["On or Upon?"] October 2005

Welcome to GrammarCheck, a free monthly e-mail newsletter that helps to
improve your grammar, punctuation, and writing skills! Learn, practice, and
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GrammarCheck's mission is to provide practical guidelines for using 21st
century American English.

While our approach is prescriptive in offering guidelines already "on the
books," we also include a descriptive dimension in explaining common usage.
Like all modern languages, English is in a state of flux. What passed for
correct usage five years ago in some cases may be considered incorrect
today. We consult a variety of sources to offer our readers the most common
as well as the most generally correct principles. Please keep in mind that
controversy exists with respect to some rules.

GrammarCheck is committed to high professional standards. In this imperfect
world, we recognize that errors occur, and we are eager to correct them.
Please notify us by e-mail if you believe we've made an error.

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October 2005

"ON" or "UPON"?

Last month, an anonymous GrammarCheck subscriber asked the following
question: How do you know when to use "on" or "upon" in a sentence?

Example: Now is a good time to reflect [on or upon] our history and
recognize the nation's courageous, hardworking people.

In response to this excellent question, we decided to write about the
correct use of "on" and "upon" as the topic of this month's feature article.
In general, you can follow these four guidelines to determine their correct
use.

- - - - - - - - - -

Guideline #1: Use either ON or UPON to indicate a spatial relationship
between an action and an object.

Examples:

We saw a monkey sitting on [or upon] a large bough.

(sitting = an action; bough = an object)

The large beam was resting on [or upon] two supports.

(resting = an action; supports = an object)

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Guideline #2: Use either ON or UPON to indicate a nonspatial relationship
between an action and an object.

Examples:

It depends on [or upon] your past accomplishments.

(depends = an action; accomplishments = an object)

She couldn't rely on [or upon] her supervisor's good will.

(rely = an action; will = an object)

- - - - - - - - - -

Guideline #3: Use ON to indicate a spatial relationship between two things.

Examples:

Please hand me the book over there ON the table.

(The relationship between two things--"book" and "table"--is spatial.)

It's the only rake hanging on the rack.

(The relationship between two things--"rake" and "rack"--is spatial.)

- - - - - - - - - -

Guideline #4: Use ON to indicate a nonspatial relationship between two
things.

Examples:

She wrote an article ON marriage.

(The relationship between two things--"article" and "marriage"--is
nonspatial.)

I plan to arrive at the airport on Saturday.

(The relationship between two things--"airport" and "Saturday"--is
nonspatial.)

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With these four guidelines in mind, which one applies to the sentence
submitted by the anonymous subscriber?

"Now is a good time to reflect [on or upon] our history and recognize the
nation's courageous, hardworking people."

The answer: Guideline #2.

In this sentence, the relationship between "reflect" (an action) and
"history" (an object) is nonspatial, so either ON or UPON may be used.

CORRECT:

Now is a good time to reflect on our history and recognize the nation's
courageous, hardworking people.

Now is a good time to reflect upon our history and recognize the nation's
courageous, hardworking people.

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HAVE ANY STYLE AND/OR EDITING SUGGESTIONS? WRITE TO US!

Our readers often share great ideas about writing and grammar. If you have a
writing tip related to editing for style, e-mail it to
mailto:grammarcheck@xxxxxxxxx <grammarcheck@xxxxxxxxx>. Your idea may appear
in a future edition of GrammarCheck.

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QUESTION: When do you capitalize the word "state"?

GRAMMARCHECK: Capitalize "state" when it's part of a proper name.

Examples:

I grew up in the state of Vermont.

(Only "Vermont" is a proper name, so "state" is not capitalized.)

The State of Vermont mandates that we require this service.

("State of Vermont" is a proper name that refers to a governmental entity,
so "State" is capitalized.)

Ohio State University is a powerhouse in football this year.

("Ohio State University" is a proper name, so "State" is capitalized.)

Guidelines for capitalization can vary, so when in doubt, consult your
preferred style guide or handbook.

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QUESTION: Can "work" be described as "diligent"?

GRAMMARCHECK: Yes. Here's an example:

The diligent work of federal, state, and local workers helped rescue many
hurricane survivors.

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COMMENT: I read your excellent newsletter every month. Thanks for sending
it. My comment has to do with the use of "cannot" or "can not" in the
September newsletter.

I know that you are interested in clear and concise writing, along with your
concern about grammar. Because of that, I think it would have been helpful
for you to point out that the following sentence would be clearer if "can
not" were not used:

"He can not only write well, but he also can write effectively."

As an editor, if given the chance, I would change it to one of the
following:

"He can write well, and he can write effectively."

"He writes both well and effectively." (Carol)

GRAMMARCHECK: Excellent point, Carol. We didn't mention anything about clear
and concise writing because the sentence was merely an example of when "can"
and "not" cannot be combined into one word. Your two sentences, however, are
good examples that illustrate how an awkward sentence can sound clearer and
more concise. Thanks for writing!

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QUESTION: I was showing my boss something that said "golf vacation in
Kauai?" He says it should say "golf vacation on Kauai?" Which one is
correct?

GRAMMARCHECK: If the golf vacation took place INSIDE the island of Kauai (an
unlikely event), the first one would be correct. Otherwise, we assume the
golf courses are ON the island of Kauai, so the second one--as your boss
noted--is correct.

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QUESTION: Which one of the following two sentences is correct?

1. The supplier shall at all times maintain insurance coverage as required
by the buyer.

2. The supplier shall, at all times, maintain insurance coverage as required
by the buyer.

GRAMMARCHECK: The phrase "at all times" is called a "parenthetical element"
or "added information." When added information is essential to the meaning
of the sentence, do not place a comma before and after it. In this case, "at
all times" represents information that is NOT essential to the meaning of
the sentence because "shall" refers to a requirement, which means it needs
to be observed at all times unless exceptions are clearly stated. The second
sentence, therefore, is correct.

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QUESTION: Can you please tell me if the following sentence breaks any
English grammar rules?

As a learner I will purpose to have a positive attitude.

GRAMMARCHECK: No grammar rules are broken, but we have two comments that
would make the sentence more readable.

1. We would place a comma after the brief introductory element "As a
learner." Doing so, however, is optional.

2. The sentence sounds odd because of the unusual use of "purpose" as a
verb, meaning "to propose" or "to present." We would use a different verb,
one that doesn't sound so awkward.

Here's our revision of the sentence:

As a learner, I intend to have a positive attitude.

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SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT US

Thousands of people around the world read GrammarCheck every month. Tell
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GRAMMAR IN THE WILD

Last month, we looked at the grammatical correctness of a classified display
ad. This month, we're featuring a regular display ad from our local
newspaper. Here's what we found.

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Use your phone as much as you want.

* Never pay huge overages

* Never pay roaming charges

* Unlimited night and weekend minutes

* Nationwide long distance, every minute, every day

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Here are the problems we noticed:

1. The opening sentence (an independent clause) should introduce the list of
items that follow. The opening sentence in this display ad merely makes a
statement.

2. A colon should be placed after an independent clause that introduces (or
is supposed to introduce) a list of items.

3. Each listed item should be parallel in structure. The first two items are
independent clauses, while the last two items are not.

4. Because the first two items are independent clauses, they need to end
with a period.

- - - - -

Here's one way to correct all the errors in the display ad. Others are
possible as well.

- - - - -

Use your phone as much as you want and

* Never pay huge overages.

* Never pay roaming charges.

* Get unlimited night and weekend minutes.

* Get [free] nationwide long distance, every minute, every day.

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QUESTION: There are nine errors in the following paragraph. Can you find
them for me?

"The opening scenes of the film will show rioting, and crime among the
inhabitints of the space platform. The camera follow Hoan the central
character as they tries vanely to stop the violence. The looters wil not put
down they weapons or listen to him plea for order."

GRAMMARCHECK: We noticed eleven errors. See the end of the newsletter for
our answers.

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QUESTION: Which one is proper: to "raise" doubt or "cause" doubt?

GRAMMARCHECK: It depends. Both can be correct. Someone who makes sure that
"doubt" is known or heard RAISES doubt. Someone who is responsible for the
"doubt" in the first place CAUSES doubt.

Examples:

The senator raises doubt about the issue every time it comes up for debate.

(The senator makes sure that his or her doubt about the issue is known or
heard by others.)

The senator's illogical reasoning about the issue causes doubt to be raised.

(The senator is responsible for the doubt.)

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WORD OF THE MONTH

"puerile" (PYOO-uhr-uhl or PYOOR-uhl) adjective

- - - - -

Displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity; juvenile; childish.

Example: They acted in a puerile manner at last night's game.

- - - - -

Words, pronunciations, and definitions courtesy of
Dictionary.com<http://Dictionary.com>,
Copyright 2005, Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Visit
http://www.Dictionary.com <http://www.dictionary.com/> for all your on-line
dictionary and thesaurus needs.

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QUESTION: Here at our newspaper, my editor is always getting after me for
using "in spite of" instead of "despite." I see it used both ways in all
kinds of media: books, magazines, on the news, etc. Which one is correct?
Thanks! (Karen)

GRAMMARCHECK: Both are correct. Perhaps your boss prefers "despite" because
it is shorter, it is not an idiom (like "in spite of"), and it saves
precious column space! Thanks for writing, Karen.

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QUESTION: Hello. I think I found something incorrect in your newsletter. It
was in your word-of-the-month section.

Example: He held great enmity toward his tormentor."

Should "towards" be used instead of "toward"?

I like your newsletter. Thanks. (Robot Girl)

GRAMMARCHECK: Both forms are correct. However, "toward" is more common in
American English, while "towards" is more common in British English. Thanks
for writing.

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EDITING QUIZ

Here's an opportunity to practice your editing skills. The following
sentence, which arrived through one of our Web site forms, is a good example
of wordiness:

"What is very important is that the steps to be taken on the first business
day of the new month need to be followed in exact order."

See what you can do to eliminate the wordiness and thus make the sentence
more readable. (Teachers: This would be a great exercise for your students
to complete.) We'll print the best entries in next month's edition of
GrammarCheck.

Submit your responses to mailto:grammarcheck@xxxxxxxxx<grammarcheck@xxxxxxxxx>
.

Good luck!

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QUESTION: Hi! How does one correctly use the phrase "with regard to" when
introducing a topic? I keep seeing variations like "in regard to," "in
regards to," "with regards to," and "as regards." (Kay)

GRAMMARCHECK: The only acceptable forms are the following: WITH REGARD TO,
IN REGARD TO, AS REGARDS, and REGARDING. All others are incorrect.

Examples:

With regard to the new building, this contract is unbreakable.

In regard to the new building, this contract is unbreakable.

As regards the new building, this contract is unbreakable.

Regarding the new building, this contract is unbreakable.

Thanks for writing, Kay.

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QUESTION: If I write a paper on the U.S. Constitution, does the word
"constitution" have to be underlined every time I use it?

GRAMMARCHECK: No. In fact, the title of a major legal document is neither
underlined nor italicized. It's capitalized. The first time you mention it,
type "U.S. Constitution." Afterwards, you can refer to it as "the
Constitution."

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GRAMMARCHECK ARCHIVES

Read past issues of GrammarCheck on-line at
http://www.GrammarCheck.com/archives/<http://www.grammarcheck.com/archives/>

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QUESTION: Which is correct: "bring out the best OF us" or "bring out the
best IN us?"

GRAMMARCHECK: It depends. If a football team with a losing record attracts
only a small crowd, then someone could say, "This losing team brings out the
best OF us," referring to the best fans among all football fans who
typically might have attended the game.

On the other hand, if everyone taking a math course earns an excellent grade
from a particular teacher, then someone could say, "Ms. Jones brings out the
best IN us," referring to her ability to help students realize their
potential in math.

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QUESTION: Is the plural for computer mouse "computer MICE"?

GRAMMARCHECK: Yes. The word "mouses" may be used as well.

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QUESTION: Which of the following sentences is correct:

1. Some fishes are in the lake.

2. Some fish is in the lake.

GRAMMARCHECK: Good question--and our answer may surprise you. Both sentences
are correct, depending on the intended usage. The plural form of "fish" may
be "fish" or "fishes." The adjective "some" may refer to an unspecified
number of something. It also may refer to something that is unknown or
unspecified by name. Let's look at each sentence.

- - - - -

1. Some fishes are in the lake.

In this sentence, "some" refers to an unspecified number of "fishes" (or
"fish"), so "are" is the correct verb.

- - - - -

2. Some fish is in the lake.

In this sentence, "some" refers to something (singular) that is unknown or
unspecified by name. The word "fish," therefore, must be singular, so "is"
is the correct verb.

One reason why the second sentence may sound wrong is because,
psychologically, we're conditioned by the first sentence to read "fish" as
plural instead of singular. If you're having trouble understanding how "some
fish is" can be correct, substitute "animal" for "fish," and the sentence
makes sense. (Some animal is in the lake.)

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Have a question about grammar or writing? E-mail it to
mailto:grammarcheck@xxxxxxxxx <grammarcheck@xxxxxxxxx> or send it
anonymously through our Web form at
http://www.GrammarCheck.com/submit.htm<http://www.grammarcheck.com/submit.htm>

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WEB SITE OF THE MONTH

Each month we feature a Web site that provides on-line help with grammar
and/or writing. Check out this month's site:

"Get Writing"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/

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COMMENT: Thank you for the GrammarCheck e-mails. I recently was hired in a
position for our local school district. My official title is "Homeschool
Curriculum Specialist." I have seen the first word written variously as (a)
home school, (b) home-school, and (c) homeschool. In my opinion, the last is
overtaking the first, and with good reason. I hope to see the use of
homeschool as a single word.

In closing, do you realize how stressful it can be to write to you? There is
a great deal of pressure to be completely correct in all spelling, grammar,
and punctuation! (Mind you, I do not say that YOU are the one(s) providing
the pressure. It is strictly coming from me, which I realize.)

Thank you again for your column. (Laura)

GRAMMARCHECK: Thanks for writing, Laura. There's no need to be stressed out
when contacting us. As teachers, we're used to reading "less-than-perfect"
writing, both from our students and from professional sources. It's nearly
impossible to be grammatically correct at all times given the fact that (a)
English grammar evolves to reflect changing cultural needs and desires, (b)
we're all human and thus prone to err, and (c) even experts disagree about
various points of grammar. Besides, your message was well-written.

Although we couldn't print all of your information about home-schooling
because of space considerations, your comments about it were well-stated.
The term is currently in flux and thus is bound to change over time. Here's
what the OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY (OED) lists regarding the correct
spelling of the term.

1. Write "home school" when used as a noun.

Example: I plan to operate my own home school once the children are old
enough.

- - -

2. Write "home-school" when used as an adjective or verb.

Example: I belong to an extensive home-school network.

Example: Do you plan to home-school your children next year?

- - -

3. Use the hyphenated form when adding a suffix to "school."

Example: I enjoy working with the home-schooled students.

Example: I enjoy working with home-schoolers.

Example: Home-schooling demands a lot of commitment from parents.

Example: I just joined a new home-schooling organization.

- - -

Keep in mind, however, that these three informal "guidelines" are not
written in stone. The OED also provides examples of the term as a compound
noun (e.g., homeschool, homeschooled, homeschooling, homeschoolers). We
agree with you that "homeschool" and its various compound forms eventually
will become the standard. Thanks for writing!

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QUESTION: What is a compound subject?

GRAMMARCHECK: A sentence with two or more "subjects" is said to have a
"compound subject." Take a look at the following examples:

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Single Subject Sentence:

The boat was docked on the lake.

Subject = boat

- - - - -

Compound Subject Sentences:

1. The boat and engine were working properly.

Compound Subjects = boat, engine

2. Mary, Ted, Jessica, and Lakura graduated with honors last night.

Compound Subjects = Mary, Ted, Jessica, Lakura

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ANSWERS TO PARAGRAPH ERRORS

Here are the eleven errors we noticed in the paragraph:

1. A comma should not be placed after "rioting."

2. Inhabitints is spelled incorrectly.

3. The second sentence does not use the auxiliary verb "will," as was done
in the first and third sentences. The word "will" should precede "follow,"
thus negating the need for "follow" to be changed to "follows."

4. A comma should be placed after "Hoan."

5. A comma should be placed after "character."

6. The word "they" modifies "Hoan," so it should be changed to the singular
"he."

7. The word "tries" should be changed to "try" to agree with "they."
However, "tries" is correct when "they" is changed to "he."

8. The word "vanely" is spelled incorrectly. It could be replaced with the
idiom "in vain."

9. The word "wil" is spelled incorrectly.

10. The word "they" should be changed to the possessive "their."

11. The word "him" should be changed to the possessive "his." Or the word
"plea" should be changed to "plead."

The paragraph should read as follows:

The opening scenes of the film will show rioting and crime among the
inhabitants of the space platform. The camera will follow Hoan, the central
character, as he tries vainly (or "in vain") to stop the violence. The
looters will not put down their weapons or listen to his plea (or "listen to
him plead") for order.

If context permits, the paragraph also could read as follows:

The opening scenes of the film show rioting and crime among the inhabitants
of the space platform. The camera follows Hoan, the central character, as he
tries vainly (or "in vain") to stop the violence. The looters refuse to put
down their weapons or listen to his plea (or "listen to him plead") for
order.

Here's another version:

The opening scenes of the film show rioting and crime among the space
platform inhabitants. The camera then follows the central character, Hoan,
as he tries vainly (or "in vain") to stop the violence. The looters refuse
to put down their weapons or listen to his plea (or "listen to him plead")
for order.

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That's it for this month. Thanks for subscribing to GrammarCheck. See you in
November!

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