GRAMMARSTUFF

OK everyone. Today's Proof Positive lesson is actually a grammar lesson about adjectives. Check it out:

And as the mug explains on its reverse side, examples of adjectives include "cute," "funny," and "smart."

I have to say I'm very impressed with these adorable and grammatically correct products made available through the good people at www.grammarstuff.com. 

Mugs, plates and cards are what they offer so far ... perfect gifts for all the grammar enthusiasts in your life.  

PROOF POSITIVE • COMPLIMENTARY/COMPLEMENTARY

CORRECT: If you buy a sandwich, they will give you a complimentary bag of chips.

INCORRECT: The chair we bought is complimentary to the rest of the furniture in the room.

CORRECT: After you paint the circles in red, be sure to paint the other shapes in complementary colors.

INCORRECT: If you sign up for a subscription, you'll receive a complementary gift. 

PROOF POSITIVE • DASHES

Not all dashes are created equal. There is the regular short dash (that is created by pushing the key that exists in between the "0" key and the "=" key) which is known as the hyphen. The purpose of this shortest possible dash is to divide compound words.

The next dash that is slightly lengthier is called the en dash. On a Mac, the key command for creating an en dash is to push "option" and the hyphen key (I'm not sure if this is the same for a PC keyboard). The purpose of an en dash is to indicate ranges (e.g., a range of time, a range of dates). 

The longest dash is called the em dash. On a Mac, it is created by pushing the "shift" key, and the "option" key and the hyphen key. This dash is inserted to create a pause or to allow a sudden change in topic without having to use a period. Kind of like an ellipsis.

So there you have it. Three different dashes for three different occasions. 

PS: A great little resource book that helps explain this and other very valuable "proof positive" lessons in a clear and concise manner is titled The Mac is Not a Typewriter by Robin Williams. It was recommended to me by a graphic designer who was also very in tune with the details of grammar. I recommend it highly for anyone who writes anything on a regular basis.  

PROOF POSITIVE • EVERY DAY/EVERYDAY

CORRECT: I promise to write every day.

INCORRECT: I promise to write everyday.

CORRECT: My grandmother's diamond pendant is only for special occasions ... not for everyday wear.

INCORRECT: My grandmother's diamond pendant is only for special occasions ... not for every day wear. 

PROOF POSITIVE • YEARS

Matters related to grammar, punctuation and style are a big part of my life. "Proof Positive" will be a category where we review rules, explore styles, and share ways of remembering it all. When it comes to referring to a period of years like "1990s" or "1800s," it is incorrect to insert an apostrophe before the "s."

 

CORRECT: "I was a student during the 1990s."

INCORRECT: "I was a student during the 1990's."

When you abbreviate years, don't forget to use the apostrophe (rather than the single quote mark) right before the first number. And again, don't use the apostrophe before the "s."

DISCLAIMER: No one is perfect when it comes to grammar. And style is by definition — filled with subjectivity. I look forward to continually learning and refining my skills in grammar and style, and humbly offer these posts in the spirit of learning ... to inspire all of us to pay attention to our writing and in the process, strengthen how we communicate.