In each of the following examples, a complementary comma that provides closure for a parenthetical phrase is missing. Discussion after each sentence explains the problem, and a revision demonstrates the solution. 1. A-list actors, including Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, and Bill Murray provide the voices for CGI characters. If the sentence began with the actors’ … Read more
The Latin verb sequi, meaning “follow,” is the source of a diverse array of words pertaining to “going after” in one way or another. This post lists and defines the term’s descendants. Sequel, originally meaning “retinue” and later coming to mean “result,” came from a Latin term meaning “that which follows.” The dominant modern sense, … Read more
The phrases and expressions listed in this post pertain to lizards and other reptiles, usually with a pejorative or otherwise negative allusion that reflects the dim view many people have of such animals. 1. After a while, crocodile: A lighthearted response to the rhyming slang “See you later, alligator” 2. Crocodile tears: Hypocritical or insincere … Read more
Each of the following sentences includes a modifying phrase that confuses because it the statement is erroneously constructed or because the phrase is incorrectly located in the sentence. Recast the sentence so that the phrase properly modifies the part of the sentence it refers to. 1. Waiting for the rainstorm to pass through, the day … Read more
When a list of items in a sentence is not a simple matter of a, b, and c, writers can easily err in erroneously constructing the sentence, mangling the syntax in the mistaken belief that nonequivalent items are equivalent. Each of the sentences below presents a distinct problem with parallel structuring of lists, and the … Read more
Off and on frequently appear as prefixes, but word structure can vary: Should the prefix be hyphenated to the root word, or should the entire word be a closed compound? This post lists examples of such terms. Prefixed words, like compound words, go through an evolutionary process. Unlike as is the case with compounds, however, … Read more
Often, an incorrect form of punctuation is deployed to set off the introduction of a saying or a question from the quoted material itself. The following sentences demonstrate various errors related to this issue, and discussions and revisions explain the problem and illustrate one or more solutions. 1. The old saying, “What gets rewarded gets … Read more
This post discusses the words in which the element hind, pertaining to location or movement in or to the rear, appears. The adjective hind means “back” or “rear.” Hindbrain refers to the rear part of the brain. Hindquarters denotes the rear part of a four-legged animal, though the term is sometimes used informally in place … Read more
The Greek noun anthropos, meaning “male human being” or “man,” is the root of some familiar and not-so-familiar English words, which are listed and defined below. The best known of these are likely anthropology, which literally means “the study of humans” and refers to just that—especially in a cultural and social context (and, in a … Read more
In each sentence, choose the correct word from the pair of similar terms. (If both words possibly can be correct, choose the more plausible one.) 1. They didn’t realize that they were in __________ danger. a) imminent b) eminent 2. He __________ an example to illustrate his point. a) cited b) sited 3. Albany is … Read more
When do you capitalize a word or phrase that denotes an academic discipline? This post details the distinctions between these terms as proper nouns and as generic descriptions. If you’re writing a résumé or a biographical blurb for yourself or someone else, or editing one, or you’re otherwise referring to an academic discipline, begin one … Read more
The three sentences below demonstrate related syntactical errors: a misplaced adjective clause, a misplaced modifier, and a dangling participle, respectively. Discussion following each example explains the error, and a revision solves it. 1. Shortly after Smith spoke, Jones’s ruling was released, which was in favor of groups who say the state provides constitutionally inadequate mental … Read more