PROBLEM WORDS, PHRASES Flashcards
When do you use I versus me?
Use I when it is the subject of the sentence - a subjective pronoun. Use me when it is the object - an objective pronoun.
Which is correct and why? 1. John and you are invited to the party. 2. You and John are invited to the party.
2 is correct because all pronouns, and except I and me, come before the noun
Define: -affect as a noun -affect as a verb -effect as a noun -effect as a verb
Affect/noun: Affect/verb: Effect/noun: Effect/verb:
Define: Cardinal numbers v ordinal number v nominal number
Cardinal says how many Ordinal says what position Numeral says name
What is the difference between AFFECT AND EFFECT as verbs
Effect as a verb means to bring about. It usually shows up with nouns like “change” or “solutions.” Affect is usually a verb, and it means to impact or change. Effect is usually a noun
Epidemic versus pandemic
Epidemic refers to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected…. Pandemic refers to an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.
Concrete v cement
Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement Proper term is concrete sidewalk
Expiry or experation
Use expiry with British audiences and expiration with American audiences. Since expiry contains a Y, like the British town of Surrey, it should be easy to remember this usage distinction.
Lay versus lie
- ‘Lay’ Versus ‘Lie’ in the Present Tense First, we’ll do the easy part, which is the present tense. If you exclude the meaning “to tell an untruth” and just focus on the setting/reclining meaning of “lay” and “lie,” then the important distinction is that “lay” requires a direct object and “lie” does not. So you lie down on the sofa (no direct object), but you lay the book down on the table (the book is the direct object).
Mnemonic for lay versus lie
The way I remember is to think of the phrase “lay it on me.” You’re laying something (it, the direct object) on me. It’s a catchy, dorky, 1970s kind of phrase, so I can remember it and remember that it is correct. What’s that I hear, music in the background? I know I don’t normally play music, but I love Eric Clapton, and his song “Lay Down Sally” can actually help you remember the difference between “lay” and “lie” because he’s wrong.
Past tense and past party for lay and lie
Lie - lay - lain Lay - laid - laid
Problem- lie in the past tense
But then everything goes all haywire, because “lay” is the past tense of “lie.” It’s a nightmare! I tried and tried to come up with a mnemonic for this, but I couldn’t do it. Instead, I’ve made a table that you can print out from the website and tape up over your desk or in your notebook, because you just have to memorize this or look it up every time.
Use “lain” in a sentence
Steve has lain on the floor for days. The cat has lain in the mud for hours.
How to remember the difference between “who” and “whom.”
If you use “who” in a sentence, mentally substitute “he/she” to see if it makes sense. If you’d say “him/her,” use whom.
assure v ensure
To assure someone is to remove someone’s doubts.
To ensure something is to make sure it happens—to guarantee it.
