Comments on: Rules Do Change

By: Greg Calvert

Greg Calvert — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:37:59 +0000

Some of these rules are merely interpretations and beliefs of rules. Remember that English is not math. Coordinating conjunctions (such as and, but, or, etc.), in my OPINION, should not be used at the beginning of sentences. Save that for the sports writers. As for the two spaces, keep up the traditional interpretation; two spaces much more clearly indicate a new sentence to the reader.

By: Jane

Jane — Thu, 17 May 2007 23:11:38 +0000

“Data was” or “Data were” are both correct. In the old days, “datum” was the singular form of “data” but now “data” is used as both a singular and plural.

By: Pam Kiefert

Pam Kiefert — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:55:44 +0000

Which is correct….data was used or data were used?

By: ravi bedi

ravi bedi — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:42:32 +0000

Thanks Jane. I had always used ‘days’.

The second one refers to the second sentence used by Tom.

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:07:00 +0000

It’s “Grandma’s day,” not “Grandma’s days” because this is an expression or idiom in the language.
I’m not sure what you are referring to in your second comment, Ravi.

By: ravi bedi

ravi bedi — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 03:23:17 +0000

Will I be wrong in suggesting the following changes in the texts used above:

1. Grandma’s days…instead of Grandma’s day.
2. And I’m guessing if it’s all right…

By: Jane

Jane — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 15:33:35 +0000

Yes!

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 04:28:58 +0000

I have always done two spaces after a period. You’re making me rethink this a bit. And I’m guessing it’s all right to use not only “but” at the beginning of a sentence but also “or” and “and.” Did I do the previous sentence correctly?