No grammar lesson today. Spend time with your family and friends, and focus on all the things for which you are thankful.
Besides, I don't have time to come up with a lesson today. The wife is working me to death in the kitchen -- but I love her and am very thankful for her.
Happy Thanksgiving! My snarky self will be back tomorrow.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
liable/likely
As is the case with many pairs of words I've discussed in the past, there is some shade of difference between the two.
"I'm liable to go crazy if you don't be quiet." Well, not really. You're using it in the wrong context here.
Likely is used when an event is probable or expected to occur. You're likely to go bonkers if that person doesn't shut up.
Liable can have two uses. One use relates to a point of law or an obligation of some sort. You may be liable for damages. It can also be used when an event involves some degree of risk. If you hit the slopes but don't know how to ski, you are liable to break your leg.
I refuse to be held liable in the unlikely event that you learn nothing from this blog and roam the countryside an illiterate oaf.
"I'm liable to go crazy if you don't be quiet." Well, not really. You're using it in the wrong context here.
Likely is used when an event is probable or expected to occur. You're likely to go bonkers if that person doesn't shut up.
Liable can have two uses. One use relates to a point of law or an obligation of some sort. You may be liable for damages. It can also be used when an event involves some degree of risk. If you hit the slopes but don't know how to ski, you are liable to break your leg.
I refuse to be held liable in the unlikely event that you learn nothing from this blog and roam the countryside an illiterate oaf.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
oral/verbal
You might think these two words are the same. Think again, my good friend.
Oral, obviously, refers to the mouth, so anything that is oral is spoken. An oral exam could be one of two things. It's either a closer look at your mouth conducted by an oral surgeon, or it's a test in school whereby all your answers are spoken.
Verbal, on the other hand, could be spoken or written. I guess that means, if you look at it more closely, anything oral is automatically verbal, but not everything verbal is automatically oral. My head is starting to hurt.
What if you were to enter into a verbal contract? Is it spoken or written? It could be either. That's up to you to decide.
I would have to advise against such a contract, however. That's my legal advice for the day. See, you get more than just grammar tips here. I've got it all. I should probably refrain from giving medical advice, though.
Oral, obviously, refers to the mouth, so anything that is oral is spoken. An oral exam could be one of two things. It's either a closer look at your mouth conducted by an oral surgeon, or it's a test in school whereby all your answers are spoken.
Verbal, on the other hand, could be spoken or written. I guess that means, if you look at it more closely, anything oral is automatically verbal, but not everything verbal is automatically oral. My head is starting to hurt.
What if you were to enter into a verbal contract? Is it spoken or written? It could be either. That's up to you to decide.
I would have to advise against such a contract, however. That's my legal advice for the day. See, you get more than just grammar tips here. I've got it all. I should probably refrain from giving medical advice, though.
Monday, November 23, 2009
morbid/moribund
This lovely pair of words has often been confused, but there is a shade of difference between them. There's just a tad of overlap, but not enough that they should be considered interchangeable.
Morbid, of course, means "sullen, gloomy, depressed, dark, morose, gruesome, or grisly." Okay, I think you get the idea. When you pass an accident, you just have to look because of a morbid curiosity. You know you want to. We all do.
Moribund, however, means "on the verge of death or extinction." The bald eagle has long been considered a moribund species.
It never ceases to amaze me when I hear this used incorrectly. Broadcasters are notorious for this. I'm watching a professional football game, basketball game, etc. A certain team is having just a horrendous season -- bad coaching, team turmoil, hideous play. The announcer suddenly refers to the team as "a moribund franchise."
Unless everyone on the team is about to drop dead or the team will soon be extinct, it's the incorrect usage. I must admit, however, that is something I'd like to see.
Call me morbidly curious.
Morbid, of course, means "sullen, gloomy, depressed, dark, morose, gruesome, or grisly." Okay, I think you get the idea. When you pass an accident, you just have to look because of a morbid curiosity. You know you want to. We all do.
Moribund, however, means "on the verge of death or extinction." The bald eagle has long been considered a moribund species.
It never ceases to amaze me when I hear this used incorrectly. Broadcasters are notorious for this. I'm watching a professional football game, basketball game, etc. A certain team is having just a horrendous season -- bad coaching, team turmoil, hideous play. The announcer suddenly refers to the team as "a moribund franchise."
Unless everyone on the team is about to drop dead or the team will soon be extinct, it's the incorrect usage. I must admit, however, that is something I'd like to see.
Call me morbidly curious.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
nauseated/nauseous
Have you ever felt nauseous? That's interesting. Technically speaking, that's not even possible.
The difference between these two is a matter of semantics, really. If you're not feeling well, you're nauseated. The thing causing the sickness is nauseous. That could be a horrible smell or your brother. In some cases, those two could be interchangeable. Sorry.
I was nauseated by the nauseous smell emanating from the manure factory. I know they don't manufacture manure. It's just an example.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to think of another non-nauseous post for tomorrow that hopefully won't leave you nauseated.
The difference between these two is a matter of semantics, really. If you're not feeling well, you're nauseated. The thing causing the sickness is nauseous. That could be a horrible smell or your brother. In some cases, those two could be interchangeable. Sorry.
I was nauseated by the nauseous smell emanating from the manure factory. I know they don't manufacture manure. It's just an example.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to think of another non-nauseous post for tomorrow that hopefully won't leave you nauseated.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
discomfort/discomfit
Recently, dictionaries have come to accept these two as almost synonymous. Purists, however, disagree.
It should be fairly obvious (even to you) that discomfort refers to a mild pain or a slight uneasiness. Failing the test was very discomforting because he thought he had prepared well.
Well, what about discomfit? Glad you asked. This one actually means "a rout or a total defeat." Notice the difference? I thought so.
Now that you are aware of the difference, stop using them as synonyms.
It is discomforting to think that if you continue using these words interchangeably, their correct uses will become completely discomfited. You don't want that on your conscience, do you?
It should be fairly obvious (even to you) that discomfort refers to a mild pain or a slight uneasiness. Failing the test was very discomforting because he thought he had prepared well.
Well, what about discomfit? Glad you asked. This one actually means "a rout or a total defeat." Notice the difference? I thought so.
Now that you are aware of the difference, stop using them as synonyms.
It is discomforting to think that if you continue using these words interchangeably, their correct uses will become completely discomfited. You don't want that on your conscience, do you?
Friday, November 20, 2009
stationary/stationery
When you go to the gym, do you ride the stationary bike or the stationery bike? By the way, it's good that you're getting some exercise.
You're actually riding the stationary bike. This version of the word means "fixed, in one place, or not moving." When you're sitting at your desk working, you're stationary.
Stationery, with an "e," refers to paper, envelopes, etc. Do you know how I remember this one? The word "envelope" begins with an "e," so that's the version to use when referring to paper goods. Pretty nifty, huh?
As you can see, if you're riding a stationery bike, you're riding one made out of paper. I'm no expert, but I don't think you can get a good workout on a bike like that. It seems as though it would be kind of flimsy.
As I said, though, it's good that you're exercising. Keep it up. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
You're actually riding the stationary bike. This version of the word means "fixed, in one place, or not moving." When you're sitting at your desk working, you're stationary.
Stationery, with an "e," refers to paper, envelopes, etc. Do you know how I remember this one? The word "envelope" begins with an "e," so that's the version to use when referring to paper goods. Pretty nifty, huh?
As you can see, if you're riding a stationery bike, you're riding one made out of paper. I'm no expert, but I don't think you can get a good workout on a bike like that. It seems as though it would be kind of flimsy.
As I said, though, it's good that you're exercising. Keep it up. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
learn/teach
I know this distinction may seem overly obvious, but you'd be surprised at the number of students who have confused this pair. Amazing, I know.
To learn is the act of receiving knowledge. You can learn to ride a bike, learn how to bake a cake, learn how to tie your shoes, and learn the difference between these two words.
To teach is the act of giving knowledge. I can teach you all these grammar rules, teach you how to sew (but I don't know how), teach you how to fall out of a tree, and teach you nuclear fusion.
By the way, the past tense of learn is learned. It's not learnt, and the past tense of teach most certainly is not teached. It's, of course, taught. Go ahead and laugh. I've seen it firsthand.
Now, aren't you glad I learned you well today? I know it's incorrect. Just checking.
To learn is the act of receiving knowledge. You can learn to ride a bike, learn how to bake a cake, learn how to tie your shoes, and learn the difference between these two words.
To teach is the act of giving knowledge. I can teach you all these grammar rules, teach you how to sew (but I don't know how), teach you how to fall out of a tree, and teach you nuclear fusion.
By the way, the past tense of learn is learned. It's not learnt, and the past tense of teach most certainly is not teached. It's, of course, taught. Go ahead and laugh. I've seen it firsthand.
Now, aren't you glad I learned you well today? I know it's incorrect. Just checking.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
flounder/founder
You've undoubtedly heard of flounder, but founder is one of those words you don't hear very often. Maybe because a lot of people don't know what it means. Well, I'm here to change that.
If you flounder, you stumble or flail around like a fish on a pier. Speaking of fish, a flounder is a type of fish, but we're referring to it here as a verb. Since it was his first time on skates, John floundered all over the ice.
You can also founder, but you probably don't want to do that. Foundering isn't a good thing since it means "to fail miserably." Given the current state of the economy, many businesses unfortunately are foundering.
I guess since John floundered all over the ice, he foundered at his first attempt at skating. Don't worry, though. He'll get better.
Did you ever notice that there seems to be a disproportionate number of guys named John who can't skate? All right, you got me. I made that one up.
If you flounder, you stumble or flail around like a fish on a pier. Speaking of fish, a flounder is a type of fish, but we're referring to it here as a verb. Since it was his first time on skates, John floundered all over the ice.
You can also founder, but you probably don't want to do that. Foundering isn't a good thing since it means "to fail miserably." Given the current state of the economy, many businesses unfortunately are foundering.
I guess since John floundered all over the ice, he foundered at his first attempt at skating. Don't worry, though. He'll get better.
Did you ever notice that there seems to be a disproportionate number of guys named John who can't skate? All right, you got me. I made that one up.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
principal/principle
Let's make this one short and sweet. I'm a little behind today, so time is at a premium. Don't get so upset. I'm not blaming you. Geez!
The word principal means "the highest or most important." What is your principal argument? This is my principal reason for not going. I still see my middle school principal every once in a while. Do you remember the way you were taught this one? The principal is your pal. Hokey I know, but it works.
A principle is a basic truth or law. Chivalry was the principle all knights followed during the Middle Ages. I love King Arthur tales, don't you?
Now that you know the difference, your principal goal should be to not forget, which would obviously compromise your principles.
I don't know what that means either.
The word principal means "the highest or most important." What is your principal argument? This is my principal reason for not going. I still see my middle school principal every once in a while. Do you remember the way you were taught this one? The principal is your pal. Hokey I know, but it works.
A principle is a basic truth or law. Chivalry was the principle all knights followed during the Middle Ages. I love King Arthur tales, don't you?
Now that you know the difference, your principal goal should be to not forget, which would obviously compromise your principles.
I don't know what that means either.
Monday, November 16, 2009
capital/capitol/Capitol
I have a capital idea. Let's clarify the proper way to use this trio.
Capital refers to something that is "the best" or "the most important." You can have a capital letter, a state capital (as in a city), capital punishment, or, as in my case, a capital idea.
The word capitol (without a capital letter) is the actual building that houses the state legislature. Senators called an emergency meeting at the capitol in the capital city of Des Moines.
Then we have Capitol (with a capital letter). Yikes! I'm tired of saying capital, capitol, and Capitol. In this instance, we are referring to the building that houses the United States legislature in Washington, D.C.
Representative Smith left the Capitol to head back to the capitol building in the capital city of his home state.
Come to think of it, maybe this wasn't such a capital idea after all.
Capital refers to something that is "the best" or "the most important." You can have a capital letter, a state capital (as in a city), capital punishment, or, as in my case, a capital idea.
The word capitol (without a capital letter) is the actual building that houses the state legislature. Senators called an emergency meeting at the capitol in the capital city of Des Moines.
Then we have Capitol (with a capital letter). Yikes! I'm tired of saying capital, capitol, and Capitol. In this instance, we are referring to the building that houses the United States legislature in Washington, D.C.
Representative Smith left the Capitol to head back to the capitol building in the capital city of his home state.
Come to think of it, maybe this wasn't such a capital idea after all.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
avert/divert/revert
I'm just sitting here thinking how quickly this year is going. I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving. That means Christmas is just around the corner. Usually, I have my shopping done by now, but since I have to play grammar educator, I haven't had time. Thanks, everyone.
Now for today's lesson -- three words that sound similar but certainly aren't. To avert is to avoid something. The strike was averted when both sides agreed at the last minute.
To divert something or someone is to cause a temporary distraction. My attention was diverted by the blue, one-legged jaguar I saw out my kitchen window. He certainly didn't move very quickly. I'm not sure why he was blue. Anyway. . .
If you revert to something, you essentially go back to an earlier time. An adult who likes to play with toys is reverting to his or her childhood.
By the way, please do not use the phrase revert back. I hear that all the time. When you revert, you are going back. You people and your redundancies. . . I've addressed this before, and I'm sure I'll have to address it again.
Now for today's lesson -- three words that sound similar but certainly aren't. To avert is to avoid something. The strike was averted when both sides agreed at the last minute.
To divert something or someone is to cause a temporary distraction. My attention was diverted by the blue, one-legged jaguar I saw out my kitchen window. He certainly didn't move very quickly. I'm not sure why he was blue. Anyway. . .
If you revert to something, you essentially go back to an earlier time. An adult who likes to play with toys is reverting to his or her childhood.
By the way, please do not use the phrase revert back. I hear that all the time. When you revert, you are going back. You people and your redundancies. . . I've addressed this before, and I'm sure I'll have to address it again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
