A Lesson from the Grammar Whore

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

AFFECT? EFFECT?
DEFINITELY? DEFIANTLY?
DISCREET? DISCRETE?

Here's a quick lesson to address three of the most common offenders of word misuse here & elsewhere around the web, & the world.

1) affect/effect

In MOST cases, 'affect' is a verb, and 'effect' is a noun. One is an action, the other is the RESULT of an action.

EXAMPLE: Too many drinks AFFECTED your judgement. The EFFECT of the alcohol was to impair your decision-making ability.

2) definite/defiant

This is a spell check/auto correct issue, because of the tendency to misspell 'DEFINATE'. A/C will default to DEFIANT. Two completely different words, completely different meanings. DEFiANT means uncooperative, noncompliant, resistant, rebellious, obstreporous, disobedient

Here are some SYNONYMS to definite: precise, exact, certain, sure, direct, conclusive.

EXAMPLE: I DEFINITELY wanted that person to shower more thoroughly; he DEFIANTLY claimed that he had taken a shower that morning.

3) discreet/discrete

Again, this is likely an error made by people assuming that 'discrete'/DISCREET are alternate spellings (like colour/color) or that DISCREET is the right adjective form of the noun DISCRETION.

discreet: inconspicuous, low-key, subtle, restrained, careful
discrete: separate, distinct, detached, disconnected, individual

EXAMPLE: Please be discreet when you see me in public. Many men keep a discrete hobbying phone to avoid problems at home.

;D Thus concludeth the lesson. If you find this helpful, I'm glad. If you don't, feel free to ignore all of the above!


Love, your favourite Grammar Whore

 

[islander1-1]

This one bugs me too. Too many words to mix up specifically two words together.. <Grin>

Another one that that is commonly mixed up is then and than.

I would rather see you then than now.

Good one Erica.. see you next Sunday we hope.

 

[Peyton Alexander]

One that I see consistently when perusing the hockey forums in my spare time is resign/re-sign, which always is good for a laugh since they are (in that context) opposite meanings.

Example:

Today the New York Rangers re-signed Alain Vigneault to a new contract.

vs.

This summer Patrick Roy resigned as Head Coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

This one bugs me too. Too many words to mix up specifically two words together.. <Grin>

Another one that that is commonly mixed up is then and than.

I would rather see you then than now.

Good one Erica.. see you next Sunday we hope.

Thanks for playing! THAN is a comparative conjunction: Better late THAN never (say that's clever!) THEN is an adverb that tells WHEN an action took place (mmemonic:THEN means WHEN!)

As to WHEN I might be in Victoria: look for me after the 9th some time! I would rather go sooner than then! ;D (see what I did there...) Damn real life for interfering with my getting laid again!

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

One that I see consistently when perusing the hockey forums in my spare time is resign/re-sign, which always is good for a laugh since they are (in that context) opposite meanings.

Example:

Today the New York Rangers re-signed Alain Vigneault to a new contract.

vs.

This summer Patrick Roy resigned as Head Coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

Yes! The mistake completely destroys the intended meaning. A+ & a gold star for the young woman!

 

[take8easy]

I would like to say it aloud, but am I allowed to?
I would like to advisee people to be more careful, but no one wants to take my advice. Normally I would accept that , except that these little mistakes irk me.

I am sure this could be a long thread so I should keep moving along.

 

[clu]

Nice to see someone trying to effect greater understanding on the topic. But then given your past as a teacher this affect isn't surprising.

 

[golferjohn]

two many are to used too using two/too/to incorrectly (that made my brain cramp)

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

I would like to say it aloud, but am I allowed to?
I would like to advisee people to be more careful, but no one wants to take my advice. Normally I would accept that , except that these little mistakes irk me.

I am sure this could be a long thread so I should keep moving along.

A gold star for you too!

Interesting aside. It is much more likely that those who make these mistakes are NOT English as a Second Language learners. Rather, they are native English speakers who likely were educated in Canadian public schools in the days of 'whole language'. The prevailing theory then was that if we ignored the rules of grammar & spelling, & simply immersed children in a learning environment that was RICH in examples of proper language content, they would ABSORB the rules of spelling & grammar. Instead, we educated a whole generation to believe that spelling didn't matter as long as spellcheck was working & that grammar & syntax didn't matter as long as you got your meaning across. ESL learners STUDY grammar rules in order to learn & master the language.

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

nice to see someone trying to effect greater understanding on the topic. But then given your past as a teacher this affect isn't surprising.

i just came in my panties so hard....

 

[golferjohn]

A gold star for you too!

Interesting aside. It is much more likely that those who make these mistakes are NOT English as a Second Language learners. Rather, they are native English speakers who likely were educated in Canadian public schools in the days of 'whole language'. The prevailing theory then was that if we ignored the rules of grammar & spelling, & simply immersed children in a learning environment that was RICH in examples of proper language content, they would ABSORB the rules of spelling & grammar. Instead, we educated a whole generation to believe that spelling didn't matter as long as spellcheck was working & that grammar & syntax didn't matter as long as you got your meaning across.

There off they're mark right their

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

two many are to used too using two/too/to incorrectly (that made my brain cramp)

Yes..I feel your pain.

 

[Peyton Alexander]

And oldie but definitely still a goodie.

 

[hankmoody]

i just came in my panties so hard....

LOL
I would have preferred a comma after panties. Just for the dramatic, effect??

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

And oldie but definitely still a goodie.

Hahahaha that's right up there with helping your uncle, Jack, off a horse.

 

[clarence1088]

Yes, I often notice spelling errors too. A Calgary escort loves ROLL playing. I imagine her rolling down a grassy hill and Im paying her $300 to watch. She like to please every man who comes THREW her door. After looking at my photos I hope you guys get a huge BONNER. Youre paying me ALLOT of money. And on it goes. Cheers,

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

There off they're mark right their

Nope their write ON there mark rite they're!

 

[tiger69]

Thank you teacher! Now allow me to go back to fantasizing about you quietly at my desk. LOL

 

[kes458]

A gold star for you too!

Interesting aside. It is much more likely that those who make these mistakes are NOT English as a Second Language learners. Rather, they are native English speakers who likely were educated in Canadian public schools in the days of 'whole language'. The prevailing theory then was that if we ignored the rules of grammar & spelling, & simply immersed children in a learning environment that was RICH in examples of proper language content, they would ABSORB the rules of spelling & grammar. Instead, we educated a whole generation to believe that spelling didn't matter as long as spellcheck was working & that grammar & syntax didn't matter as long as you got your meaning across. ESL learners STUDY grammar rules in order to learn & master the language.

Think you nailed the root of the problem there !

 

[badbadboy]

There off they're mark right their

Those make me cringe whenever I see them.

I have a P Eng in my group who randomly substitutes those words inappropriately. I had to ask he submits written client docs for approval before sending. Great Eng, can't use grammar for shit.