Monday, March 19, 2012

There you are!

This week's blog is brought to you by the word there

There is probably one of the most overused words in the English language. As a location it doesn't really tell anything. I can't tell you where it's at except probably not here.  Someone tells you the book you're looking for is over there. If they don't point, look or nod to some location, the information is useless. Confucius said, "No matter where you go, there you are."

It's a pronoun, but I be darned if I know for what.  Most pronouns have an antecedent, but I'm not sure what it is for there.   "There are many roads that lead to Rome." What does there refer to? Rome? Many roads?  

Not sure. Is it wrong to use? No. Is it good writing? No.It's a weak word and falls in the genre as passive sentences.  Finding a better sentence without there will strengthen any writing. Yes, sometimes you can't avoid it, but see if you can write it better.

There (intended) you have this week's blog.  I did  want to mention my interview on Kris Wampler's Blog. If you get time, stop by and take a peak. Also, check out Kris's book Love Train available at Amazon.





1 comment:

  1. Except possibly in dialogue if it is the way the character would speak. :-)

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