Grammar Queen has been on a tear lately at the blatant misuse of the pronouns “whoever” and “whomever.” Use the same rules that apply to “who” and “whom.” If the pronoun is the SUBJECT of a verb or verb phrase, use WHO or WHOEVER. If the pronoun is the OBJECT of a preposition or verb, use WHOM or WHOMEVER. Examples: …
Dangling modifiers and other pet peeves
Good morning, class! Let us begin with a pertinent reminder. Say it with me, now… GRAMMAR IS YOUR FRIEND. Louder, please… GRAMMAR IS YOUR FRIEND! Much better. However, as many of you already realize, Grammar Queen is not here to be your friend. Grammar Queen is here to INSTRUCT YOU IN THE RULES OF PROPER GRAMMAR. Ah, yes, I’ve heard …
More Homophones
Good morning, class. As you are aware, the English language is fraught with words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings. These are called homophones. In a previous lecture, a few of the sound-alike word pairs we discussed were: slew / slue stationary / stationery mantle / mantel all ready / already dessert / desert Your …
Dangling Participles and Misplaced Modifiers
My, my, can it be I have neglected to provide a lecture for you since this time last year? Shame on me! Unfortunately, anyone who has not been hiding under a rock (which, frankly, is sounding like a most desirable option these days) is painfully aware of the current sad state of our country and world. To say the events …
GQ lectures on redundancies
Good morning, class! Are you having an enjoyable summer? GQ is doing her absolute best to stay cool, since Myra insisted on dragging me all the way back to Texas with her. Wait—what? Myra is over there in her writing chair loudly informing me that it was I who insisted on accompanying her on this cross-country move. Hmmph. As if …
School is in session: The Grammar Queen pontificates on pronouns
Good morning, class! Alas, summer came to an end far too quickly, and children everywhere are once again at their studies. Can you smell the notebook paper and pencil shavings, the hint of chalk dust in the air? Do you hear the crackle of a brand new vinyl three-ring binder? Can you feel the heft of a textbook in your …
Using the right/write word at the right/write time
Good morning, students! It’s so nice to see you all in your places with bright, shining faces. I’ve decorated my classroom with beautiful spring flowers just for you! All right, shall we– Excuse me, you there in the back row. Disrespect for grammar will not be tolerated. Careful, dearie, or I’ll send you out in the hallway to write 1,000 …
The Lowly Comma: A little respect, please!
Greetings, class! I’m simply delighted Myra permitted me to return with another lecture. The first order of business, however, will be a pop quiz, because Grammar Queen really must assess your comma skills before the lecture begins. Please mark each of these sentences correct or incorrect, and be prepared to explain your reasons: 1. Charlotte visited the palace to see …
GQ Wishes You a Happy and Grammatically Correct New Year!
Good morning, students, and may I wish each of you a happy, productive, and grammatically correct New Year! Yes, there is nothing like the start of a new year for resolving never again to commit grammatical faux pas. And the best way to avoid such embarrassment is to learn and remember the rules. That is why Grammar Queen has consented …
Grammar Queen has moved!
Good morning, class. Welcome to my new classroom location, right here on Myra’s blog! I hope you will visit often and work diligently to keep up with your studies! Our subject today concerns . . . yes, you are correct: grammar. An understanding of proper grammar is essential no matter your vocation, but especially so for writers, who certainly do …
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