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Tag: syntax

Stage 2-d: Run-on or compound?

Welcome back. In the prior post, labeled Stage 2-c, we explored — and in some ways exploded — the idea of any universally proper sentence length. I hope that essay helped you to take an interesting and useful step along our Stage 2 pathway. We now move to the next lesson, Stage 2-d, where we…

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MZ-general

Stage 2-a: From “Simple” to “Surprise Me” – Introduction

We have learned, in Stage 1, that — in English grammar — every complete sentence must include, as its essential component, a main clause (MC), which combines a subject (S) – what we are talking about – and its predicate (P) – what the subject is 1) being, 2) having, or 3) doing. This pair–that-makes–one,…

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Stage 2 posts

Stage 2-b: Across the muck . . . we need *stepping stones*!

By now, you know all about main clauses (MCs) — also commonly known as independent clauses — and you understand them not just as grammatical factoids, but as a team that, together, constitutes the sentence’s very essense. Something (that you named) either does, has, or is something (according to you). It’s that simple, ha ha….

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MZ-general

Stage 2-c: The proper length of a sentence

As you know by now, I cherish authenticity — such that things you say could have been said by you, only. For example, just to show my own authenticity, including my poetic leanings, I might re-arrange those opening eight words like this: “As you, by now, know, I cherish authenticity . . .” (hear the…

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MZ-general

Stage 1-a: “The Essence of a Sentence” – Introduction

Stage 1-a: The Essence of a Sentence – “Introduction” As I will remind you elsewhere (sorry to nag, but it’s vitally important), your learning will benefit greatly if you read and study my system — all three “stages” — in their sequential order. So start here, then work your way through all the Stage 1…

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MZ-general

Let’s get political — NOT!

Don’t let that knee jerk! I want to get an early start on demonstrating the lack of political side taking that I will demonstrate and also hope you will be able to emulate, when that would help you, which is often, in our present times of unprecedented (at least in the past century) divisiveness. For…

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authenticity

Rethinking Pronoun Madness – 2 — incl. HOW (to *do* it, graciously!)

In this post — a continuation of  “Pronoun Madness” Part 1 — I am heading, with a critical eye but also a fix-it mentality, straight into a trend (grammatical? sociological?) of growing dominance in publishing and other mainstream settings. Motivationally speaking . . . I would like to clarify my motivation for “targeting” this this…

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Controversy Corner

Rethinking Pronoun madness #1 — the WHY (b/c “Words Matter”?)

“Words Matter” — that’s my mantra for curing “pronoun madness.” Ironically, it’s the same (unexplained, unsupported, and unconvincing) mantra used/misused/abused by the shallow and misguided advocates of the very pronoun madness I wish to eradicate from our language, especially in public use. Note: Elsewhere in the Writing Lessons, section of this blog (under Grammar &…

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Controversy Corner

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