Today I’m going to discuss four usage rules that seem to break the rules. I’ve heard many people say that the correct usage looks wrong to them, and the wrong usage looks right. Today we’re going to focus on the right way, of course.
1. either/or and neither/nor
These constructions don’t follow the usual “look at the beginning!” rule. You’re supposed to go to or/nor to figure out your verb. (It’s easier than you think!)
Either Jane or the Smiths (know, knows) how to get to the airport.
Either the Smiths or Jane (know, knows) how to get to the airport.
Here are the answers, with clues in bold:
Either Jane or the Smiths know how to get to the airport.
Either the Smiths or Jane knows how to get to the airport.
Either Jane or the Smiths know how to get to the airport. CORRECT
Either the Smiths or Jane knows how to get to the airport. CORRECT
2. I or me?
Many people overuse I because they mistakenly think it’s more elegant. Sometimes me is the correct word (even if your grandmother thinks I sounds better!). The trick is to shorten the sentence – you’ll instantly hear which word is correct:
The Smiths drove Kay and (I, me) to the airport.
The Smiths drove me to the airport.
The Smiths drove Kay and me to the airport. CORRECT
The Smiths and (I, me) went to the airport.
I went to the airport.
The Smiths and I went to the airport. CORRECT
3. well or good?
Many people think well sounds more elegant than good – and that tricks them into overusing it. Often good is the correct word:
I feel good today. CORRECT
That color looks good on you! CORRECT
A grilled cheese sandwich sounds good to me. CORRECT
4. possessive pronouns (his, hers, ours, yours, theirs, its)
Many people tell me they’re tempted to use an apostrophe in possessive pronouns. Don’t give in to that temptation! Here’s a trick for getting them right: Remember that his is a possessive pronoun. His doesn’t need an apostrophe – and neither do the others.
That locker is hers, and this one is his. CORRECT
My jacket lost one of its buttons. CORRECT
Jackie’s car is older than ours, but it looks newer because she takes such good care of it. CORRECT
