Tag Archives: Usage

Word War with Cac the Proofreader

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word-war

It’s WORD WAR time! I’m Cac The Proofreader, and today I’m serving up ME, MYSELF AND I, another one I see consistently misused.

I am going to simplify this for you so your confusion will be a thing of the past!

ME and I. “Between you and I” is incorrect because the word “I” cannot be the object of a preposition (between). Even though the former sounds more scholarly, it is wrong. “That is a gift from my wife and I.” The phrase “my wife and I” cannot be the object of a preposition (from); therefore, the sentence needs rephrasing. The new and correct structure should read, “That is a gift from me and my wife. “Contact either me or your manager” is an example of a sentence that most people think is grammatically incorrect (as opposed to “myself”), but in fact it complies with grammar rules.

MYSELF.

You can only use MYSELF if you’ve used the word “I” in the sentence. Example: “I made it myself.” Do not use “myself” because you think it sounds more formal or polite, as in “Send any complaints to the manager or myself.” The correct usage is “…to the manager or me.”

In summary, and quick tips: * “MYSELF” must always have the word “I” in the sentence. * “I” cannot be the direct object of a verb. And there you have it! EZ PZ, right?

If you’d like me to dissect one of your WORD WARS, drop it below, email me at cac@cactheproofreader.com, or just pick up the phone: 833.I.PROOF.U/833.477.6638.

Lastly, If you have a writing project in need of proofreading, please let me know. You’ll find my information on my website: cactheproofreader.com. HAPPY WRITING!

Don’t Panic. You can use Contractions in Creative Writing.

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Contractions in fictional dialogue….Where the heck has it gone?  I read ebooks and cringe at the long-winded speech patterns. It’s horrible. I do wish writers used them more.  Ok so if you’re writing formal text you don’t need to use contractions…In fiction it’s another matter, especially in speech.  You may not learn to use them at school or college, however you do need to listen to how you speak, this will give you an idea on how many contractions you use in a sentence and on a daily basis.  We all do it so why don’t we use them in our creative writing. 

I for one – write how I speak. I know it isn’t for everyone. I know editors can be picky about the over use of them, however use them, we must!

I still see a lot of bad formatting, some of which means I can’t or won’t read the book at all be them free or bought.  The thing that is REALLY getting me at present is CONTRACTIONS in fictional dialogue.

DO YOU REALLY SPEAK WITHOUT THEM? WHY DON’T WRITERS USE MORE OF THEM? 

Yep you got it, it drives me nuts. I know I don’t talk without using contractions. In fact I use them in most of my speech. My brain also automatically changes most words which could be contractions into what my brain thinks they should be.

I HAVE HAD – I’ve had

WE WILL GO TO – We’ll go to

I WILL TAKE MORGAN TO – I’ll take Morgan to

The latest one in New Zealand is Yeah nah….meaning Yes I know…rather than Yes – No…It seems to have gotten lost in translation.  I hate hearing this as much as I dislike hearing people swear with every other word. Needless to say you don’t have to be long-winded with words to get your speech correct.

Honestly, I know many don’t like to use contractions, however not to use them at all, especially in speech is a ruddy nightmare.

I DO NOT SPEAK LIKE THIS. I WILL ALWAYS SHORTEN MY WORDS WHERE I CAN. I HAVE SO MANY DIFFERENT CHOICES. CAN NOT YOU SEE WHY THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT. 

Doesn’t that sound horrible?   

I don’t speak like this. I’ll always shorten my words where I can. I’ve so many different choices. Can’t you see why they are so important!   

MUCH BETTER...even if it isn’t brilliant. Glad it was only a sample.  Of course this is only my opinion as well. It’s not for everyone.