Apr 19, 2016 | Tuesday Tips
The tip this week was suggested by some reader friends. I’m always on the lookout for misused words and a great group of friends gave me a list. I might have Tuesday Tip suggestions for the rest of the year.
A peak means a maximum, to achieve a maximum, or to bring to a maximum.
A peek, means to glance quickly, or to look furtively.
Pique means to provoke or arouse, or to provoke resentment or indignation. It can also be a noun when referring to a feeling of resentment or indignation resulting from wounded pride.
Here’s a visual for a quick reference.
Mar 29, 2016 | Tuesday Tips
Earlier I posted a Tuesday Tip comparing Lay vs. Lie. I keep that handy graphic on my desktop so I can refer to it, and I refer to it often. Today’s tip is another common mistake I see all the time. Thanks to The Notebooking Fairy for the great illustration and easy explanation to differentiate between the two.
Mar 22, 2016 | Tuesday Tips
Last night I read a Facebook post written by a neighbor’s son. He recently spent a few years abroad speaking a foreign language exclusively and is now back home in the States. His post was political and religious in nature and well thought out for a 20-year-old young man. I’ve known him for years and was impressed with his thoughts. What made me laugh and shake my head was the first comment left for this young man. “Whether honey… not weather (sorry, can’t help but be a mom)” And to top it off, the comment wasn’t left by his mother. It got me thinking about how often I correct my own kids regarding their word usage. Is it a “mom” thing, a “teaching” thing or just a “grammar” thing? I’m not sure which but I’m hoping it’s a little bit of all three.
Regardless, today’s Tuesday Tip is in thanks to my neighbor’s Facebook post.
Use whether as a conjunction to introduce choices: Please tell us whether you would prefer steak or salmon for dinner.
Use weather when referring to the state of the atmosphere: The constantly changing springtime weather is driving us crazy.
Mar 15, 2016 | Tuesday Tips
I know this poem will help me not only with my work, but with my kids’ homework! Hopefully it will help you also.
Mar 8, 2016 | Tuesday Tips
In recent weeks we’ve talked about the overuse of the words said and look. Now let’s talk about very.
This word does little to help your readers understand the depth of emotion you’re trying to display. Instead of very tired, use exhausted. Instead of very happy, use elated.
Here is a list of words to replace your “very + adjective” choices with a more appropriate option.
Feb 16, 2016 | Tuesday Tips
I’ve been posting Tuesday Tips for more than two years. Of course, I’ve missed plenty of weeks in those two years. Looking back I’m shocked to discover I haven’t offered today’s Tuesday Tip before. It is one of the most misused and confused pair of words I find. And really, there is such a simple way to know which word to use in every situation. If you can substitute it is in the sentence, use it’s, if you can’t use its. Instead of offering definitions and examples, here is an easy visual to clear up the confusion. If it’s still too difficult to remember after seeing this, add the picture to your desktop so you can open it up and have a handy reminder right at your fingertips.
