AN: Normally I put the AN at the end, but I m going to start placing it at the top from now on. I had this idea a few weeks ago. I intended to make this a back and forth between Ichigo and Uryu, arguing over proper usage and the best way to present the information, but that's when I realized that I'd quickly lose focus while trying to keep their banter going. So here is a taste of what I'd like to do. Use a little humor, a likeable character and present the information in what I believe to be an easy to understand format.

Yes, this is actually me attempting to teach other writers proper American English grammar and word usage. I do use my talents as a Beta also. I'm not the best with teaching the intricacies of the English language, but I do possess a much better understanding that the vast majority of writers I've seen in the Bleach/Mahouka/R+V and their related XOver sections.

Did that last line sound a little presumptuous? Yes, yes it was. It's still true, just take a good long look at all the errors out there. Not taking the time to proofread is no excuse. With all that said, and likely a few people upset, please read and pass this along to people you think need a little help with grammar and syntax.

I will use the responses to determine whether or not I should keep this going.


Lesson 01

"Alright everyone, listen up. My name is Kurosaki Ichigo. Before anyone asks, no it does NOT mean Strawberry! Please look at the board behind me." At this Ichigo points over his shoulder to the whiteboard with his given name written in kanji. "As you can see, it uses the characters for "one" and "protect". Thus my name means "One who protects." Now that we've got that settled, I'd like to officially welcome you to my lecture.

As you should all know, this lecture is on English writing and composition. I will not be answering any questions during my lecture, nor will I tolerate disturbances.

Learning English is a necessity for anyone looking to go into all kinds of careers, with business management being one of the most in demand. I learned English as part of my major, English Literature. I'm sure others here will be learning English to work in foreign relations or even international trade. Since this lecture assumes you have a solid grasp of the basics of English, I'll be focusing on common mistakes and good writing habits."

[Homophones]

Ichigo points out the very large written word on the whiteboard. "Homophones are words that sound the same and can even be written the same way, but mean completely different things. To cite the exact entry in the Oxford Dictionary:

"Each of two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling, e.g., new and knew."

The most widely used example of homophones would be; to, too and two. All three words are said the exact same way, but each carries a completely different meaning from the other.

Let's start with "to." "To" is a preposition and is mostly used to express motion, direction or location. Like this:

[I am going to the store.]

The word "to" in this sentence is used to answer the question, "Where are you going?", "to the store."

Using "too" is where most people make their mistakes. "Too" is an adverb and as such is used to modify another word or group of words, it can also be used as a synonym for the word "also." Like these:

[He was going too fast.]

[I am going too!]

In the first example, "too" is being used to describe how fast he was traveling. In the second it is used in place of the word "also," and can easily be replaced with "also" as well.

The final word in that group is "two." "Two" is used in reference to the number. Like this:

[I'd like two tickets for the show.]

"Two" should not be used in any other way than as a reference to the number, thus "two" in this sentence is telling us how many tickets are being requested.

Now, I'm going to go into another set of commonly misused homophones; there, their and they're.

"There" is an adverb and is used to specify in, at or to a location or position. It can also be used to indicate the existence of something. Like these:

[I'm not going in there!]

[Well, there were four of them.]

"There" is the location being referenced in the first example. In the second, "there" is used to express that four of them existed.

"Their" is used to indicate possession almost exclusively. Like this:

[Their dog was barking.]

There really is nothing much to say other than, "their" is used to show whose dog was barking.

"They're" is the contraction used for "they are." It's that simple. Now I'll use a short sentence with all three used in their proper forms:

[They're going there in their car.]

"They're" is used to show who is going, they are. "There" is used to show where they are going. Finally "their" is used to show whose car they used.

If you can master these two homophones then you'll be able to avoid a great many errors in written English."

Ichigo looks up to see an almost completely zoned out lecture hall. "Am I boring you? These simple errors account for the most errors in all papers or stories written in English at this time. I'm sorry that it's not exciting, but taking the time and effort to get the little things right is key in showing your worth."

Giving just a moment to let that last comment sink in, Ichigo walks out of the lecture hall. Confusion is about the only thought going on right now. Some get up and leave almost immediately, grumbling about a lack of professionalism. Others mill about, waiting for him to return. Only a few bother to head to the board and look at the examples more closely. At the bottom of the board could be seen:

Next topic; Grammar and common punctuation errors.