Since we all love Mondays and we all love Grammar and the minutes of writing, Mondays are hereafter dedicated to things we'd rather leave in the dark. Might as well start the week with a kick in the pants. I'll bring to you the mistakes I see all the time as an agent (or just a concerned English Major) and things I think writers should just know. Tips will range from first-grade knowledge of the English language, to Master's Degree.
Definitely vs Defiantly
I used to do this all the time. Thanks to Microsoft Word, my "definetly" was auto-corrected to "defiantly."
I see the switch on occasion in query letters and manuscripts, but most often on Facebook from my non-English major friends.
Definitions:
def·i·nite·ly/ˈdefənitlē/
| Adverb: |
- Without doubt (used for emphasis): "I will definitely be at the airport to meet you".
- In a definite manner; clearly.
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Definition for defiantly:
| Web definitions: |
| rebelliously: in a rebellious manner; "he rejected her words rebelliously". | | | | | | | | |
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Use it in a sentence:
Due to Sandra's gangreene, her leg would definitely have to be chopped off.
Sandra screamed defiantly as Tom held her down and I approached her with the sterilized saw.
Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!
Happy writing!
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3 comments:
One of my biggest pet peeves as a writer (and fellow English Major) is incorrect use of "who" vs. "that." When I see "Jane is a girl that..." It drives me absolutely crazy.
The two I always go back and check for are mixing up 'worst' and 'worse', as well as 'except' vs 'expect'
Curse auto correct! :) I wish I could blame all my typos on auto correct...
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