27/10/2022
I apologise for not posting language learning content lately, but I'm doing more content writing of blogs and articles for websites, newsletters etc. to increase interest and business leads for you. Have a look at some of my blogs on cherylgrobler.medium.com as well as my LinkedIn Profile and Page (Writer4u): LinkedIn.com/in/cheryl-grobler-a9b313a5
14/02/2022
Howzit? Are you spot on with your language?
I'm talking about the Subject-verb agreement sentences that I posted earlier:
-Either the manager or his assistant usually 'attends' the meeting.
When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by 'or' or 'nor, use a verb that reflects a singular subject.'
-The purpose of the income and expense accounts 'is' to determine the profitability of the firm.
The subject is 'The purpose...'
-Neither the CEO nor his managers 'were' represented in that forum a few months ago.
When a compound sentence contains both a singular and plural noun or pronoun joined by 'or' or 'nor,' the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is nearer the verb. It also refers to the past.
-The manager, as well as his workers, 'is' overworked.
Don't be misled by a phrase that comes between the subject and verb. The verb agrees with the subject.
Similarly: The boss, together with his workers, is overworked.
-There 'is' a pair of glasses on the desk.
'a Pair of...' requires a verb that reflects a singular subject.
-Each of these exercises is pretty easy.
'Each, everyone, nobody, someone etc' is singular and the verb should reflect this.
-Everybody tries for a happy life.
-Mathematics 'requires' a certain kind of thinking.
It is an uncountable noun and one concept.
-The scissors 'are' in the drawer.
We don't mention 'a pair of...' so the verb reflects the plural subject.
-The evidence which was submitted 'is' insufficient for a conviction.
Once again, an uncountable noun is used which is singular.
And now, I hope I haven't made some grammar mistakes because one very often doesn't notice your own errors
Contact me for language lessons and services (Cape Town area). I Love to do editing and proofreading!
10/01/2022
Dear fellow South Africans
Texts, including marketing texts, often reveal when a writer is an English second language user.
The content is good and the message comes across, but grammar errors detract from the value of the presentation.
One of the common errors we make is subject-verb agreement. Always ask yourself what the subject of your sentence is. The verb must correspond to it.
What is your take on the following sentences?:
- Either the manager or his assistant usually (to attend) the meeting.
- The purpose of the income and expense accounts (to be) to determine the profitability of the firm.
- Neither the CEO nor his managers (to be) represented in that forum a few months ago.
- The manager, as well as his workers (to be) overworked.
- There (to be) a pair of glasses on the desk.
- Each of these exercises (to be) pretty easy.
- Everybody (to try) for a happy life.
- Mathematics (to require) a certain kind of thinking.
- The scissors (to be) in the drawer.
- The evidence which was submitted (to be) insufficient for a conviction.
When writing, you can and should use a tool like Grammarly or you could ask me: I'd love to do your proofreading.
To be continued...
08/08/2021
Staycation. The meaning is described in this article and it's an example of a portmanteau. It comes from the French word for a type of suitcase opening into two equal parts.
My favourite portmanteau is glamping and then Africanacity.
What is your favourite?
Clue- there are more than you think. Think of technology.
15/07/2021
South African expressions are reaching far and wide. What do you think of this?
“Kiff” added to the Oxford dictionary, along with 23 other South African words
Ya no look here charna, The Kiffness has been sending messages to the Oxford Dictionary society for lank years now telling them they better flippen’ recognise the word “kiff” brah…
04/05/2021
When you've travelled a distance on your English learning road, remember to avoid these common mistakes - straight from English Handbook and Study Guide by Beryl Lutrin & M Pincus.
04/05/2021
Kontak my vir private Afrikaanse lesse.
02/05/2021
Quotes that inspire. Let us know what your favourite quotes are.