Writing, Editing and Grammar Tips for Lawyers

The 7 All-Time Questions
about Grammar
You Always Wanted
Someone Else to Ask
!

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay”

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie”

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay the brief on the desk.

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay down in the hammock.

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay the brief on the desk.

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay the brief on the desk. Right now.

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay down in the hammock.

7 Lay/Lie!

the confusion:

“lay” is the present tense of “to lay” but the
past tense of “to lie” and the two are not
interchangeable

I lay down in the hammock. Yesterday.

7 Lay/Lie!

present tense

7 Lay/Lie!

present tense

I __ down and ___ my head on the pillow.

7 Lay/Lie!

present tense

I lie down and ___ my head on the pillow.

7 Lay/Lie!

present tense

I lie down and lay my head on the pillow.

7 Lay/Lie!

past tense

7 Lay/Lie!

past tense

I ___ down and ____ my head on the pillow.

7 Lay/Lie!

past tense

I lay down and ____ my head on the pillow.

7 Lay/Lie!

past tense

I lay down and laid my head on the pillow.

7 Lay/Lie!

remember:

7 Lay/Lie!

remember:

to lay - requires an object

7 Lay/Lie!

remember:

to lay - requires an object

to lie - never has an object

7 Lay/Lie!

remember:

to lay - requires an object - past tense is laid

to lie - never has an object

7 Lay/Lie!

remember:

to lay - requires an object - past tense is laid

to lie - never has an object - past tense is lay

7 Lay/Lie!

6!

6 Me/Myself!

Never use “myself” in place of “I.”

6 Me/Myself!

Never use “myself” in place of “I.”

My letter to Mr. Gallagher was written after
our meeting earlier this year during which
myself and the General Manager explained at
length why the District should serve as lead
agency.

6 Me/Myself!

Never use “myself” in place of “I.”

My letter to Mr. Gallagher was written after
our meeting earlier this year during which I
and the General Manager explained at length
why the District should serve as lead agency.

6 Me/Myself!

Never use “myself” in place of “I.”

My letter to Mr. Gallagher was written after
our meeting earlier this year during which the
General Manager and I explained at length
why the District should serve as lead agency.

6 Me/Myself!

Use “myself” only as an object

6 Me/Myself!

Use “myself” only as an object and only if “I”
is acting on “myself.”

6 Me/Myself!

Use “myself” only as an object and only if “I”
is acting on “myself.”

I have enclosed information related to the
relevant areas of practice, as well as profiles
on myself and Paul.

6 Me/Myself!

Use “myself” only as an object and only if “I”
is acting on “myself.”

I have enclosed information related to the
relevant areas of practice, as well as profiles
on Paul and myself.

6 Me/Myself!

5 !

5 Can/May!

can

5 Can/May!

can - capability

5 Can/May!

can - capability

He can fix a leak with a paper clip.

5 Can/May!

can - capability

He can fix a leak with a paper clip.

may

5 Can/May!

can - capability

He can fix a leak with a paper clip.

may - permission

5 Can/May!

can - capability

He can fix a leak with a paper clip.

may - permission

You may not come in here.

5 Can/May!

School Can Deny Funding to Group

A public law school in California can deny
recognition to a Christian student group that
refused to accept gay members, the Supreme
Court ruled.

5 Can/May!

School May Deny Funding to Group

A public law school in California may deny
recognition to a Christian student group that
refused to accept gay members, the Supreme
Court ruled.

5 Can/May!

4 !

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer – numbers

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer – numbers – can be separated

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer – numbers – can be separated

less

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer – numbers – can be separated

less – measurement

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer – numbers – can be separated

less – measurement – cannot be separated

4 Fewer/Less!

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer trees

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer trees - less shade

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer trees - less shade

fewer drops

4 Fewer/Less!

fewer trees - less shade

fewer drops - less water

4 Fewer/Less!

Ad for new Ford Escape Hybrid:

4 Fewer/Less!

Ad for new Ford Escape Hybrid:

That means less trips to the gas station.

4 Fewer/Less!

Ad for new Ford Escape Hybrid:

That means fewer trips to the gas station.

4 Fewer/Less!

3 !

3 Who/Whom !

who

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

Who did you wish to see?

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

Who did you wish to see?

Whom shall I say is calling?

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

Who Did you wish to see she?

Whom shall I say is calling?

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

Who Did you wish to see her?

Whom shall I say is calling?

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

Whom did you wish to see?

Whom shall I say is calling?

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

Whom did you wish to see?

Whom Shall I say her is calling?

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

Whom did you wish to see?

Whom Shall I say she is calling?

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

Whom did you wish to see?

Who shall I say is calling?

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

I am writing this to _____ is in charge.

That depends on _____ you want to go.

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

I am writing this to Him is in charge.

That depends on _____ you want to go.

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

I am writing this to He is in charge.

That depends on _____ you want to go.

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

I am writing this to whoever is in charge.

That depends on _____ you want to go.

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

I am writing this to whoever is in charge.

That depends on Do you want he to go.

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

I am writing this to whoever is in charge.

That depends on Do you want him to go.

3 Who/Whom !

who – subject

whom – object

I am writing this to whoever is in charge.

That depends on whom you want to go.

3 Who/Whom !

2 !

2 Possessives!

singular

2 Possessives!

singular

add ’s

2 Possessives!

singular

add ’s

the plaintiff’s brief

2 Possessives!

singular plural

add ’s

the plaintiff’s brief

2 Possessives!

singular plural

add ’s add ’

the plaintiff’s brief

2 Possessives!

singular plural

add ’s add ’

the plaintiff’s brief the plaintiffs’ brief

2 Possessives!

singular

2 Possessives!

singular
(ending in s)

2 Possessives!

singular
(ending in s)
add ’s

2 Possessives!

singular
(ending in s)
add ’s

Andrews’s brief

2 Possessives!

singular plural
(ending in s)
add ’s

Andrews’s brief

2 Possessives!

singular plural
(ending in s) (not ending in s)
add ’s

Andrews’s brief

2 Possessives!

singular plural
(ending in s) (not ending in s)
add ’s add ’s

Andrews’s brief

2 Possessives!

singular plural
(ending in s) (not ending in s)
add ’s add ’s

Andrews’s brief the people’s rights

2 Possessives!

one BIG exception:

2 Possessives!

one BIG exception:

its

2 Possessives!

one BIG exception:

its
(possessive pronoun)

2 Possessives!

one BIG exception:

its
(possessive pronoun)

it’s

2 Possessives!

one BIG exception:

its
(possessive pronoun)

it’s
(contraction for “it is”)

2 Possessives!

1 !

1 That/Which!

that

1 That/Which!

that – restrictive

1 That/Which!

that – restrictive

which

1 That/Which!

that – restrictive

which – nonrestrictive

1 That/Which!

that – restrictive – essential

which – nonrestrictive

1 That/Which!

that – restrictive – essential

which – nonrestrictive – nonessential

1 That/Which!

that – restrictive – essential – distinguishes

which – nonrestrictive – nonessential

1 That/Which!

that – restrictive – essential – distinguishes

which – nonrestrictive – nonessential – merely
adds information

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank that sits at Fifth and
Pine does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank that sits at Fifth and
Pine does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks?

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank that sits at Fifth and
Pine does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? More than one.

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank that sits at Fifth and
Pine does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? More than one.
Which one are we talking about?

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank that sits at Fifth and
Pine does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? More than one.
Which one are we talking about? The one at
Fifth and Pine.

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank that sits at Fifth and
Pine does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? More than one.
Which one are we talking about? The one at
Fifth and Pine. The clause restricts us to that
bank.

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank that sits at Fifth and
Pine does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? More than one.
Which one are we talking about? The one at
Fifth and Pine. The clause restricts us to that
bank. This is essential information.

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank , which sits at Fifth and
Pine, does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank , which sits at Fifth and
Pine, does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks?

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank , which sits at Fifth and
Pine, does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? Only one.

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank , which sits at Fifth and
Pine, does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? Only one.
Where is it?

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank , which sits at Fifth and
Pine, does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? Only one.
Where is it? At Fifth and Pine.

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank , which sits at Fifth and
Pine, does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? Only one.
Where is it? At Fifth and Pine. The clause
does not distinguish this Commerce Bank
from other Commerce Banks;

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank , which sits at Fifth and
Pine, does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? Only one.
Where is it? At Fifth and Pine. The clause
does not distinguish this Commerce Bank
from other Commerce Banks; it merely adds
information,

1 That/Which!

The Commerce Bank , which sits at Fifth and
Pine, does not charge its customers to use
the ATM.

How many banks? Only one.
Where is it? At Fifth and Pine. The clause
does not distinguish this Commerce Bank
from other Commerce Banks; it merely adds
information, non-essential information.

1 That/Which!

7 Signs for Spotting Useless Words

it

7 Signs for Spotting Useless Words

it
that

7 Signs for Spotting Useless Words

it
that
in

7 Signs for Spotting Useless Words

it
that
in
of

7 Signs for Spotting Useless Words

it
that
in
of
.

7 Signs for Spotting Useless Words

it
that
in
of
.
as

7 Signs for Spotting Useless Words

it
that
in
of
.
as
or

7 Signs for Spotting Useless Words

It should be noted that the Appendix does
not include the transcripts from the
depositions.

The Appendix does not include the
transcripts from the depositions.

The Appendix does not include the
transcripts.

The relevant provisions in Section 604 state
in pertinent part:

The relevant provisions in Section 604
state:

The provisions in Section 604 state:

The provisions state:

The provisions in Section 604 state:

Section 604 provides:

The purpose of this memorandum is to
provide you with an overview of the legal
aspects of trading in Germany. The first part
of the memorandum provides . . . .

This memorandum provides you with an
overview of the legal aspects of trading in
Germany. The first part provides . . . .

This memorandum summarizes the legal
aspects of trading in Germany. The first part
provides . . . .

This memorandum summarizes trade law in
Germany. The first part provides . . . .

This memorandum summarizes German
trade law. The first part provides . . . .

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed between the
parties as follows:

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as
follows:

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree:

At or about the same time, Paulson termi-
nated his agreement with Vitrex.

At the same time, Paulson terminated his
agreement with Vitrex.

At or about the same time, Paulson termi-
nated his agreement with Vitrex.

About the same time, Paulson terminated
his agreement with Vitrex.

3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs

3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
was
3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
was
were
3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
was
were
are
3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
was
were
are
been

3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
was
were
are
been
be
3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
was
were
are
been
be
being

3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
was
were
are
been
be
being

of
3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

to be verbs
am
is
was
were
are
been
be
being

of

ion
3 Signs for Spotting Nominalizations

I wanted to confirm this treatment with you,
so we are in agreement on the proper tax
allocations.

I wanted to confirm this treatment with you,
so we agree on the proper tax allocations.

French law regarding patents does not
provide a definition of the term “inventor.”

French law regarding patents does not
define the term “inventor.”

French law does not define “inventor.”

By applying for the permit, Arnofsky was in
violation of state licensing laws.

By applying for the permit, Arnofsky
violated state licensing laws.

This memorandum is being provided in con-
nection with our client, NetRight’s (the “Company”)
proposed outsourcing of certain diagnostic testing
and quality assurance services to Far East
Enterprises (“Far East”), an independent contractor
based in the state of India.
Specifically, this memorandum provides a
comparative analysis of the terms of the proposed
agreement as provided by Far East, vis-à-vis the
standard provisions under Preston ’s standard form
of Contractor Agreement (“Preston Form”). Accord-
ingly, set forth below, under each referenced
provision of the Preston Form, please find an
assessment of the treatment of such provision
under the Far East form.

This memorandum is being provided . . . our
client, NetRight’s (the “Company”) proposed
outsourcing of certain diagnostic testing and
quality assurance services to Far East Enterprises
(“Far East”), an independent contractor based in
India.
Specifically, this memorandum provides a
comparative analysis of the proposed agreement as
provided by Far East, vis-à-vis the standard
provisions under Preston’s standard Contractor
Agreement (“Preston Form”). Accordingly, set forth
below, under each referenced provision of the
Preston Form, please find an assessment of such
provision under the Far East form.

Our client, NetRight’s (the “Company”)
proposed outsourcing of certain diagnostic testing
and quality assurance services to Far East
Enterprises (“Far East”), an independent contractor
based in India.
Specifically, this memorandum provides a
comparative analysis of the proposed agreement as
provided by Far East, vis-à-vis the standard
provisions under Preston’s standard Contractor
Agreement (“Preston Form”). Accordingly, set forth
below, under each referenced provision of the
Preston Form, please find an assessment of such
provision under the Far East form.

Our client, NetRight (the “Company”),
proposes to outsource certain diagnostic testing
and quality assurance services to Far East
Enterprises (“Far East”), an independent contractor
based in India.
Specifically, this memorandum provides a
comparative analysis of the proposed agreement as
provided by Far East, vis-à-vis the standard
provisions under Preston’s standard Contractor
Agreement (“Preston Form”). Accordingly, set forth
below, under each referenced provision of the
Preston Form, please find an assessment of such
provision under the Far East form.

Our client, NetRight (the “Company”),
proposes to outsource certain diagnostic testing
and quality assurance services to Far East
Enterprises (“Far East”), an independent contractor
based in India.
Specifically, this memorandum compares the
proposed agreement as provided by Far East, vis-à-
vis the standard provisions under Preston ’s
standard Contractor Agreement ( “Preston Form”).
Accordingly, set forth below, under each
referenced provision of the Preston Form, please
find an assessment of such provision under the Far
East form.

Our client, NetRight (the “Company”),
proposes to outsource certain diagnostic testing
and quality assurance services to Far East
Enterprises (“Far East”), an independent contractor
based in India.
Specifically, this memorandum compares the
proposed agreement as provided by Far East, vis-à-
vis the standard provisions under Preston ’s
standard Contractor Agreement ( “Preston Form”).
Accordingly, set forth below, under each
referenced provision of the Preston Form, I have
assessed such provision under the Far East form.

Our client, NetRight (the “Company”) wants to
outsource diagnostic testing and quality assurance
services to Far East Enterprises (“Far East”), an
independent contractor in India.
This memorandum compares the proposed
agreement as provided by Far East to the standard
provisions under Preston’s standard Contractor
Agreement (“Preston Form”). Set forth below, under
each referenced provision of the Preston Form, I
have assessed such provision under the Far East
form.

Our client, NetRight (the “Company”) wants to
outsource diagnostic testing and quality assurance
services to Far East Enterprises (“Far East”), an
independent contractor in India.
This memorandum compares Far East’s
proposed agreement to Preston’s standard
Contractor Agreement (“Preston Form”). Set forth
below, under each referenced provision of the
Preston Form, I have assessed such provision
under the Far East form.

Our client, NetRight (the “Company”) wants to
outsource diagnostic testing and quality assurance
services to Far East Enterprises (“Far East”), an
independent contractor in India.
This memorandum compares Far East ’s
proposed agreement to Preston ’s standard
Contractor Agreement (“Preston Form”). Set forth
below, under each referenced provision of the
Preston Form, I have assessed such provision
under the Far East form.

Our client, NetRight (the “Company”) wants to
outsource diagnostic testing and quality assurance
services to Far East Enterprises (“Far East”), an
independent contractor in India.
This memorandum compares each provision
of Far East’s proposed agreement to a similar
provision in Preston’s standard Contractor
Agreement (“Preston Form”).

NetRight wants to outsource diagnostic
testing and quality assurance services to Far East
Enterprises, an independent contractor in India.
This memorandum compares each provision
of Far East’s proposed agreement to a similar
provision in Preston’s standard Contractor
Agreement.

NetRight wants to outsource diagnostic
testing and quality assurance services to Far East
Enterprises, an independent contractor in India.
This memorandum compares each provision of Far
East’s proposed agreement to a similar provision in
Preston’s standard Contractor Agreement.

NetRight wants to outsource diagnostic
testing and quality assurance services to Far East
Enterprises, an independent contractor in India. In
this memorandum I compare each provision of Far
East’s proposed agreement to a similar provision in
Preston’s standard Contractor Agreement.

Writing, Editing and Grammar Tips for Lawyers

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