Picture

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

​When proofreading with an eye to perfection, there really is no substitute for good research. While one is always guided by the client's stated preferences regarding style, there is also a baseline understanding that serves as the foundation against which required differences are compared.

I will be offering some home-grown verses here that may be helpful for keeping certain basics in mind while adapting to the guidelines of a specific project, whether under the umbrella of CMOS, AP, APA, MLA, or other guidance.

They are not intended to be comprehensive regarding any particular issue. Rather, the purpose is to draw attention to identifiable aspects that are worth noting and make them memorable.

I think of these verses tongue in cheek as "Grammar Grist." Others that you find here will be more along the lines of "Medical Musings"; some might even qualify as a combination of the two.

It'll be fun. So, let's do it. Share the cheer everywhere.


© 2022 - 2026 Medillumina 
Published on
Picture


​“As well as” is used either to compare or to express “in addition to.” Simple, direct comparisons using “as well as” do not require commas, but commas are needed when “as well as” introduces a nonessential component while meaning “in addition to”; one comma only when at the beginning or end of a sentence. 

As an aside, there's an interesting wrinkle that may be noted about “as well as.” Although frequently substituted for “and,” its ability to add is not as complete. With “and,” it would be correct to say, “John and Paul live in the house,” but since “as well as” cannot treat a compound subject as plural, one is only able to say, “John as well as Paul lives in the house.” This limitation will be highlighted in a more extended version of the following that is yet to come:


Alive and blessed with math-like skills,
“As well as” to “in addition” adds “to.”
In cases such, a comma it takes
If starting sentence or lesser unto.

Comparing directly, simply, in prose,
“As well as” a comma doth never require.
But extras offered, unneeded they be,
Must dress in commas as central attire…

Since parenthetical, clearly apart,
And nonessential to meaning like this:
“All gentlemen here, as well as there,
Should look to God for lasting bliss.”

As well as weighing sameness state,
“As well as” joins up parts in pairs.
A crown of commas shall it rate
In nonessential-clause affairs.


Authors

Literary posts by Duane Beaumont, M.D., Ph.D.

Photos and paintings by Patrice Beaumont

Categories

    No tags found.