Can You Cite the Site Where You Lost Your Sight?
The “site” trio seems to be causing some confusion nowadays, probably as a result of the “shorthand” used by instant messagers. This is another simple problem to unravel. A site (noun) is a place — virtual or actual — like a construction site or a website. To cite (verb) something is to quote from it or […]
It’s Funny How We Misuse Its Forms
“Its” and “It’s” — What a dilemma! When do you need to use the one with the apostrophe, and when must you leave that little flying comma out? This one is easy. The rule is that “it’s” with the apostrophe is used only when the word is used as a contraction of “it is.” Strange […]
The Effects of Improper Usage Can Affect Your Life
“Effect” and “affect” have the unfortunate ability to drive people insane. As homophones (or homonyms), their similar sound makes choosing the correct spelling difficult. But there is an easy way to select the correct one. “Affect” is a transitive verb meaning “to act on, cause change in” or “pretend.” As a verb, it expresses action; […]