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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 
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​Apparently, the correct usage of neither nor and either or can be tricky in some cases, and applying the rule of having the verb match the closest noun may feel uncomfortable. Here’s another way of thinking about it, bearing in mind that the exception proves the rule.


When "either or" and "neither nor”
Meet subjects who implore,
The second subject through the door
Is given favor more.

“Since Jack and Jill live near the hill,
They climb together still;
But neither Jack nor friends of Jill
Are sure that she is real.”

“If either they or he inquires,
Proceed as if through briars,
For neither you nor Jill aspires
To swell the ranks of liars.”

Authors

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

Photos and paintings by Patrice Beaumont

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