Good Stuff
Quote of the Day
He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that.
-John Stuart Mill
-John Stuart Mill
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
For simple, clear writing, avoid using a long word if a short one will do.
- Buy–not purchase
- Start–not commence
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.