Grammar gripes of the month

[elderwitty]

Here's the thing. I love words. I love to push them and pull; stroke, throw, and play with them - until they mean exactly what I need them to. So it really jars me out of the moment when I'm reading and the wrong word is used. I sort of tense up for the rest of the story, waiting for the next word-shaped shoe to drop.

These are the three I've see most often lately. I wish I could go, author by author, and gently teach people the difference between what they meant and what they wrote. I don't seem to have the gentle touch (in writing, anyway) needed, so all I can do is post my frustration here and hope for the best.


reign in =/= control. This comes from the horse riding world. Rein - you know, like those things on a bridle. (See also "give free rein".)


discrete =/= on the down low. This is the one that inspired the homonym list. I'd be very discreet in my tutelage, I promise. :grin:


albeit =/= although. It is close, even if not precisely the same. I think that someone who knew how to use it correctly did, and then a bunch of people took it to mean 'although', and used it themselves not realizing it was a shade of meaning off.


That's it for now. I feel better.

Comments

Re: grammar gripes

[mackenziesmomma.livejournal.com]

Without reading the story, I can still tell you've made valid points.

And it's not like I just called it crap and walked away. I pointed out things she could have done instead (the punishment thing) to make it more 'believable'. She sent me back this big email (that I have since deleted accidentally but would share if I hadn't) about "Wah! WAH! WAH! Why don't you like it! You were always so nice! WHY DO YOU HATE ME?!" (Uhm...I didn't hate you until you sent me whiny email of whine)

Re: grammar gripes

[elderwitty]

It was at this point that you severed all contact with her, I hope?

Re: grammar gripes

[mackenziesmomma.livejournal.com]

Yes it was. Though because she writes Lorne fic (and for the MOST part its really good) I can't seem to stop myself from sekritly reading her stuff. *sighs*

Re: grammar gripes

[elderwitty]

As long as you don't engage with her, you should be pretty safe.

Re: grammar gripes

[mackenziesmomma.livejournal.com]

Yup. I go. I read. I leave. No comment. ;)

(also did you see the photos of me in the pink poofy dress on my LJ? :))

Re: grammar gripes

[elderwitty]

Good plan.

I have now. It is, indeed, very pink and poofy. You left out the sparkly, though. :D
It looks like you had a great time!

Re: grammar gripes

[mackenziesmomma.livejournal.com]

We're not discussing the sparkly. Not at all. (My car STILL has glitter in it. I fear I may never get rid of it.)

Totally had a blast. Was kind of funny as one of the ladies I ended up hanging out with was a sci fi nerd too.

Re: grammar gripes

[elderwitty]

Why the hell not?! Sparkly is good!! (Says the girl who doesn't wear jewelry on a daily basis, but still owns about 25 rhinestone necklaces and bracelets.) A little glitter is only going to do your car good!

We nerds are everywhere!

Re: grammar gripes

[mackenziesmomma.livejournal.com]

You met me. I'm about as far from a sparkle loving girl as you can get. (Seriously my daily wear is a pair of jeans, an AF football hoodie and some sneakers or hiking boots, paired with a ratty, oil covered baseball cap)

And yes we are, aren't we. There was also a Spock (who i totally Vulcan high-5'ed) and a Kirk (who I avoided because we ALL know his reputation) there as well. :)

Re: grammar gripes

[elderwitty]

Yes, and you've met me. Did you see what I was wearing? Other than my shirt having no hood, it's pretty much the same. Sparkles are not for everyday, but that doesn't mean that we can't enjoy them when they're around. Embrace the glitter!! :grin:

Funny!