Correcting Common Grammar Mistakes: Understanding 'Or' in Lists and Proper Usage of 'Sundays'

When writing, it's essential to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. This article will help you understand the proper use of 'or' in lists, the correct usage of 'Sundays,' and other common grammar mistakes. By the end of this article, you will be better equipped to write effectively and avoid pitfalls.

Verbs and 'Or'

Sometimes, writers may confuse the usage of verbs, especially when they are part of a list connected by 'or.' Here's a detailed look at how to use 'or' in a list of verbs.

Consider the sentence: On Sunday he likes to read or watch TV. This sentence is grammatically correct, but it can be improved for clarity. In English, you typically use 'or' to introduce one of the alternatives. This means you should not repeat the infinitive 'to' for both verbs. A clearer way to write this sentence would be:

On Sunday he likes to watch TV or read.

This version is easier to read and understand. It implies that he likes to watch TV or read, just one of the activities. It’s important to remember that 'likes to' applies to the entire infinitive, which includes both 'watch TV' and 'read.'

Proper Usage of 'Sundays'

The word 'Sundays' can be confusing in different contexts. Let's explore the correct usage of 'Sundays' in various sentences.

Series of Sundays

If you are referring to two or more Sundays, use the plural form 'Sundays.' For example:

I three more Sundays I will redecorate my house.

In this sentence, you are talking about multiple Sundays in the future. To make it grammatically correct, you can say:

In three more Sundays, I will redecorate my house.

Specific Sunday

When referring to a specific Sunday, such as a day with a particular event, you should use the singular form:

Next Sundays game will be the first time my former classmate will actually coach.

Here, 'Sundays' refers to a single, specific day in the future. If this were about multiple Sundays, you would use the plural form 'Sundays.'

General Viewing Habits

To provide more context, let's consider a sentence about someone's viewing habits on Sundays:

On Sunday he likes to read or watch TV.

This sentence suggests that he engages in either reading or watching TV on Sundays. If you want to make it even more explicit, you can say:

On Sundays, he likes to either read or watch TV.

In this version, you have added the word 'either' to emphasize that he does one or the other but not both on any given Sunday.

Proper Abbreviation and Punctuation

It's also important to pay attention to the correct abbreviations and punctuation in writing. For instance, the abbreviation for television is typically written as 'TV' without periods, not 'T.V.' which has periods. Additionally, proper placement of quotation marks and periods are crucial for clarity:

He likes to watch TV or reads.

This sentence is actually correct in terms of grammar but not in meaning. It implies that he enjoys reading, and if he watches TV, it’s not a form of enjoyment. A better version would be:

He likes to watch TV or read.

Remember, always use double quotation marks (") and place the period inside the quotation mark if the period is part of the sentence. Here's an example:

He likes to watch TV or read.

Conclusion

Correcting and understanding these common grammatical myths can significantly improve your writing. Whether you are writing for business, personal blogs, or academic purposes, mastering these rules can make your writing stand out. Remember, clarity is key; always ensure your readers understand your intended meaning without confusion.

References

Writing that Works by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson offers a valuable resource for mastering the art of simple and concise writing. This book emphasizes the principle that 'Less is More.' To ensure your writing is clear, concise, and effective, you should consult this resource.