Quite vs. quiet
by Kate Asbury Larkin
Another one that sends me over the edge; two totally different words with very different meanings.
Quite is an adverb which (usually) means a little or a lot, but not completely.
Quiet can be an adjective a noun or a verb and it means making little or no noise.… Read More »
Definitely vs defiantly
by Kate Asbury Larkin
Mixing these up totally changes what you intended.
Definitely means in a clear and definite manner; unambiguously.
Defiantly means rebelliously; in a rebellious manner.
This is more of a spelling error and not so much a spoken one; get the spelling figured out and you’ve got this one. #thereisnoAindefiniteordefinitely… Read More »
by Kate Asbury Larkin
Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve
Could’ve, would’ve and should’ve are contractions of could have, would have and should have, respectively.
Never, and I do mean NEVER, should you say (or write) could of, would of or should of. I cannot think of a single time “of” would correctly follow could, would or should. Not a one.… Read More »
Note from Audra:
These colors are so much fun I’ve decided to give away a bottle of each!!! Just leave a comment with the color you like the most and I’ll pick a winner for every color next Friday. Hopefully all the bottles will have been delivered to me by then! I already have Less is Norse on my toes…it’s a great Wildcat Blue and Auburn Tiger Blue 🙂
By The Anonymous Aha!… Read More »
Aha! Style Editor
stylemoment@theahaconnection.com
I have so many books on my “to read” list and this one finally made it to the top of the list. I heard about it several years ago and I’m sad I didn’t take the time to read it sooner. This is one that I went back and forth between listening and reading….Kindle/Audible. I had to listen/read whenever I could find even 5 minutes! … Read More »
Passed vs. past
By Kate Asbury Larkin
Passed and past are often confused, but if you really think about it, they shouldn’t be.
Passed is the past tense (and past participial) of the verb “to pass.” “To pass” means to go forward, proceed, depart. This can mean to move forward in time, space or in action.… Read More »
First Annual
by Kate Asbury Larkin
There is no such thing as “first annual” for an inaugural event!
An event is not annual if it has not occurred in previous years. Period. End of discussion.
Not to complicate matters, but technically, the second occurrence of an event is the first annual, but who says that? #nobody… Read More »
by Kate Asbury Larkin
“Irregardless” is not a (proper) word! #wellitisbutitisnt #withoutwithoutregardsoundsstupid #dontsoundstupid #grammarlesson19… Read More »
With the new “8” products – iPhone and Samsung primarily – around the corner, do you NEED to upgrade your phone to the newest product? CNBC had an article earlier this year saying no, you don’t have to upgrade often. Here are ideas for when you should upgrade:
• Out of storage – the cloud may help, but if you’re at capacity with your apps, you should upgrade.… Read More »
Loose vs. lose
by Kate Asbury Larkin
Loose (adj) means something that is not tight.
Lose (v) means to not win, to misplace, or to be free of something or someone.… Read More »
Sell vs. sale
by Kate Asbury Larkin
In honor of the six yard sales I stopped by this morning, today we’ll tackle these two words, which really aren’t that hard at all; one is a noun and one is a verb.
“Sale” is a noun; it serves as an object and is not an action word.… Read More »
Y’all vs. ya’ll
by Kate Asbury Larkin
It’s y’all, y’all, not ya’ll.
Y’all is a contraction of “you all;” ya’ll is a misspelling of y’all.
The end. #oneforthesoutherngirlinme… Read More »
Yeah, yea and yay
by Kate Asbury Larkin
Yeah (yeh): A casual way to say yes.
“Yeah, I was the one who called you.”
Yea: Affirmative, as in a vote – or the 23rd Psalm.
“All in favor, say “yea.”
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”
Yay: Expressing triumph, excitement or joy,
“Yay for football season!”… Read More »
Not everything online is evil, nor does danger lurk behind every new app that comes to market. But keeping up with your teens’ and preteens’ online activities is much like trying to nail jelly to the barn door — frustrating, futile and something bound to make you feel inept.
Keep in mind that no app poses a danger in and of itself, but many do provide kids with an opportunity to make, ahem, bad choices.… Read More »
Effect vs. affect
by Kate Asbury Larkin
Easiest way to remember is this:
Affect is a verb; effect is a noun.
Most of the time, “affect” is used as a verb meaning to influence something and “effect” is used for the something that was influenced. The difference between affect and effect is so slippery that people have started using “impact” as a verb instead.… Read More »
