Melissa Maygrove

I feel like ranting about commas, so I'm doing that for Grammar Police today. Commas give lots of writers fits. I know this. The rules governing some commas make their use optional. I also know this . The problem is, I've seen a trend in fiction of eliminating commas as a way to streamline the prose — to the point it breaks rules and stumbles readers. Not a good idea. I agree that writers should avoid using unnecessary commas, especially in fast-paced scenes; but , for Pete's sake, don't take an indiscriminate hatchet to them! The English language needs commas. Let me repeat: The English language needs commas . Why?

Eminent vs Imminent Eminent (adj.) means high in rank or repute; prominent, distinguished; conspicuous; protruding. He is one of several eminent professors at the university . Imminent (adj.) means likely to occur at any moment; impending. The baby's head was crowning; birth was imminent . Fateful vs Faithful Fateful (adj.) means having great significance or consequences; disastrous; prophetic; ominous. Although often used to describe something dismal, a fateful day or event can be positive or negative . A pile of melted metal and charred wood stood as an eerie monument to that fateful day . Faithful (adj.) means reliable, trusted, true to one's word; true to fact, an original, accurate. Sue is a faithful member of our group. He gave a faithful account .  ### That's all for today. Thanks for visiting. :) 

Here's a quick and relevant usage lesson... Empathy vs Sympathy Empathy (n.) is an intellectual identification with another person's feelings, thoughts, or attitudes because one can relate to their situation. Sympathy (n.) means having a general compassion for; feeling sorry for.  And then there's s ympathies (n.), which means support or loyalty. I wish I knew where his sympathies lie . 

I hate change. I really do.  While processing a crit from my new CP, I discovered one of the many grammar lessons drilled into my head for most of my young life is no longer a rule. I'm speaking of the comma-before-too rule. I was always taught that anytime you're using too to mean also , you should put a comma before it (or commas around it if it comes in the middle of the sentence). According to the CMoS website Q&A , that's no longer true. From their site:

I came across an error while reading a published novel the other day, and (after I quit chuckling) I decided it was time to do a grammar post on hyphens . I had avoided this topic in the past because it is so complex. So, instead of trying to teach you every rule, I'm going to touch on a few, and then give you links to resources that will tackle the rest. I'm sure you've heard the joke: Commas save lives (Let's eat, Grandma. vs Let's eat Grandma.). Silly as it is, it impresses upon us how much a simple mark of punctuation can drastically alter the meaning of a sentence. The same goes for hyphens. The error that had me chuckling was this:

The following examples of bad writing came ( believe it or not ) from a publisher’s website. Their FAQ page was written in a conversational tone, but it had glaring errors that shouldn’t be there. Especially if the goal is to attract authors. And readers! Two mistakes involved ending sentences with a preposition. And, b efore you ask, I’m not going to name the site. Bashing them is not my purpose. Teaching proper grammar is.

I'm guest posting for Carol Kilgore, Under The Tiki Hut today. And she's guest posting for me. It's a blog swap! Here's Carol... When Melissa and I decided to switch blogs for a day, she asked if I would do a top ten grammar list, since Mondays are her normal Grammar Police days. I said sure. This was back in January. Remember that.

I'm still on blog hiatus. I'm just giving you wordsmiths a (pre-scheduled) fix of GPM to hold you over. ...That, and love is an appropriate theme for today. It may be tax day, but it's also my wedding anniversary. The hubster and I have been filing jointly for 18 years. :) Feelings for vs Feelings about If someone says they have feelings for you, they're basically saying they are falling in love with you. Feelings about something or someone can vary and be either positive or negative in nature. I have a bad feeling about this . Enamored of vs Enamored by Do you ever find yourself unsure of the proper preposition to use?  I do.

Announcements first!   I've decided to quit writing and shut down my blog.  I know. You weren't fooled for a moment, right?  Everyone knows it's April 1st. :P But seriously.  . . . No, really. Seriously . I've decided to go on a modified blog hiatus for most of this month and next month, too. I love interacting with you guys and I'll miss you bunches, but I need to finish my WIP before the kids get out of school for summer break. Don't worry. I'll still be around, making occasional visits and firing off a few posts. Just not as much as usual. (*gulp* Was that a cheer?  0_0) One more announcement — Carol Kilgore's book,   Solomon's Compass , releases tomorrow.  Congratulations, Carol! ### Alright , you impatient wordsmiths. Here's your weekly dose of GPM...

I’m going to break one of my own blogging rules and address a topic that has the potential to be inciting and controversial—common sayings that are potentially offensive. Therefore, let me begin this post by making it clear that I am discussing the following phrases and terms with the sole intent of making people aware of their origins . I mean no disrespect.

Indite vs Indict Indite (archaic) means to compose or write. Indict means to formally charge with a crime; to accuse of wrongdoing.

Gig vs Jig Gig (pronounced with a hard G) has many meanings. It can be a two-wheeled cart, an entertaining engagement, or a way to catch a fish or frogs (typically by spearing). Our band is playing a gig tomorrow night at the club . Jig , on the other hand, can be a fishing lure or a name for various types of equipment; but the definition that usually comes to mind is a lively dance. The old man got up and danced a jig when the fiddle started to play . Jam vs Jamb

I know you wordsmiths are here for your GPM fix, but bear with me. I have an important announcement first.  Nick Wilford got the Overcoming Adversity anthology produced in record time. It's already available for purchase! I hope you'll get yourself a copy and tell all your friends about it, too. Not only is there some wonderful content in this book, the proceeds from its sale benefit Nick's son.

If English usage flusters you, you're in the right place. :) Here's your weekly dose of GPM... Faze vs Phase Faze (verb) means to disturb or fluster. The news didn't faze him . Phase (n.) is a stage in a process — the phases of the moon . Rap vs. Wrapped vs Rapt Rap (n. or verb) means to tap or strike sharply; a brisk strike or knock. Stop rapping on the door . You'll wake the baby . Wrapped (verb) refers to being enclosed in something. Sally wrapped the package in colorful paper . Rapt (adj.) means deeply engrossed; captivated. The children watched the magician with rapt attention . ### For a linked list of all the GPM posts, click here . As always, Thanks for stopping by. :)

Hearty vs Hardy Yikes. Gotta watch these two...   Hearty means cordial, jovial, exuberant, forceful, substantial— a hearty laugh; a hearty meal . Hardy means sturdy, strong, bold, daring— a hardy group of men . Heal vs Heel Heal (verb) means to restore health; to cure. Heel  means (n.) the back of the foot or (verb) to follow at one's heels. A doctor heals ; a dog heels . Currant vs Current A currant is a small, seedless raisin. Current means (adj.) belonging to the present; prevalent; customary— the current fad —or (n.) the flow of a body of water. Don't get caught in the river's current . ### As always, thanks for visiting. :)  

Don't let word usage dominate you. Get the upper hand! Envious vs Jealous   Someone who's envious  feels discontent due to coveting another person's wealth, success, etc. Someone who's jealous resents the other person for having these things.

Prepare  yourself  to  battle  more  commonly - confused  words... Dual vs Duel Dual is an adjective that means double; twofold. A duel is a prearranged fight between two people armed with deadly weapons.

Get your usage right and make them cheer! :)   Fawn vs Faun Fawn  can mean a young deer, a light-brown color, or to seek favor with servant-like demeanor — to fawn over.

This post has been a long time coming, but I finally got it done. Below are some grammar questions I've received over the last few months followed by the best answers I could find.

Announcements first! It's finally time to reveal the cover for  Carol Kilgore's new book! When U.S. Coast Guard Commander Taylor Campbell discovers her uncle’s drowning death was murder, she must determine the killer’s identity in order to prevent another murder. Jake Solomon’s job is to make sure Taylor isn’t the next victim. Mark your calendars. Release day is April 2nd. Carol Kilgore is an award-winning author of several published short stories and many essays and articles. Solomon’s Compass i s her second novel, a blend of mystery, suspense, and romance she calls Crime Fiction with a Kiss – a lways at least one crime; always a love story . Carol and her Coast Guard husband live in San Antonio, Texas, with two herding dogs that like nothing better than pack time on the patio.  You can find Carol here: website . blog . facebook . twitter . goodreads . amazon ### Now for GPM... Today, I'm addressing some comm...