What I Learned This Week - Grammar Lesson

Did you know that "can't help but..." is not proper grammar?

As in, "I can't help but think she is about to make a wrong turn."
Or, "I can't help but wonder if that skirt goes with those shoes."


I did not know this.
Really?
It sounds so right.
I know I've used this phrase before.

I guess it is just "I think she is about to make a wrong turn."
Or, "I wonder if that skirt goes with those shoes."

I mean, it's not like I am some Grammar Queen or anything. Spend some time on my blog and you'll figure that out pretty quickly. I was just surprised by this one, that's all.

BUT, never fear Amazon is here. I know the above statement is not proper grammar because of my handy dandy book The Only Grammar Book You'll Ever Need.

I like this little book because I keep it right by my computer to use when I have a question about the use of a comma or choosing the right pronoun. If I really dig into the book, it will even explain what a Gerund is. What is a Gerund? Well, I'm glad you asked. It is a word that begins with a verb and ends in -ing and acts like a noun. Like Running or Singing.

Are you impressed? Not really, huh?

So, what grammar mistake are you surprised by? Please don't include the 10 or so I've made in this post - my ego just can't take it.

What is your favorite book about grammar usage or writing?

Jo-Lynne recommended On Writing Well to me a year or so ago and it has been very helpful as well.

For more great lessons learned this week, be sure to visit Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife.
She's got a new look over there!