Blogsy

This is a test of a new program called Blogsy that allows me to update my blog from my iPad. If it works, it will allow me to make frequent updates while I am in Spain. Let's try this short note for starters.

Then versus Than; To, too, or two.

These are two of the errors I see made too frequently when we wish to express ourselves now and then, but pick the wrong one rather than the right one (or two).

"To" is a preposition and an infinitive marker:
I want to go to the store.
"Too" is an adverb:
This is too much fun. [Here it is used to modify "much".]
I, too, want to go to the store. [Here it means "also."]
"Two" is a cardinal number (as opposed to an ordinal number, as second, not as opposed to a Bishop or Pope):
I too want to go to two stores.

"Then" is an adverb of time:

I like to go to the store now and then, too.

"Than" is a conjunction and a proposition:

I would rather go to the store with you than by myself.

I know you are smarter than I.

Spelling and Grammar Helps

As a language teacher, I spend a lot of time (not "alot") reading and correcting student papers, theses, etc. (not "ect."). I have become overly sensitive perhaps to spelling errors and the improper selection of homonyms, you know, those words that sound alike but that mean different things.

Therefore, I thought I would throw up a post on some of the most frequent errors I see from time to time for those who might be interested.

One caveat: I am a poor typist and I am aware that many errors are simply the result of the keyboard revealing the keys I push rather than the keys I had in mind. I know that many of my own errors in text messages, FB posts, and so on, result from my entry skills and from the spell checker changing my words. I am sure that most of your errors originate in the same way.

If these posts help, then great! They are not meant in any way to demean or demoralize.

Cuenca

Some pictures from one of my favorite towns in Spain: Cuenca. Mostly famous for the hanging houses, but also has a very colorful plaza. (As always, double click on an image to see a larger version of it.)

Gran Vía and Alcalá, Madrid

Merge point of two of Madrid's most famous boulevards, Calle de Alcalá and the Gran Vía. Do you prefer color or Black & White?

Gijón, Spain: Sunrise

Gijón, Spain: Sunset