The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter - it is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.
- Mark Twain
Most of the times we tend to forget the importance of grammar in written and spoken language. Although spoken language can be spared, but one needs to be very careful with written language. I, recently, learned some exciting and unknown rules of English grammar. All these are from two renowned books (thanks to my Director at Aptara who gave me these books to read) viz, Chicago Manual of Style and AMA Manual of Style.
# Who is used as a subject and Whom as an object.
# The word that introduces a restrictive clause, one that is essential to the meaning of the noun it describes. The word which introduces a nonrestrictive clause, one that adds more information but is not essential to the meaning. The word which is preceded by a comma.
#Some indefinite pronouns (eg, each, either, neither, one, no one, everyone, someone, nobody, everybody, somebody) always take singular verbs; some (eg, several, few, both, many) always take the plural; and some (eg, some, any, none, all, and most) may take either singular or plural. They use the singular verb when the pronoun refers to a singular word and the plural when the pronoun refers to a plural word, even when the noun is omitted.
#Either/or is used with only 2 comparators.
#The number/the total is singular and a number of/a total of is plural.
#The question mark,like the exclamation mark, is never combined with another question mark, exclamation mark, period, semicolon, or comma.
#Rhetorical questions, indirect or reported speech do not require a question mark.
#Clauses introduced by yet and so and subordinating conjunctions (eg, while, where, after, whereas) are preceded by a comma.
#Use comma to set off parenthetical words, phrases, questions, and other expressions that interrupt the continuity of a sentence, eg, therefore, moreover, on the other hand, of course, nevertheless, after all, consequently, however.
#Use a semicolon between main clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb (eg, also, besides, furthermore, then, however, thus, hence, indeed, yet) or a coordinating conjunction (eg, and, but, or, for, nor), if one of the clauses has internal punctuation or is considerably long.
#For clarity, use semicolons between items in a complex or lengthy enumeration withing a sentence or an enumeration that contains serial comma in at least one of the items listed.
#The colon is the strongest of the three marks, in comma, semicolon and colon, used to indicate a decided pause or break in thought. It separates 2 main clauses in which the second clause amplifies or explains the first.
# Where not to use a colon:
1. Do not use a colon if the sentence is continuous without it.
2. Avoid using a colon to separate a preposition from its object.
# Where to use a colon:
1. Use a colon to introduce a formal or extended quotation.
2. Use a colon to introduce an enumeration, especially after anticipatory phrasing such as thus, as follows, the following.
# Hyphens should be used only as an aid to the reader's understanding, primarily to avoid ambiguity.
# DO not use quotation marks when emphasizing a word, when using a non-English word, when mentioning a term as a term, or when defining a term. In all these cases, Italics are preferred.
# A word or phrase following so-called should NOT be enclosed in quotation marks.
# Common words used in a technical sense should BE placed in quotation marks.
# Do not use quotation marks with yes or no.
# Collective nouns may take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the word refers to the group as a unit or to its members as individuals.
# Association is the connection between two variables in which one does not necessarily cause the other. Relationship implies cause and effect.
# Can is used for ability or power to do something, may for permission to do it. A second meaning of may refers to likelihood or possibility.
# Comprise means to be composed of. The phrase comprised of is NEVER correct. ( I learned this at InfoPro...courtesy my Manager)
# Continual means to recur at regular and frequent intervals, continuous means to go on without pause or interruption.
# (This is one is TERRIFIC!) Disinterested and uninterested are NOT SYNONYMS. To be disinterested is to be unbiased or impartial; to be uninterested is to unconcerned, indifferent; or inattentive.
So, a judge who is disinterested is appreciated but one who is uninterested is not. :)
# eg - from Latin exempli gratia
ie - from Latin id rest
# Fewer and less are NOT interchangeable. Use fewer for number (individual persons or things) and less for volume or mass (indicating degree or value).
# To imply is to suggest or to indicate or express indirectly. To infer is to conclude or to draw conclusions from facts; statements, or indications.
# Euphemism - from the Greek eu, "good," and pheme, "voice".
# The words and phrases derived from other languages that have not become part of standard English should be italicized.
Sexist language, racist language, theistic language - all are typical of the policing languages of mastery, and cannot, do not, permit new knowledge or encourage the mutual exchange of ideas.
- Toni Morrison
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