| A poem quote for February which resonates with last month’s reference to climate change and the COP26 Summit: ‘We have no claim to the stars, nor the sad-faced moon of night, nor the golden cloud that immerses itself in celestial light. We only have a right to exist on earth in its vast devastation, and it’s only man’s strife that destroys the glory of creation.’ HEDD WYNN The above is included in: POEMS – EQ4U GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES Another ‘word note’ reference this month. Firstly, two words that are similar in sound and spelling but have different but associated meanings, plus a word that also possibly applies to those who are bloviators, or even those who take a circumbendibus approach? (Ref last month’s words) Perspicacious (adj) perspicacity (verb) – acutely perceptive or discerning/quickly gaining insight into things Perspicuous (adj) perspicuity (noun) – expressing or writing things clearly /lucidly/in a way that’s easily understood Ultracrepidate (verb) ultracrepidarian (noun) – to express an opinion without knowledge or authority, especially to criticize beyond one’s sphere of knowledge. Warmest & best wishes,  Jan Childs EQ4U Ltd jan.childs@eq4u.co.uk EQ4U Website |
EQ4U UPDATE – DECEMBER 2021
December’s quote is a meaningful reflection for all time and seasons:
‘I expect to pass through his world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now, let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.’
STEPHEN GRELLET
The above is included in:
*GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES
A ‘word note’ reference this month, little used words that you may find interesting?
Bloviator – someone who loves the sound of their own voice
Circumbendibus – word or actions that go round and round without getting to the point
Grammar watcher Ann A got in touch with the following peeve: ‘Just waiting on sofa delivery...’ This was a text message which I received this week explaining absence. ‘On the weekend’ is a very common expression in my parts too.
A check of grammar rules suggests that ‘On the weekend’ is a general term in the US, while in UK, the norm is ‘At the weekend’. ‘On the weekend’ is, therefore, an American English (AmE) term being increasingly used in the UK. ‘Just waiting on sofa delivery …’ just sounds odd, perhaps the creeping use of another Americanism? ‘Just waiting for sofa delivery’ is standard English.
*Grammar notes are dedicated to the memory of ‘Ruthless Editor’ Kathy Watson. Kathy’s book: ‘Grammar for people who hate rules’ is a helpful reference source. Link to book: https://amzn.to/2AaV5bE
Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication peeves that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.
Warmest & best wishes,
EQ4U UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2021
Engaging in an emotionally intelligent way by communicating with mindful language and expression is fundamental to EQ leadership and can have a critical impact on the quality of relationships that we have with others. November’s quote is a contemplative reminder of emotional impact:
‘People will forget what you said and will forget what you did but will never forget how you made them feel.’
MAYA ANGELOU
The above is included in:
*GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES
Continuous vs. continual
An extract from Kathy’s book clarifying word meaning differences that are often misused:
Continuous refers to something that goes on nonstop, without interruption. Continual implies repetition with intervals or breaks in the action.
*Grammar notes are dedicated to the memory of ‘Ruthless Editor’ Kathy Watson. Kathy’s book: ‘Grammar for people who hate rules’ is a helpful reference source. Link to book: https://amzn.to/2AaV5bE
Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication peeves that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.