Following graduation from Mississippi State University, I moved back to my hometown and worked that summer and fall at my hometown newspaper. One of the most fun projects I contributed to during that time was the Thanksgiving recipe publication. Read more
“Larry decided to postpone sending the email until later that afternoon.”
“I’m going postpone doing my geometry homework until later.”
Have you ever heard someone use the phrase “postpone until later”? It kind of just rolls off the tongue, but it’s poor usage.
Postpone automatically indicates later. If you postpone studying, it means you’re not going to study until later.
So, the practical grammar tip here is to always eliminate “until later.” Just say postpone.
After all, you’ve never heard someone decide to postpone studying until earlier.
To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
You might also like:
How Do You Handle Virtual Meeting Whiners?
Use this App to Capture Fresh Presentation Ideas
Wacky Word of the Week: Purge this Particular Word
Photo by Malvestida Magazine on Unsplash
A fellow Amory Panther brought this confusing word pair to my attention through Facebook. Let’s see how well you choose the correct word in this sentence: Read more
Are you starting something or beginning something? Read more
This week’s post is a quick read, but we’re using our summer theme of “Grammar Grapplers” to answer readers’ questions. Recently, I’ve received a couple of versions of this question. What do you think? Please choose the correct response. Read more
Have you ever had the experience of talking with someone and knowing you’re about to use a word and then questioning yourself before it even comes out of your mouth? It happens in a split second, but that’s how I feel about bring and take. Read more
Without fail, this question pops up in every Grammar-for-Grownups professional development class I facilitate.
Oh, how I wish there were a simple gimmick to help us remember when to use affect or effect. Alas, that’s why it’s so tricky; there’s no sure-fire memorable saying to help with this sometimes confusing word choice. And, it’s not as simple as saying affect is a verb and effect is a noun. So, how do we know when to use which word? Below is what I share in my classes. It boils down to word substitution—but I’ve found it really works.
Effect is a noun. When effect is being used as a noun, it means “result.”
One effect of Tropical Storm Claudette was closed beaches in Point Clear.
Translation: One result of Tropical Storm Claudette was closed beaches in Point Clear. (And I know this well because we had to cancel our vacation last weekend.)
Another way to look at it is if you can put an or the in front of it, use effect.
Affect is a verb. When affect is being used as a verb, it means “to change or influence.”
Tropical Storm Claudette affected our vacation plans.
Translation: Tropical Storm Claudette changed our vacation plans.
Life would be sweet if it really were that simple, but here’s the catch. Effect also can be used as a verb. And when effect is a verb, it means “to cause.” [Think cause and effect.]
This new HR policy will effect a change in our organizational chart.
Translation: This new HR policy will cause a change in our organizational chart.
This word substitution works for me. I’m curious if you have any other memorable tricks for effect and affect—and effect.
To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
You might also like:
How Do You Handle Virtual Meeting Whiners?
Use this App to Capture Fresh Presentation Ideas
Wacky Word of the Week: Purge this Particular Word
Photo by Richard Main on Unsplash
This confusing phrase pair was not even on my RADAR until a reader brought it up. And, when I found out what running the gauntlet really means, I was appalled. I definitely won’t be using that expression again. Read more
When do you use bcc: appropriately? Read more
What does cc: actually stand for when referring to emails? Read more
Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels