Dependent and Independent Clauses…the difference

This topic is in response to the post calling for requests.

There are various types of clauses in the English language, but two of the most confusing are dependent and independent clauses.

To tell the difference between the two, remember the following:

If it can stand by itself as a sentence, it is an independent clause.
Example:  We can go to the meeting.

If it can’t stand by itself as a sentence, it is a dependent clause.  It depends on other content to make a complete sentence.  Dependent clauses often begin with words such as when, because, if, who, or that.
Example:  We can go if the secretary gets back in time.

When it comes to punctuation of a dependent clause, that is determined by how it functions (as an adverb, adjective, or noun).  A good rule of thumb: if the dependent clause is at the beginning of the sentence, it should be followed by a comma.

Hope this helps!
Jill

Learn more about Heiste Communications online…

Lose vs Loose…Getting the right meaning

When choosing between “lose” and “loose” in content, it’s critical to use the one that fits your meaning.

Lose means to be without something.  If you can substitute “win” or “gain” and the sentence still makes sense, use “lose”.
Example:  If I don’t have a competitive quote, I will lose this account.
(“win” or “gain” could easily work in this sentence)

Loose means free or unattached.  If you can substitute an opposite, such as “tight”, and the sentence still makes sense, use “loose”.
Example:  The previous accountant was loose with the company’s budget.
(“tight” could work in the sentence)

It helps to say the sentence out loud to determine which one you really want to use.

You can also associate the meaning with the word itself.  With “loose”, you can associate the extra “o” in terms of a baggy fit or a “loose” fit, which makes room for that extra “o”.

Whether you want to lose weight or set your words loose on the world, thinking through your word choice can make a huge difference in getting your message across.

Jill

Learn more about “delivering the power of words” with Heiste Communications…

Temporary hiatus…

Sorry for the delay on recent updates.  I do plan to continue this blog, bringing real-life grammar and spelling tips to everyone.  Plus, I plan to expand this blog to include other commentary related to writing in all of its various forms.

Please bear with me during this transition phase.

Best regards,
Jill

Want to know about the services Heiste Communications provides?  Visit our website.

Looking for Requests

Do you need an easy way to remember that elusive grammar rule or how to spell a certain word?

Drop me a comment to let me know, and I’ll do my best to help you solve it!

Jill

Heiste Communications …delivering the power of words

Kansas City Freelance Exchange Portfolio Showcase

Looking for some freelance talent for your business?

If you’re in the Kansas City area, stop by the Freelance Exchange of Kansas City’s Portfolio Showcase on Thursday, April 23rd from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Foundation, 1221 Union Ave., Kansas City, MO.

The Showcase is a free event that features advertising and marketing freelancers (art directors, copywriters, designers, illustrators, photographers, PR professionals, web developers, and more) and samples of their best work for local, regional, and national clients.

Visit Heiste Communications at the Showcase and mention this blog article to receive a free gift!

Can’t make it to the showcase but would like to see our portfolio?
Contact us online to request a copy and a free gift.

See you next Thursday!
Jill

Quick note: Spelling “visibility”

An easy way to remember there is not an “a” in “visibility” is to focus on the letter “i”.

The eyes (“i“s) have full visibility.

Jill

Visit Heiste Communications online

Quick note: Spelling “desperate”

A good way to remember how to correctly spell “desperate” is that there is no “par”.

Being desperate is not par for the course.

Jill

Learn more about Heiste Communications online

Too, To, Two…Clearing the confusion

It is easy to accidentally choose the wrong version of “to”, “too”, or, even in some cases, “two”.  Here is a quick and easy guide:

If you can substitute “also”, use “too”.
Think of it as you need something additional, so add another “o”.
Example:  We need to order staples, too.
(“also” could work here; see note below)

If you mean “toward”, use “to”.  Think of a gift tag: “to” and “from”.
Example:  Please send the contract to our new client.

If you can substitute the number “2″, use “two”.
Example:  We sent two proposals out in the mail yesterday.
(“2″ fits here)

Note: “Too” can also be used to mean “excessively”, as in, “I work too much.”  However, when used in this context, it is best to clarify and explain the consequences, as in, “I work too much when my boss is out of town.”

Also note, I used a comma before “too” at the end of the sentence…and confusion around that is for a later post.

The next time you go to write something, don’t be too overwhelmed.  Just take two seconds and think it through.

Jill

Learn more about Heiste Communications online

Make a Referral Week a Success!

As a participant in last week’s “Make a Referral Week”, I just wanted to share the good news that the goal of over 1,000 small business referrals was reached!

Visit the Make a Referral Week website for a list of some of the referrals that were made and for more information about the program.

And a big thank you to anyone who participated in making referrals!

Jill

Learn more about Heiste Communications online

Their, There, and They’re…Which one to choose?

Many people struggle when choosing the correct version of “their”, “there”, or “they’re” for a sentence.  Here is a quick and easy guide:

If you can substitute “they are”, use “they’re”.
Example:  Sales knows about the issue, and they’re working on it.
(“they are” would make sense and could work)

If you can substitute “here”, use “there”.
Easy to remember since “here” is part of “there”.
Example:  I need the computer set up on the table over there.
(“here” would make sense and could work; see note below)

If you can substitute “my” (or other possessives), use “their”.
Also, if neither “they are” or “here” work, “their” is the best choice.
Example:  The clients want to have the meeting at their office location.
(“my” would make sense and could work)

Note: The “here/there” guideline doesn’t quite work for “there” at the beginning of a sentence, (There are important clients attending the meeting.).  However, you can bypass this choice and restructure the sentence for more impact (Important clients are attending the meeting.).

I hope these suggestions help readers when they’re reviewing their content and looking at other information out there on the Internet.

Jill

Learn more about Heiste Communications online…