The letter “u” regularly acts as a best-supporting character. For example, it accompanies the letters “m,” “p,” and “q.” It often appears beside “n,” too, typically revealing a negative or opposing action: unhand, unconscionable, unappeased, unbelievable, et cetera, et cetera.
word nerds
Alphabet Adventure: O is for Onerous
During the holidays, everything aims to be cheerful and bright. Some tasks, however, remain onerous. They are burdens that must be accomplished to reach the joy of “decking the halls.”
Seating arrangements seem like a good example. You can seat your mother-in-law by a certain aunt but not by your mother or odd uncle. Even buying presents can become onerous. Consider, for instance, when you seek to buy a gift for that impossible-to-buy-for person. The holiday season becomes dreary, a landscape more suited to Ebenezer Scrooge than to you.
Fortunately, the letter “o” begins some words less bleak than onerous. They might not align with the festive season precisely, but they are fun. If nothing else, they offer a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. [Read more…] about Alphabet Adventure: O is for Onerous
Write Right’s List of Twelve Bookish Stocking Stuffers
If you’re frantically shopping for a final bookish gift or stocking stuffer, rejoice! Your book lover or word nerd will love any of the following twelve, budget-friendly items. (Each costs under $50.) Check this list once, maybe twice, when wanting to fill stockings with delightful treasures and hearts with mirth. [Read more…] about Write Right’s List of Twelve Bookish Stocking Stuffers
12 Christmas Gifts for Word Nerds
It’s that time of the year again. Christmas music is playing in all the stores; the scent of pine hangs in the air; people are starting to rush home with their treasures. (Okay, maybe that’s just me. I’m an early bird Christmas shopper.)
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers: Who Cares?
A few weeks ago, I wrote about misplaced modifiers. I used “misplaced modifiers” and “dangling modifiers” as synonyms; however, they are not synonyms. My friend Estella Ramirez explains.
There’s an old Groucho Marx joke that goes:
“I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don’t know.”
If you can get the joke, you can understand misplaced modifiers. The modifier here is “in my pajamas,” and well, the sensible thing to do would be to put that modifier next to “I” as in “In my pajamas, I shot an elephant.” It’s clear that Groucho’s wearing the pajamas. It’s clear, but not funny at all.
[Read more…] about Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers: Who Cares?