The Writing Life
But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. — James 3:8 (NASB)
As a writer, I make my living with words. I know how they can be used. They can comfort and uplift. They can praise and glorify God. They also can be knives against a whetstone.
“A writer should seriously consider the use of drawings, maps, and other nonword ways to make a point. Sometimes, no mot is juste.” – Francis Flaherty, The Elements of Story
Amount and number are both words that relate to quantity. The former refers to a singular item that can’t be counted. The latter requires a plural noun that can be counted. Let’s use stories to illustrate their use.
When are you supposed to use among or between? The answer lies in the number of people or things involved.
Some people say I write fast. I suppose I do, but sometimes…sometimes I write slow. The words eke out, slower than molasses poured from a jar.
Some time ago (but not in a galaxy far, far away), sometime, sometimes, and some time experienced an identity crisis. When was one word correct and not another?
[Read more…] about Write Right: Sometime, Sometimes, and Some Time