Question: “In the following hypothetical example, is Dick considered a ‘trustee in trust,’ or only Sue? Example: ‘I, Tom, give my antique tractor to my son Dick, if he survives me, and if not, then to my daughter Sue, as trustee in trust for my grandson Harry.’” (Phil Pegram) Answer: Thanks for writing in, Phil. I like this question [...]
I had the peculiar fortune of hearing this cringe-worthy statement the other day: “I can’t drive over there right now. My boyfriend is loaning my car.” After my ears stopped bleeding, I realized that at least I had my column for this week. The problem we have before us is a person not educated on the difference between the words [...]
Question: “What are your thoughts about use of the (nonexistent) word ‘preventional’ on page 1 of Current in Carmel last week? It’s not in Webster’s app, at least not for iPhone.” (Becky Rainsberger, Carmel) Answer: Well Becky, to be honest I hadn’t had any thoughts about “preventional” prior to your question. Obviously, the word we’d expect there is “preventative,” or [...]
Question: “The most common grammatical error today, I feel, is the incorrect usage of ‘lay:’ people do not ‘lay’ out in the sun; I cannot go to my bedroom to ‘lay’ down; an article of jewelry cannot ‘lay’ perfectly on someone’s neck; and murder victims are not ‘laying’ on the ground. In the first three examples, the correct verb is ‘lie,’ and the [...]
Question: That was good stuff on the “that,” “who,” “whom” topic. How about a follow-up on the distinction between “that” and “which?” (Patti Hauck) Answer: Thanks for writing in, Patti. Happy to oblige. Much like the rule for choosing between “that” and “who/whom,” the “that/which” rule can be a simple one to master, once you get the hang of it. [...]
Question: “I have two grammatical questions. Which is correct: “almost always” or “most always?” It seems to be the new thing to say “most always.” I have always said “almost always” in a sentence. The second question is: “Graduate high school/college” or “graduate from high school/college.” I learned “graduate from high school/college.” (Donna Jelgerhuis, Westfield) Answer: Thanks for writing in, Donna. [...]
This week we’ll be talking about pronoun confusion; specifically between “that,” “who” and “whom.” Here’s a sample sentence to start us off: “The pirate that sunk my ship sailed off with my booty.” See the problem? While “that,” “who” and “whom” are all pronouns, they are used in very different situations. “That” should be used as a replacement for nouns [...]
Last week I wrote about the effects texting has had on common grammar errors. As it happens, this week’s column is inspired by a text as well. From time to time, a friend of mine who designs ads will double check grammar and spelling issues with me. I received this text from her this week: “Benefitting is never correct, right? [...]
Technologically speaking, texting is a marvel of the modern world. We’re all so familiar with it now, but try to view it from a fresh perspective for a moment. Texting allows us to instantly send our thoughts, and even images and short videos, across vast expanses of space in the blink of an eye to a recipient – almost no [...]
A Facebook friend recently posted a rant about grammar pet peeves. I immediately checked it out because, well, I’m not going to pass up free column ideas, am I? Near the top of her list was the misuse of “then” and “than.” She also claimed that Hoosiers are especially prone to this, as we don’t seem to be able to [...]
