Hello! It's been too long since we updated; my apologies. Exciting changes are happening here at Underhill, and we are in the process of redesigning and expanding our website to better accommodate our clients. Look for major changes and updates as we approach the new year.

Today's Tip: I or Me?

Here's how to figure out if you should be using "I" or "me" to refer to yourself in a compound subject or object: leave out the other person and see how it sounds.

He and I are going to the race. (Not "Him and me," because you wouldn't say, "Me are going to the race." Unless you happen to be Cookie Monster, or a caveman.)

Would you like to go to the race with him and me? (Not "he and I," because you wouldn't say "go to the race with I.") 

Astute observers will note that our rates are now clearly posted on our home page. This handy reference will allow you to quickly estimate the fees on your project. If you have questions, please contact us!

We have also achieved Expert Author status at the Ezine Articles knowledge base! We'll provide links to posted articles here at Grammar Bunny Central.

If you're puzzled about the distinction between discreet and discrete, here's a hint:

I'll be discreet and tell you quietly that they are two discrete terms. 

Discreet means tactful, or careful to avoid embarrassment or distress; exercising prudence or restraint.

Discrete means separate, distinct, or unconnected.

Imagine that you're looking for a credible source online for advice about a business or academic topic. You find a resource and take a quick glance at the writer's biography. You read the following:

A computer graduate and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats and walk with them in the park with some dogs. 

Or perhaps:

Leading to success by being a network marketer. Love to travel, horses and antiques. Family person, enjoy life and helping others. If you are frustrated, spending more money than you are earning. Here is a solution, discover how. 

These are actual short biographies I have recently seen by writers who are presenting themselves as subject matter experts and publishing articles online. Do these examples establish credibility? How high-quality do you expect the writing and the advice to be in the articles submitted by these profiles' owners?

Incomplete sentences, poor sentence construction, bad grammar, misspellings, and disregard for proper punctuation do not convey a positive impression to your audience. Even if English is your second language (as I believe may be the case in the first example), there is little excuse for publishing poorly written work, particularly if you want anyone to pay attention to your message.

Professional proofreaders exist for a reason! If you have a piece that needs to be polished for publication, we are here to help!

Tip Of The Week: THERE, THEIR and THEY'RE

There is a place or a place-holder (think location, location, location!):

From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.   - Dr. Seuss

There was nobody on the stage when the curtains opened. 

Their is a possessive adjective, like my, his, or her:

Their eyes popped out of their heads when they saw it.

We decided to go over to their house, since it was closer. 

They're is a contraction of they are:

They're going to shut down the Cactus Cafe.

What do they think they're doing?