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Common Grammar Pitfalls and Key Terms

Then vs. Than

  • Then

    • Functions as an adverb relating to time or to the next step in a sequence.
    • Signals chronological order or cause-and-effect progression.
    • Examples:
    • “First, I brushed my teeth, then I took a shower.”
    • “Read the instructions first. Then if you have questions, call our service representative.”
    • Significance: Misusing then can disrupt clarity about sequence or causality.

  • Than

    • Used strictly for comparison and never for time.
    • Examples:
    • “I’m taller than Judy.”
    • “Organic eggs cost more than factory-farm eggs.”
    • Practical tip: If you could substitute “next” or “after that,” the correct word is then; if you’re weighing two items against one another, the correct word is than.

Effect vs. Affect

  • Effect (noun)

    • Definition: The outcome, result, or consequence of an action.
    • Example: “What are the effects of pesticide use?”
    • Memory cue: Think of “cause and effect.”

  • Affect (verb … except in psychology)

    • General definition: To influence or to act upon something.
    • Examples:
    • “How did the drought affect your corn harvest?”
    • “Don’t let the weather affect your mood.”
    • Exception (psychology): Affect becomes a noun meaning emotional display or feeling state.
    • Example: “A symptom of schizophrenia is flat affect.”
    • Significance: Psychology is one of the very few contexts where affect is routinely used as a noun.

Grammar Checkers & Self-Editing

  • Automated tools will improve, but you should not rely on them blindly.
  • Test their limits: Paste excerpts from classic literature and observe the erroneous “fixes.”
  • URL referenced for online grammar resources:
    • http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/style-in-usage/free-online-grammar.html
  • Bottom line: “It’s up to you to master basic grammar.”
    • Know when to accept or reject a checker’s suggestion.

Reference Resources & Study Habits

  • Your computer is not a dictionary or grammar authority.
  • Consult:
    • Online dictionaries.
    • Grammar handbooks (until they’re “dog-eared”).
  • Keep a pocket notebook to jot down questions, answers, and observations about grammar and spelling.

Pausing for Punctuation

  • Strategy: Pause mentally each time you encounter—or fail to encounter—a punctuation mark (period, semicolon, comma, question mark, etc.).
  • Purpose: Reinforces understanding of sentence boundaries and rhythm, reducing run-ons and fragments.

Homonyms

  • “Homonym” is an umbrella term covering:

    • Homophones: Same sound, different meaning/spelling.

    • Etymology: “homo” (same) + “phone” (sound).

    • Examples:

      • “pair / pear”
      • “bear / bare”
      • “which / witch”
      • “sheer / shear” (contextual examples provided: “The sheer nylons flattered her legs.” vs. “The wind shear caused the plane to lose altitude.”)
      • Repeated tongue-in-cheek example: “Violators will be towed / Violators will be toad / Violators will be towed.”

    • Homographs: Same spelling, different meaning; pronunciation may or may not change.

    • Etymology: “homo” (same) + “graph” (write).

    • Examples (same pronunciation):

      • “I lie down to rest.” / “Never tell a lie.”

    • Examples (different pronunciation):

      • “She had a tear in her eye.” / “The high wind caused the sail to tear (rip).”

    • Resource link for more riddles and wordplay:

    • http://www.magickies.com/book/riddles/words.html

  • Practical implication: Homonym errors can drastically change meaning; always proofread for them.

Contractions & Apostrophes

  • Why contractions matter: They make prose conversational but are often misused.
  • Classic pitfall: it’s (it is) vs. its (possessive).

Apostrophe for Possession

  • Singular noun: add ’s even if word ends in s.
    • Examples:
    • “Terry’s face was clouded by confusion.”
    • “The monster’s teeth were long and green.”
    • “It was Sally’s fault.”
  • Plural noun: add apostrophe after the final s.
    • Examples:
    • “Several of the sailors’ jackets were damp with ocean spray.”
    • “While on vacation, the brothers’ common goal was meeting girls.”
  • Possessive pronouns (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) never take an apostrophe.
  • Indefinite pronouns use singular possession forms.
    • Example: “Somebody’s cat ate my mouse.”

Apostrophe for Omitted Letters (Contractions)

  • Applies even in hyphenated constructions.
    • Example (fragment in transcript): “Never do …” (full example not provided, but presumably something like “Never doin’ that again”).
  • Watch for misplaced apostrophes that create unintended contractions or plural errors.

Ethical & Practical Takeaways

  • Mastery of grammar is ultimately a personal responsibility; tools and resources support but cannot replace diligence.
  • Accurate word choice and punctuation affect credibility and clarity across academic, professional, and everyday communication.
  • Keeping reference materials handy and maintaining a self-generated question log accelerates long-term learning.