5 Commonly Mistaken "B" Words

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acrosstheuniverse

Author: acrosstheuniverse

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"B" words that get a little confusing...

Here we are with the second installation of grammar 101 to improve your writing whether it be to improve your chances on the SAT, TOEFL or just for fun practice.

Grammar is a pretty amazing thing, as there are so many parts that are constantly being reminded to us as we learn more and more rules and correct tips.

So here are the top five "B" words to watch out for and how to properly use them.

1. Because

Because is a tricky word as there 3 correct usages that go along with it.

Because at the beginning of a sentence: Although most rules say you're commonly not supposed to use "because" at the beginning of sentences, it can be used when there is a parallel phrase attached to it.

Example: Because of the rainy weather, I had to get out my rainboots. CORRECT
Because I want to. INCORRECT

As you can see, this works because the "because" is used to complete and compliment the two parts of the sentence and is not left empty without value or a certain role to fill as the incorrect example shows.

Because in the middle of sentences: some say that the way "because" is used within a sentence makes the sentence more confusing than it needs to be. It should be used to complete the sentence or to reflect on two or more areas or topics being discussed.

Example: Mario left in a huff because it was too late for them to serve him dinner. CORRECT Whether or not because of the water, Walkertown had a bad reputation. INCORRECT.

From the above examples we can see that because can either compliment a sentence and connect ideas or it can make a sentence very awkward if not used correctly to balance ideas.

Because after negated verbs: You must use a comma to separate the first part of the sentence with, and then place within it the because and a cause. In this case, the "because" acts as a way to explain something. When no comma is used, the second part of the sentence just leads in from the first.

Example: They decided she would be let go, because she was too bossy. CORRECT.They decided she would be let go because she was too bossy. CORRECT

Both of these examples show that with or without the comma, the use of because can either connect or explain parts of the sentence.

"Is Because": This is bad style and not grammatically correct. You shouldn't end your sentences with "because" since it is supposed to explain something. Therefore when it is left empty, it is incorrect.

Example:The fame is because. INCORRECT.The fame is because of her first movie, released a few years back. CORRECT

herefore, try not to end your sentences with because, explain WHY to make it correct.

2. But

But at the beginning of a sentence: Although some people say a sentence is incorrect when beginning with but, it really depends on how it is used. Sometimes but can actually be used to create a much more dramatic state for the sentence as an opener. If you're trying to show an incomplete thought, then use it, but if not, just stick to have it within the sentence. Just forget about the period and continue the sentence through. If the first sentence is very short, consider using a comma and then the but.

Example: David grew up in a great household. But he wished he had a little sister.INCORRECT.David grew up in a great household, but he wished he had a little sister. CORRECT

Author Example: "In his youth Dostoevsky had been attracted to utopian socialism of the Fourierist variety. But four years in a prison camp in Siberia shook his faith." - J.M. Coetzee

As you can see it should only be used if you can understand it's complexity, otherwise just use it with a comma plus the "but" and then the rest of your sentence.

But should not be followed by a comma: Although it commonly reads as ", but" it shouldn't be used as ", but ,". This adds too much pause in most causes and divides up the sentence more than it needs to be.

Example: The dog wanted to go out, but, we couldn't take him. INCORRECT.The dog wanted to go out, but we couldn't take him. CORRECT

Simply put, use "but" with just one comma before it to avoid confusion.

"But However": This is an incorrect and bad grammatical form

3. By Buy Bye

A little variation on the N'Sync song! These three terms are often confused in their usage and spelling. Check it out.

Used when denoting something as being close to, around, through or near.
Example: The Harbourfront can be found by Queen's Quay. CORRECT

BUY

Used when denoting something as being purchased.
Example: I really want to buy that expensive bag. CORRECT

BYE

Used when saying goodbye, or when someone or yourself is leaving.
Example: We had to say bye to grandma as she drove away. CORRECT

4. Baccalaureate

This word is most often spelled incorrectly.

Baccalaureate: Adjective; an examination intended to qualify successful candidates for higher education.

5. Bought vs. Brought

These two terms can get mixed up since they look so alike. Here's how to tell them apart.

BOUGHT

When you have paid money for something, you've exchanged something.
Example: I bought this beautiful pair of red sneakers yesterday. CORRECT

BROUGHT

The function of physically taking something with you, past tense of "bring".
Example: For the potluck I had brought a salad to go with the BBQ items. CORRECT

With these tips you're be closer to knowing and understanding "B" words and their working usage!!

References:

American Heritage Book of English Usage. "Grammar of "But". <http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/017.html>

American Heritage Book of English Usage. "Grammar of "Because". <http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/015.html>

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