I have begun questioning my usage of lay and lie, asking myself each time I use them if I'm using the correct one. Of course we know that lie is telling a mistruth, but what about when we're talking about something being horizontal? I've looked the usages up so many times that I thought I should share them with you. I mean, chances are I'm … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: When Grammar Makes You Nauseous
Sometimes you just have to write about vomit, or at least the potential for it. The difference between nauseous and nauseated is something I should have learned in college. I remember my student editor being upset when we used it incorrectly. I guess it was her pet peeve. I'm still not sure that I don't mix up the words when I'm speaking … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Into or In To
Into and in to may seem like the same word, but adding or deleting that single spacebar stroke makes a total difference in their meaning and, therefore, usage. Into is a preposition that indicates an action (motion) is happening. For example, A horse walked into a bar. In is a location or position. For example, The horse walked in to … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: How to Write Times
Time is something we write about frequently, yet many of you may not know how to refer to it properly in your writing. The Associated Press Stylebook has specific rules on how to write about time. You should use figures except for noon and midnight, according to the AP. This is because the times for noon (12 p.m.) and midnight (12 a.m.) often … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Are You Using Used Correctly?
Wendy probably doesn't care if I'm using use and used correctly in my text messages. Ok, she's kind of a word nerd like me, so she may care a bit, but I don't think she'd be judgey about it. Despite that, I've found myself pausing several times during our text conversations to figure out if I should be writing that I use to do something or I … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Compliment or Complement?
Every now and then I see people writing about a grammar peeve and I wonder if I'm making the mistake. That's how I felt about compliment vs. complement, so I thought it was worth addressing here. I'm pretty sure I know the difference in the words and have been using them correctly. But, just in case we're making mistakes, here's the … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Each Other vs. One Another
I've actually found myself wondering about this one lately. Is it one another or each other? As in, "they are helping one another" or "they are helping each other." The answer is one another if more than two of something are being discussed. You use each other if it's only two. So, they are helping each other. Now go forth and use words … [Read more...]