I confess: I stopped reading a blog post the other day because the author wrote “could of” instead of “could have.” It’s one of those errors that stops me in my tracks. The part of me that is an ultra-critical editor comes to the fore. It begins to nitpick other small errors in a post. I usually decide I have had enough of my critical sensibilities and leave a post before I can become unreasonably irate.
words
Write Right: Anxious or Eager
The other day, I read that someone was anxious to see Andrea Bocelli in concert. The word choice gave me pause. I only feel anxious when I have to see the dentist or the doctor. I do not feel anxious when I am going to see one of my favorite singers. I feel eager.
Write Right: Assure, Ensure, and Insure
I’ve surely used too many words with the “sure” sound. I know; bad joke. It helps to make a Write Right post easier to bear, though, doesn’t it?
Why I Dislike the Term “Grammar Nazi”
I am not a fan of the term “grammar Nazi.” I refuse to use it in reference to myself or others. The term may be meant as a jest, but I’m not sure that it is. It smarts just a little too much. Even if it is a jest, it’s not a flattering one. I know I joke about wielding a red pen, but such jokes are meant in good fun. No one gets hurt when I say I wield a red pen. While I am serious about writing better and encouraging others to write better, I’m equally serious about poking fun at my own obsessive-compulsive behavior when it comes to finding the right word or punctuation mark.
The Two Best Words
The two best words, albeit the hardest ones to say, are “I’m sorry.” It’s difficult to let the two words stand on their own. The temptation is to offer an explanation or to attempt to justify one’s actions.