I was at the store the other day. As often happens with this particular store, only two checkout lanes were open, and the lines became ever lengthier. The store manager didn’t open new lanes; instead, she said, “If you have less than five items, you can check out at Guest Services.”
grammar
Write Right: Fragments
What’s in a fragment? Not a lot. A fragment usually is missing an essential item, such as a verb or a subject. A fragment, specifically a subordinate clause, simply could be missing its complete sentence counterpart (Poor thing. Play matchmaker and connect it immediately.).
Write Right: Prepositions
As a general rule, prepositions shouldn’t end sentences. It’s allowed in informal writing and conversation, but entirely too many people have abused the rule. One of those people is Jennifer Hudson, who has a single entitled “Where You At?”
Write Right: Split Infinitives
Split infinitives are like split lips or split ends. All three are bad, and all three require some work. Split ends require scissors and – I hope – a good hairstylist. Split lips need ice and maybe some stitches. Split infinitives? Split infinitives require editing, perhaps some ice but more likely scissors and glue (Cut and paste is a good friend to have.).
Write Right: Your versus You’re
The difference between “your” and “you’re” seems fairly self-evident, but they often are mistaken for each other. “Mistaken” may not be the correct word. I think the two words are misused because of auto-correct and a neglect to proofread one’s work prior to hitting send, publish, or share.
What is the Point of Write Right?
The point of Write Right is not to club people with grammar rules. It is not to discourage writers who either are new to the writing life or who are struggling to write for one reason or another. It is not to criticize poor writing for the sake of criticizing poor writing.