The Grammar Geek

Okay, so I have to admit it, I’m a grammar geek.  I’ve gone so far as to tell a class of students that writing forms the basis of our civilization. But, really, if you think about it, this is true.  Scientists used to say that the only thing that separates us from the apes is our ability to use tools.  But then they discovered that apes use sticks to poke around in ant holes so they can obtain food.  Whoops. 

So what does separate us from the apes?  Language.  Words. And the ability to properly use words to form our language is called grammar.   If you look at any successful society, you will also find literate people who value their language.  I firmly believe that if we lose our knowledge of grammar and fall into the new techno language of texting and slang, we will go the way of the Romans.  Okay, I will now step off my soap box.  But not before adding that last week in school, I had to explain to a college Freshman why I took five points off his paper for using “u” instead of “you.” Alright, alright, I am officially off the soap box now.

So, in honor of my grammar geekness, I thought I’d use this page to post some basic grammar errors I see everyday.  Please feel free to send me grammar errors you find in your daily life.  Or if you have any grammar questions, I’d be happy to try and answer them.

PET PEEVE 1

IT’S Versus ITS

This is my biggest pet peeve.  I see this being misused every day.  I even saw it used incorrectly on CNN!  Simply put, IT’S means IT IS.  Only use IT’S when it would make sense to use IT IS. 

It’s cold out today.

I heard it’s going to rain today.

ITS means belonging to IT.  Only use ITS when you wish to show possession of a thing.

The umbrella lost its handle.

The TV is broken; check its manual to see to how to fix it.

The sunset is beautiful with its colors splashed across the sky.

PET PEEVE 2

a lot is TWO words.  It’s never written as alot. 

PET PEEVE 3

You will never need a comma before because.  Never.  Get over it.

PET PEEVE 4

A paragraph must be at least three to five sentences in order to be considered a paragraph.  This rule does not apply to web site writing, texting and email where visual space counts more. 

PET PEEVE 5

When using DRUG as a verb, please note that this means to put drugs in someone.  For example, “The girl who passed out was drugged by a stalker.”  You should never, ever use it when you want to describe the act of something or someone being dragged.  “The tired student dragged herself across campus to class.”    NOT   “The tired student drugged herself across campus to class.”  See the difference?

PET PEEVE 6

If you’re sending a formal letter to someone, add a colon after the salutation.

Dear Ms. Adams:

If you’re sending a letter to a friend, add a comma after the salutation.

Dear Molly,

PET PEEVE 7

There are only six reasons for ever using a comma.  So remember this rule WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT.  The six rules are: 

1)      to separate items in a series

2)      to set off introductory material

3)      on both sides of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence

4)      between two complete thoughts connected by and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet

5)      to set off direct quotations from the rest of a sentence

6)      for certain everyday material

More Pet Peeves to follow!