Watcher Language
Prescriptions for Writing Clear English in America
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RUN HIM OVER (verb, object pronoun, preposition) Symptom: “A second driver tried to run him over after the first rear-ended his car.” Diagnosis: In this sentence, “over” is misplaced. Remedy: “A second driver tried to run over him after the first rear-ended his car.” Prescription: One may “carry,” “walk,” “send,” or “run” something “over” to a person or a location. “The courier ran the package over to the dealer.” Or one may “run” something “over” something else. “He ran his fingers over the peach.” Or one may “run over” someone or something with a vehicle. “The woman aimed her Mercedes-Benz at her husband and ran over him as he pleaded for her to stop.”
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About the Book
“Between fifty to sixty people attended the party.” “This one is as good or better than that one.” “Employees who service this community are highly trained.” Each of the above sentences contains an error. Do you know how to repair the damage?
Are you interested in writing well? Can you use some help in this endeavor? Do you want to show that you know the fundamentals of good writing? Do you want your reader to be well impressed? Are you a student with a writing assignment? Do you want an “A” grade on your essay? Are you applying for admission to a university? Do you have to write a letter of introduction to a prospective employer? Do you anticipate giving a speech to an educated audience? Do you have to write a long term paper or a Ph.D thesis? If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, then you need this book.
About the Author
Muriel A. Garcia has Master’s Degrees in French and in Latin. She taught French, German, English, Creative Writing, English as a Second Language, and Latin over a 26-year period in Ventura, California. Her colleagues nicknamed her “Guardian of Good English.” You may email her at murielatin@charter.net.