Do you know... #4

Do you know...     #4

Do you know whether the spelling of the color of shadows is spelled "gray" or "grey?" 
The answer is that it is spelled both ways.  Americans prefer "gray" and Brits prefer "grey."  Does that mean "Fifty Shades..." is British?  Not necessarily; either spelling is acceptable.

Do you know... #3

Do you know...     #3

Do you know whether or not you hyphenate "short term?"  The answer is yes and no; you hyphenate when used as an adjective before a noun.  e.g.  One of my short-term goals is to paint a little every day. 

When "short" describes "term," and "term" is a noun, you do not hyphenate.  e.g. In the short term, I will go to the library every day. 

Do you know... #2

Do you know...     #2

Do you know the difference between "blond" and "blonde," other than the letter "e" that is?  Actually, "blond" is an adjective and "blonde" is a noun.  e.g.  As a toddler, my son has blond hair, but I expect it to darken as he grows.  I doubt he will still be a blonde when he is older.

Do you know... #1

In honor of the "reschooling" my Aunt Rose gave me when she edited my book, I thought I'd share some of the simple and more obscure grammar rules I have learned/relearned.  In future I'll title these "Do you know..."  I already posted this on Facebook; sorry for the overlap.

Do you know...     #1
Do you know that titles of TV shows of half-an-hour or less are to be in quotations and hour-plus show titles are italicized instead?