Happy Birthday Oklahoma!

"Oklahoma! Cast"

Oklahoma!

This week's a quick column. We closed the musical "Oklahoma!" today and as always, any last show is bittersweet. It is time to get your life back but you miss the process, the people and the beauty of seeing a show come together every night. This production was truly a joy to direct.

Talk about cross generational. The cast ranged from 10 to 70 somethings and everyone had a wonderful time. I have worked with several of the leads since they were in middle and high school and their dedication and commitment merely reinforces what Mel and I have been saying all along. Involved and contributing youth become involved and contributing adults.

Several people have asked for the answers on last week's blog. So, here goes.........

1. Do not use prepositions to end sentences with. Notice, the previous sentence is ending in a preposition! Do not use prepositions at the end of a sentence.

2. Be you know, specific. Use precise language. Vague words do not convey what you are trying to say. Be specific.

3. Each person should use their pronouns correctly. Pronouns should agree with the subject of a sentence. Each person should use his/her pronouns correctly.

4. Verbs has to agree with their subject Singular subject-singular verb. Ditto for plural subjects. The subject "verbs" is plural, so the verb form to to have would be plural also. Verbs have to agree with their subjects.

5. Write all adverbial forms correct. I wish there was a hard and fast rule about adverbs. It just one of those parts of speech that you hear and know if it is right or wrong. Some adverbs have no endings, some do. Example. He stacked the books quickly. We arrived quite late. Write all adverbial forms correctly.

6. Do not be redundant and use more words than necessary as it can be terribly excessive. Clear and direct writing is the goal here. Don't repeat yourself and only use necessary words.

7. Don't use prepositions where they are not needed at. A preposition shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word in a sentence. Incorrect. "Where's the Slurpee sale going on?" Correct. Where is the Slurpee sale? Don't use propositions where they are not needed.

8. Use phrases correctly, irregardless of how common the misused phrases are. Examples of our verbal abuse ? Irregardless is not a word. Hopefully is an adverb meaning "in a hopeful manner." It does not replace "I hope" or "It is hoped..."Presently does not mean now or in the present. It means soon, before long, shortly, keep your shirt on, or when I'm darn good and ready. Get a grammar and usage book to brush up on "word abuse." Use phrases correctly, regardless of how common the misused phrases are.