Grammatacize: Part Deux

There are so very many grammatical things to learn in this world, I figured it won't hurt to add some more knowledge to our brains on the matter.

That being said, check out the following:

When to use i.e. versus e.g. when writing (thanks oatmeal)

i.e. is an abbreviated latin phrase meaning "that is" and is subsequently used for clarification purposes. Synonyms are "in essence" or "in other words". Keep in mind the "in other words" phrase because that will head you in the proper direction once you've started your sentence.

• I wanted to go for a run in the park, i.e. people watch.

e.g. is used in place of "for example". This one's much easier.

• When I go to the park, I like to people watch to see what they are like, e.g. crazy, hyper, or funny.

How about their, there, and they're? You feel comfortable with those? A lot of people think they are, but tend to still slip once in awhile. I still hesitate at times...it's inevitable. But it's an easy fix.

• Their - posessive. It is theirs, they own it.


• There - location. It is over there.


• They're - a contraction for "they are".


• Example: They're (They are) over there (location) by their (possessive, they own it) car.

Clear as mud? Try the next group on for size.

I have never known when to use affect versus effect so let's learn together courtesy of my new friend:

Affect means "to influence" someone or something.

• The humidity in Houston often affects my hair and subsequently makes me irritable.


• In this sentence, I would normally have used effect...lesson learned, B!

Effect translates easiest to "a result" due to something or someone affecting you. See how I threw that in there (location) to distinguish?

• The effect of humidity on my hair is disastrous, e.g. by creating a halo effect, wavy hair, and an uncontainable frizz.