To celebrate National Grammar Day, we have an infographic on what some folks feel are advanced grammar mistakes. These grammar tips go beyond the basics because even the most seasoned writer can make a mistake. Highlights include the misuse of number and numeral and split infinitives. The English language has many obscure grammar rules that even the most veteran authors can miss.
We want to thank Instructional Solutions for working with us to create this infographic. Do you have a favorite grammar rule that is not on the list? Let us know in the comments section below.
I don’t understand what “option” means in the Adjective Order chart.
I was surprised to see this in a group for writers.
One – the split infinitive -is bunk.
‘That’ and ‘which’ is unclear: it would be better if they had offered an explanation of the non-defining and defining clauses. Understand them and you understand when to use ‘that’ and ‘which’.
But back to the split infinitive. Sir Ernest Gowers debunked the split infinitive back in the 1920s in Fowler’s. It isn’t a grammatical error. Never was.
The New Zealand-born lexicographer Eric Partridge who was conservative about matters of grammar and style, wrote: ‘Avoid the split infinitive wherever possible, but if it is the clearest and most natural construction, use it boldly. The angels are on our side.’ Amen.
‘That’ and ‘which’. A non-defining clause is parenthetical. ‘The house, which had a red roof, was owned by the prime minister.’ The point of the sentence is that the house was owned by the prime minister. That it had a red roof was incidental.
Defining clause is not parenthetical: ‘The house that had the red roof was owned by the prime minister.’
The red roof was a defining feature. It distinguished the prime minister’s house from other houses. You could say a more active way of writing it would be: ‘The prime minister owned the house with the red roof.’ But that’s not what the exercise is about.
‘Numeral’ instead of ‘number’ is curious. Does anyone say: ‘Let me give you my phone numeral.’? No – well, in my part of the world anyway – they say: ‘Let me give you my phone number.’
Cheers …
– Paul Corrigan
I had no idea there was a correct order for adjectives.
Thank you for the nice grammar reminder article. I saved the infographic as a reminder of all the terrible things I have done and will do without thinking … LoL
As long as you know it’s all right to split your infinitive, Allen …
– Paul Corrigan