GO - I went, you went, he/she/it went, we went, you went, they went
Considering this, it's pretty easy to figure how some folks just confuse the past tense use with the three perfect tenses of GO.
Now let's see how well you can do with the following sentences:
1. David had (gone, went) a country mile before he saw the racetrack.
2. I have (gone, went) just about as far as I can go on this rocky path with no shoes on.
3. Ray (gone, went) down the road to find Linwood and jerk a knot in his tail.
4. Have you ever (gone, went) to a pig pickin'?
5. Junior (gone,went) to Cafe Gourmet last night and told me today that he ate so much his stomach was touching the table when he finished.
Here are the answers: GONE is the correct answer in sentences 1, 2, and 4. WENT is correct in sentences 3 and 5. The explanation is very simple. Sentences 1, 2, and 4 each have an "H" word (had, have, and Have) as part of the verb. The other two sentences do NOT have an "H" word as part of the verb. Pretty easy, huh? If for no other reason than that, you should never make a mistake again with GONE and WENT!
Be merciful to us English teachers by helping others who persist in saying things such as, " I had WENT to see my aunt, but she wasn't home," or "Have you WENT to buy your new shoes yet?"
We'll be forever in your debt!
For now, I'm signing off. Have a great week and practice perfect grammar! Peace and happiness, GG
Sunday, January 6, 2008
31. To Clarify ALUMNI...
Hello Everyone!
Have you ever been confused about which word is correct when you are referring to "graduates"? When should you use ALUMNA, ALUMNAE, ALUMNUS, and ALUMNI? The misuse of these words is fairly common, but if you'll pay attention, I'll try to show you how to use them correctly so you'll never be confused again.
Here are some examples of common mistakes with this problem:
I am an ALUMNI of Whiteville High School...or...All of the ladies in our Sunday School class are ALUMNI of The University of North Carolina at Wilmington...or Butch is an ALUMNI of NC State University in Raleigh.
Notice how the word ALUMNI is getting a good workout in the above sentences. It seems that we tend to use ALUMNI much more frequently than any of the other three words we should be using.
So what's going on here and what should we remember?
Okay...Here are some simple definitions to help you keep them straight:
ALUMNA is singular and simply means one female graduate. (Diane is an ALUMNA of Appalachian State University.)
ALUMNAE is plural and means two or more female graduates. (Heather, Alice, and Tiffany are ALUMNAE of South Columbus High School.)
ALUMNUS is singular and means one male graduate. (John is an ALUMNUS of Wake Forest University.)
...and finally...
ALUMNI is plural and means two or more male graduates. (Bill, Fred, Harry, and James are ALUMNI of South Columbus High School.)
Now... here's an additional use of ALUMNI that does not apply to the other three words:
ALUMNI (still plural) can ALSO be used when referring to both males AND females. ( All ALUMNI of the East Columbus High School Class of 1998 are invited to a class reunion on Saturday night at the Vineland Station Depot in downtown Whiteville.)
How about that? Pretty easy, I hope. Let's try a little practice to see how well you do:
1. All the (alumni, alumnae) of the Girls' Dance Team performed perfectly for the guests.
2. Because the (alumni, alumnus) of the Boys' Fishing School caught plenty of fish, everyone was happy.
3. Being an new (alumnae, alumnus) of East Carolina University made Steve's face light up like a new saloon.
4. Is it true that all your brothers and sisters are (alumni, alumnae) of Pembroke University?
5. Mrs. Baldwin told us that she was an (alumna, alumnus) of Queens University in Charlotte.
...And now, here are the answers:
1. Alumnae is correct because the reference is to more than one female graduate.
2. Alumni is correct because the reference is to more than one male graduate
3. Alumnus is correct because the reference is to one male graduate.
4. Alumni is correct because the reference is to both male and female graduates.
5. Alumna is correct because the reference is to one female graduate.
So there's another grammar lesson and I hope you've learned how to differentiate between these four words. Have a wonderful week and until next time, be happy. Peace and many regards to you all! GG
Have you ever been confused about which word is correct when you are referring to "graduates"? When should you use ALUMNA, ALUMNAE, ALUMNUS, and ALUMNI? The misuse of these words is fairly common, but if you'll pay attention, I'll try to show you how to use them correctly so you'll never be confused again.
Here are some examples of common mistakes with this problem:
I am an ALUMNI of Whiteville High School...or...All of the ladies in our Sunday School class are ALUMNI of The University of North Carolina at Wilmington...or Butch is an ALUMNI of NC State University in Raleigh.
Notice how the word ALUMNI is getting a good workout in the above sentences. It seems that we tend to use ALUMNI much more frequently than any of the other three words we should be using.
So what's going on here and what should we remember?
Okay...Here are some simple definitions to help you keep them straight:
ALUMNA is singular and simply means one female graduate. (Diane is an ALUMNA of Appalachian State University.)
ALUMNAE is plural and means two or more female graduates. (Heather, Alice, and Tiffany are ALUMNAE of South Columbus High School.)
ALUMNUS is singular and means one male graduate. (John is an ALUMNUS of Wake Forest University.)
...and finally...
ALUMNI is plural and means two or more male graduates. (Bill, Fred, Harry, and James are ALUMNI of South Columbus High School.)
Now... here's an additional use of ALUMNI that does not apply to the other three words:
ALUMNI (still plural) can ALSO be used when referring to both males AND females. ( All ALUMNI of the East Columbus High School Class of 1998 are invited to a class reunion on Saturday night at the Vineland Station Depot in downtown Whiteville.)
How about that? Pretty easy, I hope. Let's try a little practice to see how well you do:
1. All the (alumni, alumnae) of the Girls' Dance Team performed perfectly for the guests.
2. Because the (alumni, alumnus) of the Boys' Fishing School caught plenty of fish, everyone was happy.
3. Being an new (alumnae, alumnus) of East Carolina University made Steve's face light up like a new saloon.
4. Is it true that all your brothers and sisters are (alumni, alumnae) of Pembroke University?
5. Mrs. Baldwin told us that she was an (alumna, alumnus) of Queens University in Charlotte.
...And now, here are the answers:
1. Alumnae is correct because the reference is to more than one female graduate.
2. Alumni is correct because the reference is to more than one male graduate
3. Alumnus is correct because the reference is to one male graduate.
4. Alumni is correct because the reference is to both male and female graduates.
5. Alumna is correct because the reference is to one female graduate.
So there's another grammar lesson and I hope you've learned how to differentiate between these four words. Have a wonderful week and until next time, be happy. Peace and many regards to you all! GG
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