Two Things Most People Get Wrong

rogersgeorge on May 16th, 2021

But he got them both right! Good for him. I’ll tell you what they are after the comic. See if you can tell what they are.

Frazz Comic Strip for February 17, 2004 — https://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2004/02/17

First panel—Most people would say “…wish I was.” The rule is that when you state something contrary to fact, you should use the subjunctive, which he does.
Second panel—He correctly used lying (progressive of “lie”) instead of the incorrect “laying.”

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Rogers George has been a technical writer for more than 20 years. He has written on subjects as diverse as outhouse assembly, restaurant reviews, software, information security, and scientific equipment. He has his own writing consultancy and is always happy to discuss writing and grammar. Drop him a line at curmudgeon@writing-rag.com.

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