Errors in review - queries

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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Carolyn Morton
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Errors in review - queries

Post by Carolyn Morton »

I had a few questions about the following errors identified in my review:

Error 1:
1. After their mutual attraction leads to their sleeping together, Cynthia breaks off her relationship with ()(her) long-time but unexciting boyfriend Dan, but then she starts to wonder:

I omitted "her" prior to "long-time." Is "her" essential before "long-time ... boyfriend" as this word is implied/understood?

Error 2:
2. Meanwhile, Cynthia’s brother Glenn, who owns Fairfax Private Investigators, is battling terrorism in a (cyber war)(cyberwar) and engages the help of IT experts Tim Dupre and Garth Tatum.

The title of the book spells "cyber war" as two words, so I maintained this spelling here for the sake of consistency?

Error 3:
3. Those with (an)(remove an) interest in technology might also enjoy it.

I wanted to check why the indefinite article "an" would be incorrect before the countable noun "interest"?

Many thanks!
Kind regards,
Carolyn
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MsH2k
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Post by MsH2k »

Hi.

1. "After their mutual attraction leads to their sleeping together, Cynthia breaks off her relationship with ()(her) long-time but unexciting boyfriend Dan, but then she starts to wonder:"

For this first error, I agree with you. The relationship is implied without including the possessive pronoun her. It may take a while to find a source to back up your position in a recheck request, but the sentence is clear as written.

For the second error, again I agree with you. When you have issues with spelling, such as two words vs. one word, you can support your choice by citing a source that has the same spelling that you used. Your decision to be consistent with the title of the book may be enough for a recheck, but I would recommend including a source that also supports spelling it as two words. Here is one: https://www.britannica.com/topic/cyberwar

3. "Those with (an)(remove an) interest in technology might also enjoy it."

This is an interesting one (pun somewhat intended :) ). At first glance, I did not see anything wrong with using a determiner before interest. However, in checking Merriam-Webster, there is an article in the definition: "a feeling that accompanies or causes special attention to something or someone." This would make the article an redundant, but it does sound right. Cambridge dictionary has examples using an, so this can be used to justify your usage in a recheck request: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dic ... h/interest

If you can support your position with a reputable source, you have grounds for a recheck request. Be sure to include the source and your reasoning clearly when you submit your recheck request: if the editor denies your recheck and you want to escalate using an admin recheck, you will not be able to add anything to the original recheck request.

All the best!
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Acalaue João
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Post by Acalaue João »

In the first example, I think you should include her. i have never read anywhere that object pronouns should be omitted. The second case is correct for me. I don't see why they tagged it as a mistake. However, in the third sentence, I don't think you made a mistake, but even without the article the sentence still makes sense. Perhaps that is why they tagged it as a mistake.
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