Grammar lesson #10: a metaphor is like a simile (author unknown)

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

The quote in the title makes me giggle (although it’s not grammatically correct), which I think makes me a grammar nerd.  While I avoided grammar courses like the plague when I was in college (as much as I had control over, anyway), there are certain faux pas that cause me to see red.  Most of them relate to the grammar lessons I share — particularly the (mis)use of the apostrophe.  But metaphors and similes are topics near and dear to my creative-writing heart.  A figure of speech, a metaphor is a word or phrase symbolically applied to an action or object without using the word like.  For instance, “While I wait for my test results, I am a monkey barrel of nerves.”  Obviously, I am not a real monkey barrel, only a symbolic one.  A simile, on the other hand, is an expression in which two unlike things are explicitly compared using like or as; i.e., “his cantankerous mood makes him prickly like a cactus.”  So if I desire to be more grammatically correct, the quote in the title should probably read: A simile is like a metaphor and a metaphor is a simile.

How would you describe yourself — more like a simile or are you a metaphor?

Grammar lesson #4: Whose or who’s line is it anyway?

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

Here’s another question about the matter of possession.  Thankfully, we can answer this one the same way we’ve tackled the topic of its and it’s.  Again, if the word is a conjunction as in the case of who’s, we’re simply dealing with the shortened version of who is; without the apostrophe it means belonging to.  So whose line is it anyway? is correctly stated because we want to know who possesses the line.  Otherwise, it would read who is line is it anyway? which is clearly wrong.  As noted in previous grammar lessons, repeating the sentence out loud will ensure you know whose line it is every time, and you’ll also know who’s (who is ) not following this tip when the incorrect form is used.

Whose common grammar slip does this one belong to, or who’s without fault … are you?

Grammar lesson #2: plural possessive the right way

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

While the topic of apostrophes is still fresh, it’s time to review plural possessive.  Remember, if a singular proper noun owns something, an apostrophe (with means possessive) is required before the “s” (i.e., our  lemon tree’s fruit is ripe).  Conversely, if the word is plural the apostrophe is placed after the “s.”  For example, our lemon tree is filled with more than one lemon; therefore, the lemons’ citrus scent permeates our backyard.  Similarly, if multiple communities share the same landscape plan, then the three communities’ flora and fauna are uniform.  And if I’m talking about something belonging to me, I can either write Chris’ lemon tree or Chris’s lemon tree — both ways are acceptable.  But here’s where it can get tricky: if a group or a family name does not end in “s,” you must insert an apostrophe and an “s” (i.e., the Schmidt’s lemon tree).  However, if the name already ends in “s,” add the apostrophe only (i.e., the Williams’ lemon tree).  Also, an “‘s” is added to plural forms not ending in “s” such as the children’s lemonade stand.  If you’re still stumped, check out http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/.

Can you add any other exceptions to the plural possessive rules?

Grammar lesson #1.5: an education on the apostrophe

[Image credit: Grant Cochrane]

I hate to beat the poor misunderstood apostrophe to death, but lately I’ve noticed an increase in the gross misuse of this nondescript punctuation mark.  In my grammar lesson #1 about its and it’s, I discussed how the contraction in the latter usage is the result of shortening two words: it and is.  However, in the case of most singular nouns, an apostrophe is used to indicate possession; the absence of an apostrophe means more than one of something.  For example, my daughter’s new car sports a bright pink, fuzzy steering-wheel cover.  My daughter owns the car; therefore, an apostrophe is required.  And if I discuss my family and mention I have three amazing sisters, an apostrophe is not used because I’m talking about  quantity, not who owns what.  Simply stated: with means possessive, without means plural.

Do you, my readers, learn something from Always the Write Time’s grammar lessons?

Grammar lesson #1: it’s versus its

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

Last week I read a list of common grammar pet peeves circulating over the Internet and I shared the link on my Facebook timeline.  One of the irritations in question highlighted the use of its and it’s.  Although grammar has never been my strong suit (just ask my peers in my ASU writing workshops), the incorrect usage of the apostrophe in this instance irks me.  An easy way to remember the appropriate use of it’s is that an apostrophe shortens two words into one.  For example, don’t replaces do not and wasn’t for was not.  This same rule holds true when we use the word it’s — it is simply an abbreviated version of the two words in question.  Its, on the other hand, tells the reader it belongs to someone or something.  Its lack of an apostrophe indicates possession.  Whose lack?  Its.  It’s not as hard as it looks.  Is it? 

What is the most aggravating grammar faux pas in your book?