Grammar: All about (J)

Grammar: Which word to use (J)

https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-observer-style-guide-j

1. CORRECT USAGE

1.1. Similar words mean different things…

1.2 Use the right word in context…

2. SPELLINGS

2.1 To hyphenate (or not)?

YES

EXCEPTIONS

jack-in-the-box BUT jack of all trades

jump-jet BUT jumbo jet

2.2 One word or two?

One word

Two words

2.3 Frequently misspelt

jewellery in British English, not jewelry

jibe NOT gibe, meaning taunt

jokey NOT joky

2.4 Change with form or plural

jihadi

noun (plural jihadis) and adjective

jihadist

noun and adjective

2.5 Take note of capitals

ic

John o’Groats = place name

judges – “Judge John Smith said” or “the judge, John Smith, said” are both fine; “judge John Smith” is wrong.

lc

jack russell (dog breeds are lc…BUT ic if named after a place: Alsatian dog, Siamese cat).

jerusalem artichoke – all lc because it has nothing to do with Jerusalem; this jerusalem comes from the Italian for sunflower.

job titles are all lc: editor of the Guardian, governor of the Bank of England, prime minister, etc.

3.EXPRESSIONS & STYLE

jib

triangular sail or arm of a crane; “I don’t like the cut of his jib” means you don’t like the look or manner of someone.

just deserts

not just desserts, unless you are saying you only want pudding!

4.PUNCTUATION

J

joules; kJ kilojoules

junior

abbreviate to Jr not Jun or Jnr, eg Sammy Davis Jr

5. GRAMMAR