Rock,
To become a successful columnist, you must conquer the English language!
William Safire, in his book “Fumblerules” (published by Doubleday), gives
a lighthearted look at grammar and good usage. These “fumblerules” are
mistakes that call attention to the rule:
- Avoid run-on sentences they are hard to read.
- No sentence fragments.
- It behooves us to avoid archaisms.
- Also, avoid awkward or affected alliteration.
- Don’t use no double negatives.
- If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times: Resist hyperbole.
- Avoid commas, that are not necessary.
- Verbs has to agree with their subjects.
- Writing carefully, dangling participles should not be used.
- Kill all Exclamation points!!!
- Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
- Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
- Take the bull by the hand, and don’t mix metaphors.
- Don’t verb nouns.
- Never, ever use repetitive redundancies.
- Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plaque.
(From Reader’s Digest, January, 1991, page 74.)
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Rock,
If you still have questions, I recommend my book on grammar published in Berlin, Germany in 1963:
“I Can Learn YOU to talk English Good in Eight Easily Lessons!”
Also watch out for typographicl errors and spelling misteaks.
Good luck in your new career! Hope this helps.
Dennis
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Either you believe in the Second Amendment or you don't.
Stick it to 'em! RKBA!
) can elaborate further.