There are some quick, simple rules of spelling and word usage everyone learned and few were allowed to forget when I was a kid. Somehow, I think those rules are now missing in action these days.

I mean simple rules such as this spelling ditty: Use i before e, except after c and when sounding as ei as in neighbor and weigh. That became a very practical way to get it right with one very troublesome vowel combo most of the time.

A simple usage type rule was this: Its is the contraction for it is. Its is the possessive meaning belonging to it.

Im not sure, but nowadays I fear most people are never taught such simple, basic ideas about the English language. Or if they are so taught, theyre too busy watching the latest reality TV show or cheering on their favorite non-talent singer in the American You-Know-What competition.

Grumble, grumble, grumble.

I admit learning to use the English language and to do it well is a daunting task. But I work at a day job where adult men and women are hired for their ability at communications skills and many of them misspell recieve and misuse its/its in their business letters every day.

Please, my friends, make an effort to get it right. Im reminded of a saying attributed to both President Harry Truman and Mark Twain: Always do right. It will please many people and astonish the rest.

A few simple grammar rules, easy ways to remember spelling tricks and usage tips, can go a long way toward doing right with the language.

Gary Speer
http://www.garyspeer.com