SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Which witch goes with Which?  Neither / Nor Me, myself, or I know: Grammar, usage, and Punctuation for Business WritingFriday, March 12, 2010
AgendaReview of Pop QuizBlood and Thunder – The Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation BeeWrap Up
Intervening PhrasesRemove the intervening phrase “as well as the students” to determine the verb “teacher”.The teacher, as well as the students, are/is expected to attend the presentation.is
Who - WhomNext word NOT verb or adverb – use WHOMNext word IS a verb or adverb – use WHORemember WHO for subjectsWhom for objectsJeff, Who/Whom the university is considering for the position, is out of town.Whom
Number UseTime, money, decimals, percents, fractions, and measurements are always written as numerals.The meteorologist called for a five / 5 % chance of rain.5
Pronoun in the middleBreak the sentence apart to see what makes sense:Janet likes to wear matching outfits.Her / She likes to wear matching outfits.Janet and her / she like to wear matching outfits.she
Compound SubjectTwo subjects combined with an ‘and’ make a compound.  Compounds require a plural verb.Jim’s house and barn  has / have been painted every year.have
Pronoun at the endFinish the thought to determine the better choice:Liz got a better grade on the follow-up test thanI did.Me did.Liz got a better grade on the follow-up test than I / me.I
Common MisuseAccept - To receiveExcept - To excludeHe accepted / excepted the diploma.accepted
Common MisuseAffect – to influenceEffect - resultThe storm had a negative affect / effect on road conditions.affect
Common MisuseFarther – physical distanceFurther – suggest degreeHow much farther / further is it until we get there?farther
Compound AdjectiveUse hyphens to indicate words combined to form a compound adjective.She is such a by the book person.She is such a by-the-book person.
Commas in a SeriesUse commas between items in a series.  The commas should go between each item – including items separated by an ‘and’.  Ask the administrator to order printer cartridges paper clips copier paper and pencils.Ask the administrator to order printer cartridges, paper clips, copier paper, and pencils.
Items in a Series With Internal CommasSemi-colons can link two independent phrases (those that have both a subject and verb) and commas separate items in a series.  The class was attended by Tom Phillips President Carmela Cataudella- Sanzone Director Human Resources and Ken Schneider Vice President of Product Management.The class was attended by Tom Phillips, President; Carmela Cataudella-Sanzone, Director Human Resources; and Ken Schneider, Vice President of Product Management.
ColonsLink complete and incomplete thoughts (only one has a subject and verb) with a colon.I have a great idea for a new membership incentive free cheese!I have a great idea for a new membership incentive: free cheese!
Introductory Dependant ClauseWhen an incomplete thought falls at the beginning of a sentence, separate it from the rest of the sentence with a comma.When I suggested your name for the position he agreed you were an excellent candidate.When I suggested your name for the position, he agreed you were an excellent candidate.
Compound SentencesTwo complete thoughts combined with a conjunctionFANBOYS - for – and – nor – but – or – yet – soI went to the class but I did not have a chance to study afterwards.I went to the class, but I did not have a chance to study afterwards.
A Grammar, Punctuation, and Useage Bee (Participants face off two at a time to call out the right answer.  Last student standing wins!)BLOOD AND THUNDER
Would you like less / fewer raisins in your cereal?fewerLess - small in amount or degree, used with jobs or indivisible massFewer - small in number, used with countable objects
All together / altogether now, gang, sing out!all togetherAll together - applied to people or things as a groupAltogether - Entirely
Abuse of the word ‘literally’, what she means to say is ‘figuratively’.What’s wrong in the bold sentences below?Kristen Stewart (of Twilight movie fame) A Web Log:The moment Weitz was hired, he was thrown into the debate about whether Lautner should reprise his role as Jacob. Was this eager young actor right for such a steep character arc, and able to transform from wide-eyed boy to beastly monster? ”If there was one thing that we were petrified of, going into New Moon, it was the casting decision of Jacob,” says Godfrey. The filmmakers eventually tapped Lautner again, partly because he had a fan not just in Weitz but in Kristen Stewart. ”It’s completely understandable why they wanted to make sure he was right,” says the actress, 19. ”He was so young, 16, so I got it. But I knew he had [to do] it. Just because of how I felt around him. I literally saw Jacob in him.” And how did the Bella-Jacob chemistry play out on set? ”We have that relationship,” she says. ”It’s lamely cute. I love that kid. I would do anything for him. I would kill for him, literally.
Frank’s illusions / allusions to past mistakes began to offend his boss.allusionsIllusions – a perception, perceived different from realityAllusions - Indirect references
Her matching purse was the perfect compliment / complement to her shoes.complementCompliment - Give expression of praise or admirationComplement - To complete
I fought the monkey and won ; / . Also I never kiss rats on the mouth..Use a semi-colons when you want to form a bond between two clauses that are related or that you’d like to contrast.
A jury should be comprised of uninterested / disinterested parties.disinterestedDisinterested - Unbiased or impartialUninterested - Not interested or indifferent
Who’s the premiere / premier roller derby league in all the land?PremierPremiere – opening nightPremier – Eminent or important
The boys waited in line, riding the swing and pushing alternately / alternatively.alternatelyAlternately - In turn, one after anotherAlternatively - On the other hand
Use apostrophes to indicate possession, not plurals.What’s wrong in this photo?
It’s wise to stay a discreet / discrete distance from angry bulls when wearing red.DiscreetDiscreet - Prudent, circumspect, modestDiscrete - Separate or individually distinct
Tom, whom / who we all think of as a winner, was left out of the awards ceremony.WhomUse ‘Who’ when the next word is a verb or adverb.Use ‘Whom’ when the next word is not a verb or adverb.
We traveled 4 / four –miles in 24 / twenty-four hours.424Ten or lower – write out the number11 or higher – use numeralsIf there are conflicting rules in one sentence, make them both numerals
Caution Wet FloorWhat should this photo say?
We need to be much more customer friendly, / ; it will increase good will.;Use a semi-colon to link two independent phrases (both have subject and verb)
Please forward this check to Finance / finance.financeCapitalize proper names, for instance, Finance Department.
Politics is/are my favorite subject.isIf you can’t eliminate the “s”, it is a singular collective noun, so use the singular.
I could of / have gone to the movies Saturday.have‘Could of’ is a result of phoenetic spelling of the contraction ‘could have’ and is incorrect.
Quotation marks are used for quotation, irony, title or to imply unusual usage – none of which are the case here.What’s wrong in the photo?
My aunt’s reptilian gaze is unsettling, / ; so I have no desire to look into her eyes.,Don’t use a semi-colon with a conjunction (For – And – Not – But – Or – Yet - So) even to join two independent clauses.
Come toward / towards the light.TowardTowards is not a word in American English.
Wrap upWhat else may you need help with concerning professional writing?What one or two things are you taking with you from the class and follow-up?

More Related Content

PPT
8 parts of speech complete
PPT
Parts Of Speech And Sentence Structure Notes
PPT
Adverbs
PPTX
Chapter 4 – using adjectives and adverbs correctly 12 grade
PPS
PARTS OF SPEECH
PPT
English grammar by Dr.Larik for MBA Students
PPTX
Parts of speech
PPTX
GMAT Sentence Correction Handbook (3/5)
8 parts of speech complete
Parts Of Speech And Sentence Structure Notes
Adverbs
Chapter 4 – using adjectives and adverbs correctly 12 grade
PARTS OF SPEECH
English grammar by Dr.Larik for MBA Students
Parts of speech
GMAT Sentence Correction Handbook (3/5)

What's hot (20)

PPTX
GMAT Sentence Correction Handbook (5/5)
PPTX
Understanding Adjectives- the ornament of English language
ODP
English Improvement For Competitive Examinations And Aptitude Tests
PPTX
Parts of Speech Practice
PPT
Parts-of-speech
PPTX
The parts of speech
PPTX
Basics of-english-grammar
PPT
Relationships workshop
PPTX
Adjectives
PPT
8 Parts of Speech PowerPoint
PPTX
GMAT Sentence Correction Handbook (1/5)
PPTX
Adjective presentation
PPTX
The parts of a speech
PPT
Adjectives
PPTX
Writing concise sentences
PDF
Basic English Grammar
PPTX
Grammar class
PPT
Adjectives and adverbs
GMAT Sentence Correction Handbook (5/5)
Understanding Adjectives- the ornament of English language
English Improvement For Competitive Examinations And Aptitude Tests
Parts of Speech Practice
Parts-of-speech
The parts of speech
Basics of-english-grammar
Relationships workshop
Adjectives
8 Parts of Speech PowerPoint
GMAT Sentence Correction Handbook (1/5)
Adjective presentation
The parts of a speech
Adjectives
Writing concise sentences
Basic English Grammar
Grammar class
Adjectives and adverbs
Ad

Viewers also liked (20)

PPTX
Grammar and usage
PPTX
Chapter 7 Grammar And Usage Slideshow Format
PPT
Student Examples Of Grammar, Punctuation And Usage
PPTX
Punctuation in Academic Writing
PPT
Grammar and punctuation
PPT
Writing Mistakes
PPTX
English Grammar Test: Articles: the, a, an
PPT
Objective Testing (E Assessment Question)
PPTX
Objective test
PPTX
Types of test ( categories 2)
DOCX
Objective of testing
PDF
(Test your...) peter watcyn jones, jake allsop-test your grammar and usage fo...
PPTX
Writing objective items (Assessment of Learning 1)
PPTX
App slides
PPTX
Aces 2010 Presentation: Power of Proofreading
PDF
Why Test Language for Specific Purposes?
PPTX
Pro Pointers for Perfect Proofreading
PPTX
Crash course on grammar and common usage
PPT
Act notes on grammar and usage
Grammar and usage
Chapter 7 Grammar And Usage Slideshow Format
Student Examples Of Grammar, Punctuation And Usage
Punctuation in Academic Writing
Grammar and punctuation
Writing Mistakes
English Grammar Test: Articles: the, a, an
Objective Testing (E Assessment Question)
Objective test
Types of test ( categories 2)
Objective of testing
(Test your...) peter watcyn jones, jake allsop-test your grammar and usage fo...
Writing objective items (Assessment of Learning 1)
App slides
Aces 2010 Presentation: Power of Proofreading
Why Test Language for Specific Purposes?
Pro Pointers for Perfect Proofreading
Crash course on grammar and common usage
Act notes on grammar and usage
Ad

Similar to Grammar Usage And Punctuation (20)

PDF
New booklet colons, commas, and dashes 2018
PDF
Colons and Commas and Dashes, Oh, My!
PDF
787516413-Revision-Cheat-Sheets-English-Class-10_2.pdf
PPTX
Punctuation review
PPTX
Mn grammar 2
PPTX
PPTX
Professional Writing Training - Brief Overview
PPT
Common_Grammar_Mistakes.ppt
PPT
Common_Grammar_Mistakes.ppt
PPS
Joliver.punctuation
PPT
Punctuation marks and its uses examples.ppt
PPTX
Pretest (punctuation and capitalization)
PPTX
Punctuation: perios, commas, punctuation, aposthrope, dash etc
PPT
English Department
PPTX
Common_Grammar_Mistakes1.pptx
PPT
Semi-colons.ppt
PPTX
The Use of Punctuation
PPTX
Punctuation marks
PPT
The Parts Of Speech
PPTX
Punctuation ppt
New booklet colons, commas, and dashes 2018
Colons and Commas and Dashes, Oh, My!
787516413-Revision-Cheat-Sheets-English-Class-10_2.pdf
Punctuation review
Mn grammar 2
Professional Writing Training - Brief Overview
Common_Grammar_Mistakes.ppt
Common_Grammar_Mistakes.ppt
Joliver.punctuation
Punctuation marks and its uses examples.ppt
Pretest (punctuation and capitalization)
Punctuation: perios, commas, punctuation, aposthrope, dash etc
English Department
Common_Grammar_Mistakes1.pptx
Semi-colons.ppt
The Use of Punctuation
Punctuation marks
The Parts Of Speech
Punctuation ppt

Recently uploaded (20)

PPTX
Cell Structure & Organelles in detailed.
PDF
Computing-Curriculum for Schools in Ghana
PDF
A GUIDE TO GENETICS FOR UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS
PPTX
Final Presentation General Medicine 03-08-2024.pptx
PDF
RMMM.pdf make it easy to upload and study
PDF
A systematic review of self-coping strategies used by university students to ...
PPTX
Cell Types and Its function , kingdom of life
PPTX
master seminar digital applications in india
PDF
01-Introduction-to-Information-Management.pdf
PPTX
Orientation - ARALprogram of Deped to the Parents.pptx
PDF
grade 11-chemistry_fetena_net_5883.pdf teacher guide for all student
PDF
VCE English Exam - Section C Student Revision Booklet
PDF
Chapter 2 Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth.pdf
DOC
Soft-furnishing-By-Architect-A.F.M.Mohiuddin-Akhand.doc
PDF
Module 4: Burden of Disease Tutorial Slides S2 2025
PPTX
Microbial diseases, their pathogenesis and prophylaxis
PDF
Supply Chain Operations Speaking Notes -ICLT Program
PDF
FourierSeries-QuestionsWithAnswers(Part-A).pdf
PPTX
human mycosis Human fungal infections are called human mycosis..pptx
PPTX
Final Presentation General Medicine 03-08-2024.pptx
Cell Structure & Organelles in detailed.
Computing-Curriculum for Schools in Ghana
A GUIDE TO GENETICS FOR UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS
Final Presentation General Medicine 03-08-2024.pptx
RMMM.pdf make it easy to upload and study
A systematic review of self-coping strategies used by university students to ...
Cell Types and Its function , kingdom of life
master seminar digital applications in india
01-Introduction-to-Information-Management.pdf
Orientation - ARALprogram of Deped to the Parents.pptx
grade 11-chemistry_fetena_net_5883.pdf teacher guide for all student
VCE English Exam - Section C Student Revision Booklet
Chapter 2 Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth.pdf
Soft-furnishing-By-Architect-A.F.M.Mohiuddin-Akhand.doc
Module 4: Burden of Disease Tutorial Slides S2 2025
Microbial diseases, their pathogenesis and prophylaxis
Supply Chain Operations Speaking Notes -ICLT Program
FourierSeries-QuestionsWithAnswers(Part-A).pdf
human mycosis Human fungal infections are called human mycosis..pptx
Final Presentation General Medicine 03-08-2024.pptx

Grammar Usage And Punctuation

  • 1. Which witch goes with Which? Neither / Nor Me, myself, or I know: Grammar, usage, and Punctuation for Business WritingFriday, March 12, 2010
  • 2. AgendaReview of Pop QuizBlood and Thunder – The Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation BeeWrap Up
  • 3. Intervening PhrasesRemove the intervening phrase “as well as the students” to determine the verb “teacher”.The teacher, as well as the students, are/is expected to attend the presentation.is
  • 4. Who - WhomNext word NOT verb or adverb – use WHOMNext word IS a verb or adverb – use WHORemember WHO for subjectsWhom for objectsJeff, Who/Whom the university is considering for the position, is out of town.Whom
  • 5. Number UseTime, money, decimals, percents, fractions, and measurements are always written as numerals.The meteorologist called for a five / 5 % chance of rain.5
  • 6. Pronoun in the middleBreak the sentence apart to see what makes sense:Janet likes to wear matching outfits.Her / She likes to wear matching outfits.Janet and her / she like to wear matching outfits.she
  • 7. Compound SubjectTwo subjects combined with an ‘and’ make a compound. Compounds require a plural verb.Jim’s house and barn has / have been painted every year.have
  • 8. Pronoun at the endFinish the thought to determine the better choice:Liz got a better grade on the follow-up test thanI did.Me did.Liz got a better grade on the follow-up test than I / me.I
  • 9. Common MisuseAccept - To receiveExcept - To excludeHe accepted / excepted the diploma.accepted
  • 10. Common MisuseAffect – to influenceEffect - resultThe storm had a negative affect / effect on road conditions.affect
  • 11. Common MisuseFarther – physical distanceFurther – suggest degreeHow much farther / further is it until we get there?farther
  • 12. Compound AdjectiveUse hyphens to indicate words combined to form a compound adjective.She is such a by the book person.She is such a by-the-book person.
  • 13. Commas in a SeriesUse commas between items in a series. The commas should go between each item – including items separated by an ‘and’. Ask the administrator to order printer cartridges paper clips copier paper and pencils.Ask the administrator to order printer cartridges, paper clips, copier paper, and pencils.
  • 14. Items in a Series With Internal CommasSemi-colons can link two independent phrases (those that have both a subject and verb) and commas separate items in a series. The class was attended by Tom Phillips President Carmela Cataudella- Sanzone Director Human Resources and Ken Schneider Vice President of Product Management.The class was attended by Tom Phillips, President; Carmela Cataudella-Sanzone, Director Human Resources; and Ken Schneider, Vice President of Product Management.
  • 15. ColonsLink complete and incomplete thoughts (only one has a subject and verb) with a colon.I have a great idea for a new membership incentive free cheese!I have a great idea for a new membership incentive: free cheese!
  • 16. Introductory Dependant ClauseWhen an incomplete thought falls at the beginning of a sentence, separate it from the rest of the sentence with a comma.When I suggested your name for the position he agreed you were an excellent candidate.When I suggested your name for the position, he agreed you were an excellent candidate.
  • 17. Compound SentencesTwo complete thoughts combined with a conjunctionFANBOYS - for – and – nor – but – or – yet – soI went to the class but I did not have a chance to study afterwards.I went to the class, but I did not have a chance to study afterwards.
  • 18. A Grammar, Punctuation, and Useage Bee (Participants face off two at a time to call out the right answer. Last student standing wins!)BLOOD AND THUNDER
  • 19. Would you like less / fewer raisins in your cereal?fewerLess - small in amount or degree, used with jobs or indivisible massFewer - small in number, used with countable objects
  • 20. All together / altogether now, gang, sing out!all togetherAll together - applied to people or things as a groupAltogether - Entirely
  • 21. Abuse of the word ‘literally’, what she means to say is ‘figuratively’.What’s wrong in the bold sentences below?Kristen Stewart (of Twilight movie fame) A Web Log:The moment Weitz was hired, he was thrown into the debate about whether Lautner should reprise his role as Jacob. Was this eager young actor right for such a steep character arc, and able to transform from wide-eyed boy to beastly monster? ”If there was one thing that we were petrified of, going into New Moon, it was the casting decision of Jacob,” says Godfrey. The filmmakers eventually tapped Lautner again, partly because he had a fan not just in Weitz but in Kristen Stewart. ”It’s completely understandable why they wanted to make sure he was right,” says the actress, 19. ”He was so young, 16, so I got it. But I knew he had [to do] it. Just because of how I felt around him. I literally saw Jacob in him.” And how did the Bella-Jacob chemistry play out on set? ”We have that relationship,” she says. ”It’s lamely cute. I love that kid. I would do anything for him. I would kill for him, literally.
  • 22. Frank’s illusions / allusions to past mistakes began to offend his boss.allusionsIllusions – a perception, perceived different from realityAllusions - Indirect references
  • 23. Her matching purse was the perfect compliment / complement to her shoes.complementCompliment - Give expression of praise or admirationComplement - To complete
  • 24. I fought the monkey and won ; / . Also I never kiss rats on the mouth..Use a semi-colons when you want to form a bond between two clauses that are related or that you’d like to contrast.
  • 25. A jury should be comprised of uninterested / disinterested parties.disinterestedDisinterested - Unbiased or impartialUninterested - Not interested or indifferent
  • 26. Who’s the premiere / premier roller derby league in all the land?PremierPremiere – opening nightPremier – Eminent or important
  • 27. The boys waited in line, riding the swing and pushing alternately / alternatively.alternatelyAlternately - In turn, one after anotherAlternatively - On the other hand
  • 28. Use apostrophes to indicate possession, not plurals.What’s wrong in this photo?
  • 29. It’s wise to stay a discreet / discrete distance from angry bulls when wearing red.DiscreetDiscreet - Prudent, circumspect, modestDiscrete - Separate or individually distinct
  • 30. Tom, whom / who we all think of as a winner, was left out of the awards ceremony.WhomUse ‘Who’ when the next word is a verb or adverb.Use ‘Whom’ when the next word is not a verb or adverb.
  • 31. We traveled 4 / four –miles in 24 / twenty-four hours.424Ten or lower – write out the number11 or higher – use numeralsIf there are conflicting rules in one sentence, make them both numerals
  • 32. Caution Wet FloorWhat should this photo say?
  • 33. We need to be much more customer friendly, / ; it will increase good will.;Use a semi-colon to link two independent phrases (both have subject and verb)
  • 34. Please forward this check to Finance / finance.financeCapitalize proper names, for instance, Finance Department.
  • 35. Politics is/are my favorite subject.isIf you can’t eliminate the “s”, it is a singular collective noun, so use the singular.
  • 36. I could of / have gone to the movies Saturday.have‘Could of’ is a result of phoenetic spelling of the contraction ‘could have’ and is incorrect.
  • 37. Quotation marks are used for quotation, irony, title or to imply unusual usage – none of which are the case here.What’s wrong in the photo?
  • 38. My aunt’s reptilian gaze is unsettling, / ; so I have no desire to look into her eyes.,Don’t use a semi-colon with a conjunction (For – And – Not – But – Or – Yet - So) even to join two independent clauses.
  • 39. Come toward / towards the light.TowardTowards is not a word in American English.
  • 40. Wrap upWhat else may you need help with concerning professional writing?What one or two things are you taking with you from the class and follow-up?