Search found 172 matches

by Anja
Sat Nov 08, 2014 1:24 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Which and That?
Replies: 1
Views: 5676

Which and That?

When to use which or that making trouble for you? One easy rule is That is NECESSARY . Which is EXPENDABLE. If you want proper terminology... That is used in Restrictive Clauses. Which is used in Non-restrictive Clauses. In other words, if you can leave out the phrase without changing the meaning of...
by Anja
Fri Nov 07, 2014 11:02 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Lillian's Question about Commas
Replies: 1
Views: 6286

Lillian's Question about Commas

Lillian, First of all, it depends on the salutation. When addressing someone (or something) directly, their name is said to be in the VOCATIVE CASE. The name is ALWAYS set off in commas, even in the middle of a sentence. Here's your example sentences. Hi, Anne. I hope all is well. CORRECT Hi Anne. I...
by Anja
Fri Nov 07, 2014 2:46 pm
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer--CONTEMPORARY FICTION
Replies: 19
Views: 21362

Re: Be a Better Writer--CONTEMPORARY FICTION

Sibermom,

Another way to see how to write a story within the prescribed word count would be to read some of the Challenge's past entries, paying particular attention to Editor's Choice entries, which will have qualified on all counts for character and plot development.
by Anja
Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:43 am
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Misplaced Apostrophes
Replies: 5
Views: 8752

Re: Misplaced Apostrophes

"Its/it's" is next on my list.
I see it at least once a day, along with your's, their's, and her's.

Good rule, by the way. I like it.
by Anja
Thu Nov 06, 2014 3:51 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Let's Go!
Replies: 13
Views: 16783

Re: Let's Go!

I will cover commas a bite at a time. It can be unwieldy, and "commas" are part of why I have taken such a lengthy break from this forum. That, and apostrophes. :D As for "creative," I'm not sure about that. We are prone to using too many commas, and if you read much Brit Lit, th...
by Anja
Thu Nov 06, 2014 3:44 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Who or Whom?
Replies: 3
Views: 7294

Who or Whom?

Do we all know the different between the "subject" and the "object"? It will help clarify when to use "who" and "whom". The "subject" of a sentence is the one "doing the doing." The "object" of a sentence is the one "receivin...
by Anja
Thu Nov 06, 2014 3:26 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Lay or Lie?
Replies: 2
Views: 6640

Lay or Lie?

This is the most difficult of all the irregular verbs, and if Jan has trouble, we are in good company. Lay means to "set something down" or to "put something down." Therefore, lay and its forms MUST take an object. Simple present = lay(s) . The chickens lay four eggs. (Eggs = obj...
by Anja
Thu Nov 06, 2014 2:41 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Let's Go!
Replies: 13
Views: 16783

Re: Let's Go!

The one thing I ask is to be patient.
My life is a circus. A very fun and wonderful but very busy circus.

I will get to every question asked, but maybe not the day you ask.
by Anja
Thu Nov 06, 2014 2:35 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Learned or Learnt?
Replies: 0
Views: 5015

Learned or Learnt?

Which is correct, "learned" or "learnt," Melanie asked. BOTH are correct and acceptable. "Learnt" is traditionally British English. "Learned" is American English. Be aware that "learned" can also be used as an advective. "Learnt" cannot. I ...
by Anja
Thu Nov 06, 2014 1:23 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Misplaced Apostrophes
Replies: 5
Views: 8752

Misplaced Apostrophes

Almost every Thursday, we go to the local livestock auction market for lunch and to check cattle prices. The restrooms are labelled "HEIFER'S" and "STEER'S." I refuse to use the restroom, not because I am offended at being called a heifer, but because that apostrophe does not bel...
by Anja
Thu Nov 06, 2014 12:34 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Let's Go!
Replies: 13
Views: 16783

Let's Go!

If there is an interest, I would be more than willing to revive this forum. I do propose some minor changes, however. 1. I will KISS. That is, Keep It Simple, Stupid. Very short lessons, rather than long drawn out lectures. I don't have time. You don't have time. I will just post tidbits of correct ...
by Anja
Sat Nov 01, 2014 8:09 pm
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer--CONTEMPORARY FICTION
Replies: 19
Views: 21362

Re: Be a Better Writer--CONTEMPORARY FICTION

This genre is more alien to me than sci-fi or fantasy. I seldom, if ever, read contemporary fiction. I find it tedious and don't relate to it well. I think my thought process equates "contemporary" with "urban" or "technology." When and if I do write contemporary, it ha...
by Anja
Sun Oct 19, 2014 3:41 pm
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer -- SCIENCE FICTION
Replies: 33
Views: 27355

Re: Be a Better Writer -- SCIENCE FICTION

For many, many years, back in the last millennium, science fiction and fantasy were my favourite reading genres. Ray Bradbury, CS Lewis, and a pile of other authors. I read every book in every series from every author. Then I discovered historical fiction. I do not choose sci-fi/fantasy books, movie...
by Anja
Sun Sep 21, 2014 11:19 am
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer--WRITING IN DIFFERENT TENSES
Replies: 14
Views: 17233

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING IN DIFFERENT TENSES

Jan, it's been a few years since I read Angel Unaware , like 30+, so my memory is a little sketchy; it may even have been 2nd Present. It was written by Dale as an address to one of their children that died, a little girl. (They also had a son that died.) It was very intimate, as a broken-hearted mo...
by Anja
Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:37 pm
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer--WRITING IN DIFFERENT TENSES
Replies: 14
Views: 17233

Re: Be a Better Writer--WRITING IN DIFFERENT TENSES

I prefer to write 1st Present, and you mentioned two of the issues I have discovered with it. 1. It doesn't work as well in a child's voice. 2. Care must be taken to speak in the past, properly, when it IS the past. And then oddly, though it's my preferred writing choice, I don't care to read 1st Pr...

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