Gerund, you sly dog–Part 2: Example

Posted on December 6, 2016 by The dutty is "the ground," the foundation, the earth--just like words are part of the foundation on which I build my life.

Examples of a gerund, using the word growing.

gerund-infographic

 

 

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O Gerund, you sly dog!

Posted on December 4, 2016 by The dutty is "the ground," the foundation, the earth--just like words are part of the foundation on which I build my life.

What is a gerund? You’ve heard this term before; now here is an illustration to help you remember what it is. Look for examples in my next post. Stay tuned.

gerund-infographic2

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“…as well as” and “and”: One is not like the other

Posted on November 28, 2016 by The dutty is "the ground," the foundation, the earth--just like words are part of the foundation on which I build my life.
birds
 

How to use the phrase “as well as” can be confusing to many writers. If you don’t want to reword your sentence, here is the basic prescription for how to use the phrase.

Treat a pair of singular nouns, joined by “as well as” as one thing (singular). When a singular verb is meant (i.e., sounds better), use commas to set off the phrase “as well as.”

Example: An MBA degree, as well as professional experience, is the best qualification for administrators.

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When the plural verb is meant (i.e., sounds better), do not set off “as well as.”

Example: Professional experience as well as an MBA are the best qualifications for administrators.

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“as well as” serves a different purpose than “and” in a sentence.

The conjunction “and” is used when listing items that have something in common.

Example: The farmer raised chickens, cows, and pigs on his land.

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“as well as” is used to differentiate or emphasize one or more items on a list from a group of others.

Example: The farmer raised chickens, cows, and pigs, as well as soybeans on his land.

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How to review your own work when a proofreader is not available

Posted on November 15, 2016 by The dutty is "the ground," the foundation, the earth--just like words are part of the foundation on which I build my life.

woman-readingYou have to submit your paper at the end of the week and the proofreader called and said he just broke up with his girlfriend and is in no condition to work for a week. What can you do to get your work in shape when there’s no one else to help?

Read it yourself. Actually read it aloud. Read it as if you were reading to your editor or professor. Read it with passion you intended, using the intonation you imagine for it.

 

Reading aloud will help you review your work from a new angle

  • It is highly probable that you will catch several typos and grammatical errors.
  • You may discover that your approach is not convincing enough, and you need to add stronger words or include more examples.
  • You may want to change the flow of a few paragraphs to support your argument.

You may discover that this is a good habit to budget into your schedule, whether you have a proofreader or not. Take the time to read your work aloud. You will be surprised at the positive difference it will make.

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Word Usage: On using “among” and “between”

Posted on November 9, 2016 by The dutty is "the ground," the foundation, the earth--just like words are part of the foundation on which I build my life.

 

Question: When do you use “between” and when do you use “among”?

Use between to express group collaboration, whether there are two groups or more.

Example: The collaboration between the Universities of Shady Grove, Montgomery College, and Montgomery County Public Schools is very productive in terms of helping students succeed in college.

 

Also, use between to estimate a number in a group.

Example: Between 20 and 30 students gathered to sing.

 

There is another way to express an estimation of the number in a group:

Example: From three to six members may be chosen to perform.

 

Use among to talk about the members in one group.

Example: There is disagreement among the members of the choir about the colors that should represent the group.

 

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