It's time to share some of my own writing bloopers. Here's two I made -- among several-- in an article I wrote today. The first one I caught before I sent the article to the editor. The second one I just saw.
1) I was writing about using plug-in timers that turn your lights on and off when you're away on vacation and I wrote:
"Look for timers that have battery backup so they'll still work if there's a power failure."
(I meant so the time would still be accurate.)
2) I just now saw this one:
"Always park your car in the garage with the garage door closed when you are there."
(That sounds dangerous no matter how you read it. I think I meant "Always leave your car in the garage with the garage door closed when you are home.")
Y'know, sometimes we can't help but let our inner Yogi Berra rage.
ReplyDelete"Nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded."
Peace - Rene
We all do variations of the same missteps while writing. We meant one thing, but write down something different. It's good to know that even the pros make a boo boo now and then.
ReplyDeleteHave a terrific day. :)
Uhmmm I am from Mississippi, I can hear or read it either way and still understand :-)
ReplyDeletepoint being... I would not have noticed
ReplyDeleteGrandpa, I have the utmost respect for an educated person who can see their own flaws and show up to correct them.
ReplyDeleteYou now sit among those I simply admire most in my life. And. . . you can feel free to bring your RED pen to my blog anytime.
I love your honesty.
It takes an editor's eye to spot nuances like those. Many writers fall in love with the "ing" construction, because they think it's stylish. One writer wrote: "Disappearing into my tent, I changed into fresh jeans." Well, if in truth the two actions were simultaneous, he surely was a contortionist.
ReplyDeleteI like your bloopers, Grandpa. I always edit my emails and progress notes at work. And I usually find some real boners!
ReplyDeleteThey are really funny. It seems you are also distracted as I am myself. I have one that happen to me that was terrible, When I went to the university in LA, I had some problems with my english yet, once I had to hand in an essay about a socio-technical area and I wrote shit, when what I wanted to write was sheet, pretty embarasing for my self it was.
ReplyDeleteHey Grandpa. I left a gift for you at my place. Please stop in and pick it up. Don't forget to edit my work. . . if it doesn't take you too long! LOL
ReplyDeleteYep, the second one sounds like a suicide instruction guide....
ReplyDelete:)
I can edit things I've written 3 times, and still go back later and find something else that should have been more precise or is grammatically incorrect. It is harder than many folks realize to write for a living!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny. Although the brain and the writing hand are attached to the same body, they manage to trail off in different directions. nick
ReplyDeleteThe first was functionally correct, I think, though not as accurate as you wished perhaps.
ReplyDeleteThe second I mentally repaired (as you did) as I read it.
FUN! Thanks for the lesson master WordSmith, you ;-]
Aloha
Comfort Spiral
I think one of the difficulties with being able to send things out in record time, is that it's harder to catch these small things!
ReplyDelete