Grammar Lessons with Kate: Apart and a part

Apart and a part

by Kate Asbury Larkin

Totally opposite meanings.

If you are included in something, a piece of a whole, you are A PART – TWO words. “I was so happy to be a part of this team.”

Apart means separated, in pieces, to NOT be a part. “It makes me sad that we’re apart.”… Read More »

Grammar Lessons with Kate: Bring vs take

Bring vs take

by Kate Asbury Larkin

For the most part…

Bring implies movement towards someone or something: “Bring a hot meal when you come over.”

Take implies movement away from someone or something: “Take your dirty dishes when you leave.”

See how easy that is?

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Grammar Lessons with Kate: Loss vs. lost

Loss vs. lost

by Kate Asbury Larkin

Although loss and lost both deal with the same subject, they are not used in the same way.

Remember it this way: Lost and past tense both contain the letter “t.” #boom

Loss is a noun; it is the act or an instance of losing.

That was an unexpected loss.… Read More »

Grammar Lessons with Kate: Quite vs. quiet

Quite vs. quiet

by Kate Asbury Larkin

Another one that sends me over the edge; two totally different words with very different meanings.

Quite is an adverb which (usually) means a little or a lot, but not completely.

Quiet can be an adjective a noun or a verb and it means making little or no noise.… Read More »

Grammar Lessons with Kate: Passed vs Past

Passed vs. past

By Kate Asbury Larkin

Passed and past are often confused, but if you really think about it, they shouldn’t be.

Passed is the past tense (and past participial) of the verb “to pass.” “To pass” means to go forward, proceed, depart. This can mean to move forward in time, space or in action.… Read More »

Grammar Lessons with Kate: First Annual

First Annual

by Kate Asbury Larkin

There is no such thing as “first annual” for an inaugural event!

An event is not annual if it has not occurred in previous years. Period. End of discussion.

Not to complicate matters, but technically, the second occurrence of an event is the first annual, but who says that? #nobodyRead More »

Grammar Lessons with Kate: Yeah, yea and yay

Yeah, yea and yay

by Kate Asbury Larkin

Yeah (yeh): A casual way to say yes.
“Yeah, I was the one who called you.”

Yea: Affirmative, as in a vote – or the 23rd Psalm.
“All in favor, say “yea.”
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”

Yay: Expressing triumph, excitement or joy,
“Yay for football season!”… Read More »

Grammar Lessons with Kate: Effect vs. affect

Effect vs. affect

by Kate Asbury Larkin

Easiest way to remember is this:

Affect is a verb; effect is a noun.

Most of the time, “affect” is used as a verb meaning to influence something and “effect” is used for the something that was influenced. The difference between affect and effect is so slippery that people have started using “impact” as a verb instead.… Read More »

Grammar Lessons with Kate: Lightening vs. lightning

by Kate Asbury Larkin

Lightening vs. lightning

You can lighten something with bleach, but you cannot lightning it.

Lightening is a verb and is the opposite of darkening.

Lightning is a noun or an adjective, and refers to a bolt of light from the sky.

Lightning can lighten you up, but not in a good way.… Read More »