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SOME WORDS THAT TRANSFORM

3/29/2022

Transforming words that split in two
Change form and meaning both.
For “anytime,” like “anyway,”
Divorce doth break an oath.

Though “anytime” “whenever” means,
Its parts may speak amount.
And “anyway” (“in any case”)
To “any means” can bound.

And “anymore” may stretch apart,
Not “any longer” claim,
Since “any more” relates to plus,
Which cannot be the same.

Though “maybe” into “may be” shifts,
Some pairs are always one.
“Whereas,” “wherever,” and “someday”
Have parts that never run.

But “every time” no knot will tie,
While “everyday” may stray
To join the group of “everything,”
In larger games to play.

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WHO/WHOM

3/22/2022

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There's a certain delight in having words like “who” and “whom” in the English language. Maybe it’s the same charm that comes with fraternal twins!

Words “who” and “whom” are pronouns both
That dress alike apart from hem.
Yet clothing fails to tell us who
Hath right of place when phrases stem.

One serves as subject, acting out,
The other, object—acted on.
Think “who” might shout and dash about
Regardless “whom” imposed upon.

To know if subject pronoun is,
Try “he” or “she” to substitute.
Its nature true may object be
If “him” or “her” doth better suit.

Though language changes over time
And fashion cycles ever more,
The hem of “whom” remains the same
While “who” encroaches more to score.

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pill policy

3/16/2022

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When seeing their physicians, patients may think that it's not important to mention the over-the-counter medications being taken. The truth is quite the opposite:

Your medical history calls for meds,
Not just the ones prescribed on scripts;
But vitamins and supplements,
And others claimed without such slips.

Well known by doctors old and young
Are interactions these may have.
Some meds will meet with bonhomie
While others fight, requiring salve.

If best results you hope to find,
Your gentler pills must share the light.
When harmful matchups are foreseen,
The plan must change, avoiding plight.

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FARTHER/FURTHER

3/10/2022

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It is not uncommon for people to be uncertain when choosing between farther and further. The latter is usually appropriate when relating to distance in a metaphorical way, and it may mean “moreover” in some contexts. One absolute difference is that “farther” is never used as a verb.

We run ever farther to further our joy,
Proceeding most strongly and, further, with verve.
We further the skeptics or maybe alloy,
But all will be certain that farther's no verb.

Remember that “further” is broader in scope,
Beyond simple distance through space or in time.
When “far” is compared by extent or degree,
Then “further” beats farther, its reach more sublime.

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LEAD/LED

3/1/2022

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A reminder that the past tense of the verb lead is led …

The lad who led would not be led
Yet drew his map and read his lead.
He took the lead and stayed ahead,
Thus leading ego to be fed.

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Amusing verses that shine a light on mostly medical and grammatical topics

SOME WORDS THAT TRANSFORM

WHO/WHOM

pill policy

FARTHER/FURTHER

LEAD/LED

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