[HPFGU-OTChatter] Re:, question for Amanda

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

Hi --

I'm on a roll with this OT-Chatter group today!  Stranger things ....

pbnesbit at msn.com wrote:

> Well, I'm not Amanda, but I *did* run a business for a while where I
> did copy editing.  I've found the same thing and I'll even add one--
> the use of it's for its.  The former English professor in me wants to
> take a red pen to those fanfics!!

That's a huge pet peeve of mine too, Parker!  The rule I remember from
elementary school is so simple that I find it strange that people make
these contraction mistakes (if you read the sentence & you can replace
its with "it is" than you need the apostrophe; if it makes no sense to
replace it with "it is," then you don't!).  "The clock chimed its bells
on the half-hour."  "It's time for bed, Johnny!"

I was an editor of a law review, a former English major & the designated
editor of all SEC filings made by my law firm & corporate employers over
the years.  I am very very nitpicky & do have an eye for spotting
inconsistencies & errors.

The use of "that" or "which" -- so many people don't know that there is
a difference.

"Upon" is perhaps my biggest pet peeve.  Lawyers in particular have a
tendency to use this word often, and the usage is almost always
incorrect.  IMHO, it's really only correct in the "Once upon a time"
sense, and yet you see it used frequently in the sense of "Upon arriving
at her house, Mrs. Weasley ...."   I do realize that there is some
difference of opinion on this particular word usage, but I have strong
feelings about it!  :--)

I could go on ... and on ..... and on ....

But, I'll refrain.   Must go do something productive now!

Penny

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