[sdiy] OT: grammar, spelling and communication

[Tim Parkhurst]

Okay, I know this is off topic, and that this is an informal list, but in
the interest of good communication I just wanted to make a list of common
grammar and spelling errors. As engineers, or even SDIY 'tinkerers'
communicating our ideas properly is essential. If you work in a technical
field, the "bean counters" are MUCH more likely to disregard your input if
it comes in the form of a poorly written note or report. I apologize if
anyone is bored by this, and I realize that many of our members speak
English as a second or even third language, but I think there is nothing
wrong with learning to communicate properly. Read this or delete it, but I
promise I won't bring it up again. I'm not trying to be the "Grammar
Police," just trying to help. :)

to: As in "I went to the surplus store." "I was going to buy one of those."
two: A number or quantity. As in "I bought two spools of solder."
too: Similar to also. As in "I bought some too."

there: A place or destination. As in "I wanted to go there."
their: Shows ownership, or something that belongs to another. As in "Their
service was excellent."
they're: A contraction of "they are." As in "Intersil said they're going to
discontinue the CA3280."

were: As in "We were sleeping, but then we woke up."
where: As in "Where can I find a used Glork-o-tron?"
we're: A contraction of "We" and "are." As in "We're going to make a group
purchase."

Apostrophes are used for contractions or to show when one thing belongs to
another. For example:
"The customer's Polymoog had a mouse in it." Shows that the customer owns
the Polymoog. 
"They said it was in Intersil's best interest." Shows "best interest" is of
or belongs to "Intersil."
"They're" is a contraction of "They" and "are."
"Isn't" is a contraction of "Is" and "not."
"It's" is a contraction of "It" and "is." DO NOT use the apostrophe when
"Its" is used to show ownership, as in "The keyboard was missing its power
supply."

Apostrophes ARE NOT used when a word is pluralized (showing that there is
more than one of something). For example: 
More than one LED are LEDs.
More than one CD are CDs.
More than one transistor are transistors.



As you were,

Tim (Not an anal grammar nut, really) Servo

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein


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