Grammar-Freak Horrors
For the love of SPaG!
Please note: SPaG can vary in different languages. This article follows the British English rules.
I love grammar and therefore loathe it when I see it misused. Here are a few instances that have me itching to correct them when seen:
Misuse of the apostrophe (‘)
This is one of the most infuriating mistakes for me. Apostrophes can be used in two instances:
- Contraction of words
- Possession
For example, the phrase ‘do not’ can be contracted to ‘don’t’. This just shortens the phrase and is used in more informal settings.
In terms of possession, we use apostrophes to signify belonging. ‘Maryum’s coat’ tells us that the coat belongs to Maryum. And ‘Lucas’ coat’ tells us that the coat belongs to Lucas and the apostrophe comes after the ‘s’ in this case, as ‘Lucas’ ends in one.
When used in a plural form, take extra care:
Singular: ‘The student’s class’ = The class of the (one) student.
Plural: ‘The students’ class’ = The class of the (many/more than one) students.
Misuse of ellipsis (…)
I see many ways the ellipsis is used wrong and it makes me uncomfortable. (No, I’m not dramatic at all.)
Ellipsis is only three dots.
You may see a collection of four dots together but this is either when a sentence has finished and then an ellipsis is used next to it to skip quoted text.
Elipsis can be used in a few instances:
- To omit a word or words from a text = ‘We did go out … it was interesting, to say the least.’
- To create a pause, useful for a dramatic effect = ‘You wouldn’t believe what happened … she came!’
- Unfinished clause = ‘We could do this but …’
- To send a sentence into silence = ‘And then a scream pierced the night…’
I commonly see people -attempt to- use ellipsis in place of commas or full stops and just use many dots between every single phrase but this is not how you use them. Overusing anything means its effect is lost on the reader.
Capitalisation
Using capitals in the appropriate places ensures a professional and clean look to your pieces. Here’s how to use them:
- Proper nouns are always capitalised, these include days of the week, months, the names of the people, companies, titles and more.
- The letter ‘i’ alone is always capitalised
- The first letter in a sentence
Although whole titles may have every word capitalised and this is acceptable too.
These were just a few cases of grammar horrors I have witnessed but remember, when it comes to your own writing and works, you make the rules. Some books contain no punctuation at all. And others follow every rule. That is one of the things I love about writing.
This is not to be taken personally and is just a light-hearted article that I know some of you will be able to relate to a lot. Whether as a victim of seeing poor SPaG or as the villain producing it.
Enjoy the process and make beautiful art; your words on paper can leave imprints on hearts- that is the power of words that you hold.
This article would not be what it is without the support and inspiration I have been blessed with from so many individuals, including but not exclusive to:
Dovey ♡
Beau
