Writing the simplest statement has often been a nightmare for me. No kidding. Here’s but a brief glimpse as to what I go through: “Alright (all right?), my oldest (or is it eldest?) granddaughter had just gotten (is that even a word??) into (one word? two?) her dad’s Jeep for the long trek back home while I (when I, maybe?)–Oh, forget it!!” Okay, so I’m a tad anal . . . and neurotic . . .
So thank goodness for Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty, who has saved my grammatical sanity once again. Just when I thought that nothing could top her Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing and Grammar Devotional as my go-to guides when mired in writerly angst, she comes out with the jewel Grammar Girl’s 101 Troublesome Words You’ll Master in No Time. And it’s right on time too. I’m not sure how much longer I could have hovered on the brink.
Before, I tore my style guides and other references apart, searching for guidance on these 101 troublesome (translation: crazy-making) words, but no more. Grammar Girl’s much-needed and welcomed advice in 101 Troublesome Words lays (or is it lies? Looked it up–it’s lays) just within reach as I bang away on my keyboard. And I feel sooo much better now, as stability is now restored in grammar world (well, at least for the moment). And you, my fellow anal/neurotics (you know who you are), will feel much better too. I promise.
Thank you, Grammar Girl. Once again.