Say What? The Wacky World of Grammar

Can you bear to look at bare kitchen cabinets?

Right now, you’re either wondering where in the world I’m going with this blog or you’re nodding your head knowingly at my use of homonyms. I was inspired to pen that fun (at least, I think it’s fun!) bear vs. bare sentence after receiving an amusing e-mail from a colleague about how confusing the English language can be.

I admit it! I love words and the stories they tell – whether it’s through prose in a book, lyrics in a song or verses in a poem. It’s similar in the business world. The words we use (and the way we present them) share a story about our organization. And no matter where we work or what we do, we want our communications to be professional and error free.

Below, I’ve included a few of my favorite sentences from my co-worker’s e-mail. Even if you’re not a grammar buff like me, you may find the information entertaining – and useful!

• The bandage was wound around the wound.
• The farm was used to produce produce.
• The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
• The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
• Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
• When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
• There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
• A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
• Upon seeing the tear in the painting, I shed a tear.
• I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.