Category Archive: Student Projects

Apr 25

Try and/Try to

This is something interesting.  The phrase “try and” has been used in modern culture many times.  Also, you can hear it used in regular conversation.  However, the correct phrase is “try to.”

  • INCORRECT: I am going to try and fix the sink myself.
  • CORRECT: I am going to try to fix the sink myself.

The very definition of the word “try” can help to explain the difference in the two example sentences.

  • Try (transitive verb): To make an attempt at – (Merriam Webster)

Since “try” is the transitive verb, that transitions one verb to the next, with “and” serving as the conjunction, that would normally be used to join two verbs, “and” is not needed.

If you need writing assistance, contact the professionals at Writing It Right For You. We’re here to help because “It Matters How You Say It!”

 

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Mar 30

Different from/Different than

Is there a difference (pun totally intended)?  Yes.  First, as always, let’s look into the explanation.  ‘Different’ is a word used to contrast, rather than (tee hee) compare.  ‘Than’ usually follows adjectives used to compare people, items, conditions, etc.

Examples: More than, less thanbetter thanworse thancolder than and many more.

  • CORRECT: The birthday party was different than I expected.
  • INCORRECT: The birthday party was different from what I expected.

The rules are pretty simple:

  • When creating a sentence if a noun comes after ‘different’, use ‘from.’
  • When creating a sentence where a clause (subject and verb) follow ‘different’, use than.

If you need assistance with the very confusing English language rules, contact the professionals at Writing It Right For You. We’re here to help because “It Matters How You Say It!”

 

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Mar 24

Aren’t I/ Am I Not

This is once again an example of conjunction confusion.  These terms are used constantly in conversation (at least my own) and often incorrectly.  The best way to know if the right terms are being used, our favorite rule is to, BREAK IT DOWN.

Incorrect:  I’m carpooling with you, aren’t I?

Correct: I’m carpooling with you, am I not?

Reading both sentences aloud it may seem like that’s not quite right.  I’m not being “Holier than Thou” in the correct sentence.  Scout’s honor.  To prove it, let’s look at the breakdown.

Incorrect: I’m carpooling with you, are not I?

Correct: I’m carpooling with you, am I not?

Read both versions aloud this time.  When the conjunction “aren’t” is broken down to its truest form, it really doesn’t belong in the sentence at all.  All conjunction confusion is best remedied by breaking it down.

*Pops locks for good grammar.*

If you need writing or editing assistance with the very confusing English language rules, contact the professionals at Writing It Right For You. We’re here to help because “It Matters How You Say It!”

 

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