What is in the grammar? Part - 1

Why one should know about grammar?

Grammar can be defined as the structure in which one can put his words to express his thoughts.

From our childhood days we are using english language in different forms.

So, it makes much sense to discuss some of the common mistakes we usually commit while communicating with others.

1. Difference between effect and affect?

Effect is a noun.

Affect is a verb.

2. When to use continual and when continuous?

Continual refers to successive actions with occasional cessations.

While continuous is unbroken, uninterrupted movements or series of actions.

Continual rain can have short spells of fair weather intervening between the frequent storms.

But, continuous rain means that it never stops.

3. Sense should be followed by 'in' when it implies logic or sensibleness. However, if sense signifies meaning, it should be followed by 'of'.

What is the sense in arguing?

Can you get the sense of that poem?

4. Which one you prefer to use?

What kind of a day is it?

or

What kind of day is it?

The word 'a' is considered unnecessary following 'what kind', 'what sort' or 'what type'. It is rarely used in educated speech.

So, always ask:

What kind of job are you looking for?

What type of dress I should wear?

5. Difference between 'principle' and 'principal'.

Principle - Rule, truth, law of conduct or action (is a noun)

Principal - Main (is an adjective)

Principal may be used as a noun when referring:

- to a sum of money

- to a person who is chief of any organization

6. Difference between 'hung' and 'hanged'.

Anything which is suspended is hung.

- Pictures are hung on the wall.

- Clothes were hung out in the sunlight.

Hanged is used to describe execution by hanging.

- You will be hanged if caught cheating. :)

- He hanged himself.

The murderer was hanged and his corpse was hung until it was cut down.

7. Correct (plural) forms:

Mothers-in-law

editors-in-chief

attorneys general

men of war

notaries public

passers by

8. "Do it good" or "Do it well".

'Good' or 'Well' is modifying a verb 'do'. So, it should be an adverb as adverb is one which modifies verbs, adjectives or another adverbs. Good is an adjective, so it must be modifying nouns not verbs.
So, well is the correct form.

So, always use:

Do it well.

"Go slow" or "Go slowly".

Slowly is an adverb. However, slow is acting as an adverb here.

So, either of the forms can be used.

9. Difference between 'incredible' and 'incredulous'.

You sound 'incredulous' when you show skepticism.

Something is 'incredible' if it is difficult to believe.

Credulous person believes what he hears.

Something is credible if it warrants belief.

Don't look so incredulous when I tell you what happened to me.

You are too credulous. You should distinguish facts from fancy.

The climate at equator is incredibly hot.

It is a perfectly credible story.

10. Some other correct (plural) forms:

spoonfuls of sugar

cupfuls of rice

handfuls of pulse

glassfuls of tea