Fic Talk > General Discussion
Grammar 101...
TheDistantHeart:
Thanks for the explanation, Julie! I'm glad it's a common confusion and not just me. :D I'll save this in my special Word document. I put all the slang, certain expressions or just sentences I might want to use sometime in it. When I read a fanfic I might save some sentences in the document whether* they are funny or cool or just something I couldn't think of myself. Examples are: "I wasn't going to sugarcoat it", 'A smirk of triumph curled Damon's lips.' (Vampire Diaries fanfic heh), 'I puffed out my cheeks and let out a big gust of air.' (I think this is from one of evergreen's fanfics). I hope it's ok if I ever use sentences like these, 'cause I practically copied them from other fanfics. :hidesface:
I also put translations of words I keep forgetting in it. So when I write, I open that document and see if I can use anything from it. I will save lots of stuff from this topic in that document. ;D
I used to have problems with eh.. I don't know if there's a word for it but when I first started writing fanfic (which was in 2007 or so) in English I only used 'she said', 'she asked', 'he yelled', 'he screamed', 'she replied'. It was really limited and I was sick of it at one point. I didn't know any other words really, so I often watch things like that too (and save them in my special document hehe). Now, I know words like retorted, scowled, grunted, inquired, huffed, seethed etc. But also things like he glared, snorted etc. I hope I didn't confuse anyone but I have no idea if there's a specific word for this. :shrug:
I don't use the words effect & affect that much but I'll save it in my document too. I bet I will stumble upon it sometime. :)
* Whether/weather (sometimes even wheather) is one I see pretty often too!
Can I give it a try and explain it? I'll try. :-\
Whether/weather/wheather
Whether is a conjunction. - "I don't know whether it's possible.”
Or you can use it to introduce alternatives. - He can't decide whether to go or not/He can't decide whether or not to go.
Weather is, simply, the weather. Like heat or cold, wind, rain, snow etc. - "The weather is too hot for me.” or "How's the weather?" The weatherman presents the weather forecast. :)
The word wheather doesn't excist.
And? How did I do? :)
TheDistantHeart:
Oh btw, I know we didn't come to punctuation, but a few months ago or so I saw this Facebook group which cracked me up so much 'cause it's true!
It's something like this:
"Let's eat grandma!" - "Let's eat, grandma!". Punctuation saves lives.
I think others know this one too, but I think it's brilliant. :) I can't wait till we get to the punctuation part 'cause that's one I'd like to learn (and remember).
TheDistantHeart:
(Sorry for the 3rd post in a row)
Julie, is it ok if I post your 'lessons' on a stories forum and a fanforum (no BSB) I know? One is a forum where you can post both original and fanfiction (there aren't any BSB fanfics till now) and the other is a fanforum of a Spanish boyband I used to love lol (my first fanfics are about them). Almost all members on there have English as their second/third etc language and I thought it might be good if I start a "Improve your English!" topic or something, 'cause I know some of them could use it. :)
RokofAges75:
Imke:
1) Great job on the weather/whether explanation!
2) LMAO at the "Let's eat Grandma!" Facebook group. Love it!
3) Yes, you can absolutely re-post my stuff on another forum. Go for it! :)
RokofAges75:
--- Quote from: yorkielover88 on August 26, 2010, 08:45:34 AM ---Honestly I must say I love this thread! I have dyslexia and therefore do not use proper grammar when it comes to spelling things. Things such as homonyms. (by the way when I first read [pronounced like the color] the word 'homonym' I said it like 'hoe moe' not 'hom oh'.) I am always looking for way to improve myself and while things like this are looked at as funny it really does help!
--- End quote ---
Glad it's helping you out! I really did mean it to be helpful; it's a good place to rant about poor grammar, but it's also good for people who are serious about improving that aspect of their writing.
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