C H A P T E R 8

Using Words Correctly

Follow these rules when editing your work for word choice and
placement.

1. Do not substitute a noun for a verb.

Not: Please advice me about my registration.

But: Please advise me about my registration.

2. Do not substitute a noun for an adjective.

Not: She bought a paint doll.

But: She bought a painted doll.

3. Learn when to use the prepositions for, to, and with before
an indirect object. Indirect objects are nouns or pronouns
for vhich, to which or with which an action is done.

Not: I want to explain you the problem.

But: I want to explain the problem to you.

4. Learn when not to use a preposition with a direct object.
     Whether to use a preposition depends on where an indirect
     object appears. Don't use a preposition if the indirect object
    comes immediately after the verb.

Not: I wrote to her a love letter on St. Valentine's Day.

But: I wrote her a love letter on St. Valentine's Day.

However, do use a preposition if the indirect object comes
immediately after the direct object.

I wrote a love letter to her on St. Valentine's Day.

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