Sore-Thumb Grammar errors

GRAMMAR/USAGE

Avoiding Sore-thumb Grammar Errors

Steering Clear of the Most Easily Noticed Grammar Missteps

Strictly speaking, any deviation from standard written English is a grammar error. Some errors, however, are more obvious than others.

This tutorial will introduce you to six of the most commonly committed —but easily avoided—errors.

Double Negatives
The Error: Using two negative constructions in the same clause.
Why it’s an error. Two negative constructions in the same clause cancel each other out.

Instead of: We don’t have no plans as yet for the weekend. (Two negative constructions in the same clause).
This: We don’t have any plans for the weekend.
______________________________________________
Exception: This rule doesn’t apply when two negative constructions are in different clauses.
I don’t see any reason that we can’t change our weekend plans. (The two negative constructions are in different clauses).

Between You and I
The error: Using the nominative case form of the first person (“I”) when the pronoun is in the objective case (“me”).
Discussion: Pronouns are in the objective case when they are the object of either a verb or a preposition.

Instead of: Let’s keep this conversation between you and I (The first person pronoun is the object of the preposition “between”).
This: Let’s keep this conversation between you and I me ( objective case form of “we”)

“Tacky” Prepositions
The error: Closing out a sentence with an unneeded preposition—and, in particular, “to” or “at”.

Instead of: Where did everybody go to (no need for “to”)?
This: Where did everybody go to?
____________________________________________________
Instead of: Where do you work at? (no need for “at”)
This: Where do you work at?
____________________________________________________
But: Who should I send my recommendation to? (“To” in this sentence is necessary because it completes the meaning of the sentence.)
____________________________________________________
Or: To whom shall I send my recommendation?”

Superfluous Pronouns
The error: Inserting a pronoun between a subject and verb
Discussion: This error is rooted in the unwarranted assumption that sticking a pronoun where it isn’t needed gives added emphasis to the idea being expressed. It doesn’t.

Instead of: My new boss she is a stickler for details. (No need for”she”).
This: My new boss she is a stickler for details.
____________________________________________________
Instead of: My friends and I we often go hiking on the weekend. (No need for “we”).
This: My friends and I we often go hiking on the weekend.

Unnecessary insertion of “when” or “where”
Neither of these two adverbs should ever operate as a conjunction.

Instead of: A bridge loan is when a loan is taken out for a short-term.
This: A bridge loan is when a short-term loan.

Whom instead of Who”
Whom, the objective case form of “who”, should never substitute for the subject of a verb, regardless of how “correct” it may sound.

Instead of: May I ask whom is calling. )
This: May I ask whom who is calling. (“Who” is the nominative case form of “who”.)