Reading time: Less than 1 minute
This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help other writers. Today I discuss a blog post on grammar mistakes that even smart people make….
My parents rigorously correct my grammar when I was a youth. Thus, I have the benefit of knowing what “sounds” right, even if I don’t always know all the rules underlying those choices. I have continued the tradition with my own kids and with the students I know. But, not wanting to seem rude, I restrain myself when adults make flubs. Instead, I silently “grade” them on their education.
If you have ever wondered how your grammar stacks up, I have a great article you can read. Titled “43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make,” the piece appeared in Inc Magazine and was written by Christina Desmarais.
And which of these errors most resonates with me? The error that Desmarais cites as #4 on her list:
‘I’ as the last word in a sentence
This mistake is remarkably common, yet a correct example would be “Karlee talked with Brandon and me.” The trick to getting this one straight is to take the other person’s name out of the sentence and see if your personal pronoun choice still sounds right. “Karlee talked with I” is awkward and incorrect.
Thanks to my friend Greg who forwarded this useful link to me.
An earlier version of this post first appeared on my blog on Jan. 15/18.
