Sorry. Have to do it.

That is correct. I didn't say principal and principle were homonyms. I should have said the English language is difficult with its homonyms, homophone, homographs, etc. The thread has spread out to a grammar lesson instead of the vocabulary correction I was initially making.

But you are correct. Principal and principle are homophones. Fair as in equitable and fair as in carnival are homonyms.

CC, I have a quiet habit of correcting your homophones when I quote you. Among others, the standard to/two/too, there/their/they're and your/you're. ;) Common mistakes made often on the forums by many. C'est la vie. Usually just provides a small chuckle and then I move on.

Be ready to take what you give if you want to correct language! :shake:
 
My intent was not to be critical. These forums are informal, therefore, I assume people are not always checking and double checking grammar, spelling, etc. I HOPE when paperwork is submitted for more important things (admissions applications, recommendations, etc.) that people have these items proofed by others--not one person is perfect in these matters and even the professionals have people go behind them to double check their writing:smile:
 
Wow. The first thought to come to mind is, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." There are a couple of glaring grammatical errors in the original post. Can anyone find them?

The incorrect use of semicolons jumped out at me; there are more than a couple of those. :thumb:
 
I once sent a letter of response indicating that the original respondent buy a dictionary and a thesaurus. Boss was in my office a few mornings later. Why did I insult one of his friends? I showed him the letter I had received and asked him if he would let that go out of our office? MBA Business/English Majors have a hard time with communications, which in these days sucks.:thumb:
 
I can't help but add the very annoying (and grammatically incorrect) habit of beginning sentences with the word "so". As in "So, I have an issue with" or "So, got a D in English" etc. It's bad enough to have to interview young college graduates who actually answer every question with the world "so". Example: What is your primary goal for the next year? Answer: "So, I want to blah blah blah." But speaking it is a tad better than actually putting that annoying "trendy" word in writing. So, I'm fnished.
 
So, does anyone else have a problem with ellipses? .... just sayin' ....
 
"like" and "so" in every sentence. Trying to get the fifteen year old stop using them. Every time she uses either I repeat it. Trying to shame her out of the habit. Not working.:thumbdown:
 
If you all go back to the original post, I was NOT correcting anyone's grammar or punctuations. I was correcting someone's "VOCABULARY". The word "PRINCIPLE" has absolutely nothing to do with a nomination. Many times we have spelling errors. Sometimes we type to (o) fast and forget a letter. But lets be real here; "principal" and "principle" are 2 totally different words; that have absolutely nothing in common. I was simply pointing out a common "vocabulary" mistake. And for individuals who are preparing their college applications, including for the academy, vocabulary matters. If people kept posting sentences that said: "I went their in the summer..........." I'm sure someone would mention it.

BTW: DHinNH. Any time a sentence COULD end, but you choose to continue it on, there is nothing wrong with using a semi-colon. But again, not dogging anyone's grammar or punctuation. Simply pointed out a very common "Vocabulary" error. One that many people don't realize they are making because they don't use the words enough to realize they are two totally different words with different meanings. As most notice, very few people confuse here/hear or there/their. We use those words more often.
 
I thought you all would enjoy this:

An Ode to the Spelling Chequer

Prays the Lord for the spelling chequer
That came with our pea sea!
Mecca mistake and it puts you rite
Its so easy to ewes, you sea.

I never used to no, was it e before eye?
(Four sometimes its eye before e.)
But now I've discovered the quay to success
It's as simple as won, too, free!

Sew watt if you lose a letter or two,
The whirled won't come two an end!
Can't you sea? It's as plane as the knows on yore face
S. Chequer's my very best friend

I've always had trubble with letters that double
"Is it one or to S's?" I'd wine
But now, as I've tolled you this chequer is grate
And its hi thyme you got won, like mine.

—Janet E. Byford
 
"BTW: DHinNH. Any time a sentence COULD end, but you choose to continue it on, there is nothing wrong with using a semi-colon. "

Let's review semicolon rules. There are two specific uses for a semicolon; you might want to consult a handbook. I recommend A Writer's Reference. My husband's name is on the back of the sixth edition. It's the style guide many college students are required to purchase.

1. Use a semicolon to separate two closely related independent clauses not joined with a coordinating conjunction.

2. Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation.
 
Thank God for those who still know that grammar is governed by a set of rules, not suggestions. :shake:
 
The Principal of your School is your "PAL" Principle is something you live by.:thumb: You look in the mirror every day.
 
"BTW: DHinNH. Any time a sentence COULD end, but you choose to continue it on, there is nothing wrong with using a semi-colon. "

Let's review semicolon rules. There are two specific uses for a semicolon; you might want to consult a handbook. I recommend A Writer's Reference. My husband's name is on the back of the sixth edition. It's the style guide many college students are required to purchase.

1. Use a semicolon to separate two closely related independent clauses not joined with a coordinating conjunction.

2. Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation.

Many people forget that the word independent is included in the first rule.
 
My editor noticed my sentences were displaying strange symptoms; there were symptoms of peristalsis; disjointed. They were difficult to follow; some were incomprehensible, not to say irritating; he ordered me to get a semicolonoscopy.
 
My editor noticed my sentences were displaying strange symptoms; there were symptoms of peristalsis; disjointed. They were difficult to follow; some were incomprehensible, not to say irritating; he ordered me to get a semicolonoscopy.

so, like, wow. OMG and IDK and LOL and alphabet soup... I mean what a bummer. Did they find any ampersands? They are, like, I mean, just as bad as ellipses. Did u take it personnel?
 
I can always count on these forums for a good laugh when I need it! :shake:
 
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