It seems almost medieval when even a discussion today of Middle Ages theology can provoke a global storm of protest and denunciation. While the two words are similar, “comprise” is used more like “contain.”Įxample 1: “The Pentateuch comprises Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.”Įxample 2: “The Pentateuch is composed of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.”Įxample 3: “Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy compose the Pentateuch.”Īll three sentences are correct, but a sentence using “comprised of” would not be.Rationalists should be roused but Muslims reassured by the pontiff’s words … The word I see most frequently misused by professional writers is “comprise.” Until I looked it up a couple of years ago, I too thought that “comprise” was interchangeable with “compose,” but it isn’t. However, I see them frequently employed by professional writers these days. I noticed you used “in between.” I was taught that double preposition constructions such as “in between” and “at around” were redundancies that should never be used in formal writing. But even that has a fairly easy fix, which I’ll leave for someone among this blog’s readers to reveal in the comments.ġ. I acknowledge that the above fixes won’t solve all of your problems. One more time: An apostrophe never makes a word plural. Say it again: An apostrophe never makes a word plural. Repeat after me: An apostrophe never makes a word plural. Or “Using Apostrophe’s Well.” Nopity nope nope. But one of the most egregious mistakes you can make is to try to make a word plural by using an apostrophe. You’re thinking that pluralized is a made-up word, like “un-contraction,” aren’t you? Well, look it up, smarty-pants. Come on, pay attention!) But the fix is pretty simple: Take out the words in between the subject (litter, isthmus) and verb (was/appeals). ( Did you do it? Did you read that sentence as “It is a minefield, to be sure?” If not, deduct fifty points. You did finish third grade, right? So maybe you remember problems like “A litter of kittens born in our backyard” and “The isthmus, with its many lakes and more than three hundred miles of trails, to hikers and sportsmen of all kinds.” It’s a minefield, to be sure. If “you are” doesn’t make sense in the phrase or sentence, write “your.” Again, you’re welcome. Whenever you see that apostrophe in “you’re,” un-contraction it. (I know I just made up a word, but just go with it.) In other words, whether you’re writing or proofreading, always pronounce “it’s” as “it is.” If “it is” doesn’t make sense in the phrase or sentence, guess what? It should be “its.” Every time. Whenever you see that apostrophe in “it’s,” un-contraction it. This should be so easy but even experienced, accomplished writers trip up on this one. One more time: Speakers imply, hearers infer. I would never imply otherwise, and I advise you not to infer anything else. Say it again: Speakers imply, hearers infer. Repeat after me: Speakers imply, hearers infer. Stay with me, and I’m hopeful that we can agree on easy fixes for five frequent faux pas. Because a few of the most common and embarrassing writer mistakes actually have easy fixes. But fear not, writer friend there’s hope. A few can even hinder a writer’s chances for publication. My wife reminds me often … with a strange sidelong glance that makes me wonder if-well, never mind.īut some mistakes are more costly than others.
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