Thursday, September 23, 2010

Things You Should Know

There are certain things you should know if you're over the age of...oh let's say 20...just to be lenient.

Here are some of those things, in no particular order.

Eke and eek are two different words with different meanings. They are not interchangeable.

Same rule applies to loose and lose. Please. Just...don't.

Know the correct saying or colloquialism before you quote it. No, it is not a doggy dog world. Nor are the ideas of March upon you.

If your last name ends with an 's' please know the rules for making it plural and/or possessive. Yes, the Jones family can come to dinner. No, we won't be having dinner at the Jones's. We might water the Joneses' plants. Mr. Jones' bunny is adorable. And you can keep up with the Joneses if you like.

There will be a pop quiz.

6 comments:

Jonathan said...

I read in a grammar book last year that apparently it is becoming acceptable to have the double-s. Is this so? Who makes these decisions?

Jonathan said...

apparently it's in the MLA style guide.

Laurie said...

Yes, both styles are acceptable, but the one I listed is more conventional.

Incidentally, in the illustration I listed, you still can't have dinner at the Jones's but it is possible to have dinner at the Joneses' or at the Joneses's. :)

Unknown said...

I desire the opportunity to get my feet wet before I walk across the stage of opportunity...with summer vastly approaching... Oh shoot I can't remember it exactly. Ask Rod--he always remembers this little gem...

Shanna said...

Welcome to my life. Try teaching this to 15 year olds. My three biggest annoyances:

1) A lot is two words!
2) effect vs. affect
3) aggravate vs. irritate

AyDubb said...

...which is why I teach science.