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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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Frequently misused is the adverb awhile, being confused with the noun while. There's also the conjunction while, which can mean either “at the same time” (somewhat akin to simultaneously) or “whereas.”

A while ago, I stopped awhile 
To while away the day.
And then at rest, 'twas but a while,
A smile had come to stay.

Another “while,” conjunction style,
Not adverb, noun, or verb,
Doth neither calm nor tend to rile,
Though joining two in blurb.

When simultaneous those it pairs,
No need for comma “while.”
But if “whereas” instead it bears,
Then pause for single file.

“All cats and dogs have usual beats
While both will also prowl.
A cat may arch and hiss through teeth,
While dogs will bark and growl.”


Authors

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

Photos and paintings by Patrice Beaumont

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