Good Stuff
Quote of the Day
Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Dear Jane
Dear Jane,
I don’t bother with some of the grammar or spelling rules that no-one cares about. If I write your or you’re, or to or too, or their or there, or let’s or lets, or it’s or its – who cares? People know what I mean, right? My supervisor said I need to take a class but I don’t think anyone cares about rules any more, do you?
Thanks,
Happy to be Wrong
Want to be a professional
Dear Happy,
Unfortunately, the people who read what you write are counting on the rules of grammar and spelling to guide them as to your meaning. If they have to pause and decipher what you’ve written, they might lose interest and stop reading. Also, if they think you disregard written rules they may wonder what other rules you disregard. You probably don’t want either of these things to happen. Ignoring rules of language may not be the place where you want to stake your independence.
Good luck,
Jane
Tip of the Day
Fun With Apostrophes
Use an apostrophe to show possession.
- This is Mylar’s office.
Use an apostrophe to show the omission of letters.
- We don’t (do not) go into his office.
Use an apostrophe to show the omission of numbers.
- No-one has been in his office since the ‘ 70s. (1970s)
Spotlight
Spotlight: Something as small as an apostrophe can cause changes in meaning. Knowing a few rules will help avoid trouble.
Apostrophe-
- Use the apostrophe to show possession: Hector’s meeting.
Use it even if the noun ends in ‘s’: Doris’s turn.
And even if the noun is plural: The children’s playground.
And even if the noun is plural AND ends in ‘s’: the Smiths’ house.
- We also use the apostrophe in contractions:
They have= they’ve; you are= you’re; can not=can’t.
Here are places where we do NOT use an apostrophe:
- Six dogs
- Your homework
- Lots of fun
You can do this. Call us at 202-298-7700 for help.