Grammar – Jean's Writing

How to strengthen your writing

Published on April 11, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

By removing and replacing “distance verbs.”

We’ve all heard about too many adverbs, but another thing we need to watch for are verbs that put distance between the story and the reader.

Getting the reader to feel your character’s pain or joy is hard if you’ve used words that act as roadblocks.

Want to know which words put distance between character and reader?

Click and read the article below by Amy Rose Davis. She gives us a word list and a fix to pull the reader closer.

STRENGTHEN YOUR PROSE: DISTANCING VERBS by Amy Rose Davis

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW.

AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Pinterest

How to avoid writing like a newbie

Published on June 5, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Use the right word in the right place!

Know your Homophones!

Ah, English class 101. Ugh. Hated diagrams, homophones, spelling and confusing pitfalls of a word choice. All I wanted to do was read and write stories. You know, fun stuff.

But alas since I didn’t memorize all the hard stuff, refresher courses are required from time to time as the article by Melissa Donovan reminds me.

Melissa wrote a piece on the homophone compliment vs. complement. One letter (e) changes the entire meaning of the word.

To make our life a bit easier I’ve found a few links for homophones. Check these out below and bookmark them for the future. Because if you’re like me one day you’re gonna get caught with a homophone in the wrong hanging out in the wrong place.

PS:

I thank the Gods for Spell Check because I’m terrible at spelling. But, do remember Spell Check programs will not pick up on homophones because they are spelled correctly. So watch out for these pesky minefields.

As usual, meet me at the water cooler and tell me what’s on your mind.

Do you remember all lessons from your English classes?

If homophones aren’t your biggest problem, what does trip you up?

Click and read.

Homophones: Compliment vs. Complement by Melissa Donovan

List of Homophones

The world’s only complete homophone list

Grammarist

GOT A MINUTE? LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW.

AND DO STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Pinterest, Stumbleupon

Are you writing hyphens in the wrong way?

Published on February 16, 2018February 15, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Writing with hyphens can be tricky business.

As with the word was, hyphens is another Achilles heel. Sometimes I sprinkle hyphens about like scattering rose petals at a wedding. Too many!

Even some of the grammar programs disagree. But if you’ve ever published an ebook you’ll see what I mean. And a strayed hyphen can get left behind in print books too.

Hyphens can throw off the formatting until the reader becomes confused as to the meaning of the word. Don’t make the reader turn back pages to figure out what’s happening.

So what to do with compound words?

Hyphen or not to hyphen that is the question.

And the answer can be found in a terrific article by Connie J. Jasperson which is filled with lots of do’s, don’ts and tips. Plus, she provides extensive words to remember. This is a definite bookmark.

What did I learn about using hyphens?

Even when using “made up” words, tread carefully.
- Don’t use unless your make-believe world will explode without it. (Oops)
Single words and don’t need a hyphen.
- I have started checking the Urban Dictionary for help on some words.
Only use a hyphen to ensure the meaning of a word.
- Like, roundup as in a rodeo, or round up as in a review or the next highest round number
Some compounds are improvised to fulfill a specific need.
There are permanent compounds and temporary compounds. (Who knew.)
When in doubt leave it out. Unless…
- Your intended meaning is clear without the hyphen, leave it out.
Add special words and names to your manuscript style sheet.
- Especially made up words.
- This will help ensure consistency in your manuscript.
Oh, and a hyphen is not an En dash or an Em dash.

So much is packed in her article, I encourage you to click on her link and read the entire thing.

Hyphens #amwriting By Connie J. Jasperson

Do you use hyphens Willie-Nillie?

What do you think?

Is this all old stuff to you?

Keep reading, here is another article on using this little devil.

The Punctuation Guide, Hyphen

I HOPE YOU TAKE A MINUTE AND FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA, JUST CLICK ON THE BUTTONS BELOW. I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

What to do with old obsolete grammar rules?

Published on November 1, 2017October 26, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell28 Comments

Do we throw them out?

Or do we realize some rules are made to be broken?

Hooray! At last, a common sense post about what to do about hard and fast rules that make no sense in this day and time.

6 Old Grammar Rules That Are Finally Going Out of Style by KELLY GURNETT

I felt a kinship with Kelly and you will too. You may enjoy the workarounds she provides unless of course, you are one of the few Grammar Police left in the world. I hope you’ll set aside that red marker and reconsider after reading her post.

Here is my take on her 6 rules:

Ending sentences with a preposition.
- Guilty, but I didn’t know this rule was attributed to Winston Churchill
Starting sentences with a conjunction.
- Oh yes, guilty. This gem was apparently courtesy of teachers in the 19th century.
Sentence fragments.
- Now honestly, I write like I talk. And well…
Split infinities.
- This one drives me nuts. But what a relief, Kelly gives us permission to use as needed and explains why.
Who vs Whom
- I love her suggestions. Just avoid if unsure. But realize the word “whom” is for formal writing.
Pronouns.
- What about “they?” Turns out it’s not one but what else is a writer to use?