We’re back! This installment of the series has us looking at words that begin with “R” and “S.” Let’s see what Nancy and Bob are up to. (If you don’t know who Nancy and Bob are, go back to prior installments to see what’s been happening.)
Off we go!
Raise, rise
Using raise versus rise has more to do with transitive verbs than their definitions. A transitive verb takes a direct object (words that complete the verb by naming a receiver of the action). Raise is a transitive verb meaning to move or cause to move upward, so it requires a direct object to follow it. Rise is an intransitive verb meaning to go up and requires no direct object.
Bob raised the flag as the celebration began.
The sun rises in the east.
Real, really
Real (an adjective) is sometimes used incorrectly as an adverb. When you need an adverb, use really.
Nancy was really (not real) embarrassed by Bob’s letter.
Reason why
This phrase is redundant. In most cases, you can safely drop the word “why.”
The reason (not reason why) Nancy doesn’t like Bob is a mystery to the rest of us.
Relation, relationship
Relation indicates a connection between things. Relationship indicates a connection between people.
Nancy thought the relation between church and state was too close in some cases.
Bob’s relationship with his exes might prove he’s a good guy since they are all still friends with him.
Remember, recollect
These two words are used to mean the same thing most of the time. The difference between them is slight: remember implies spontaneous memory, and recollect means a purposeful effort to remember.
Nancy remembered her friend’s birthday one day too late.
Bob recollected a conversation he had with Nancy about wanting to go to a movie.
Respectfully, respectively
Respectfully means marked by or showing respect. Respectively means in the order given.
Nancy respectfully listened to her best friend tell her why she should give Bob a chance.
In the last five years, Bob dated only three women: Jill, Kayla and Kate, respectively.
Sensual, sensuous
These two words seem to mean the same thing, don’t they? Sensual means gratifying the physical senses (think sexual pleasure). Sensuous on the other hand means pleasing to the senses (think listening to music or enjoying art or nature).
The sensual movements of the dance group left the audience feeling uncomfortable.
The sensuous, flowing strokes in the painting created a feeling of movement.
Set, sit
Set (a transitive verb) means to put or place. Sit (an intransitive verb) means to be seated.
Nancy set the letter from Bob on the table and picked up the phone.
Bob sat at home waiting for the phone to ring.
Shall, will
Shall is used primarily in polite questions or to suggest duty or obligation in legal documents. Will is used as a helping verb with I, we, you, he/she/it, and they.
Shall we go inside?
We will go to the movies tonight at eight.
Shoe-in, shoo-in
These two words are included on behalf of my husband who had a run-in with them recently. Shoe-in is not a word. The correct spelling, shoo-in, means a certain and easy winner.
Bob was a shoo-in for employee of the month.
Should of
Don’t use should of. The correct usage is should have in all cases.
Nancy should have given Bob a chance months ago.
Since, because
You will see the word since used to mean because in some instances. This can cause ambiguity. Since the Saints won, they have been celebrating with a huge party. The correct word there would be because rather than since. Don’t use since to mean because to avoid any ambiguity.
So
Avoid using so as an intensifier. Don’t use such phrases as “so cold” or “so cuddly.”
Sometime, some time, sometimes
Here’s a great example of how the English language can be confusing. These three words are similar and easily confused. Sometime means at an indefinite or unstated time. Some time means a period of time. Sometimes means at times, now and then.
We’ll see Nancy sometime later today.
I haven’t been to the museum for some time.
Sometimes Bob really dislikes Nancy’s attitude.
Stationary, stationery
Stationary is an adjective meaning immobile. Stationery is a noun referring to the paper you write a letter on.
Nancy leaned against the stationary mailbox while waiting for her ride.
Bob decided to write Nancy one more letter on his best stationery.
That’s it for today. Next time we’ll look at “T” and “U” words. Maybe Nancy and Bob will finally get their crap together before we’re done. One can hope. See ya next time!