There is no “. . . is, is . . .”

There comes a point in every young person’s life when they learn that the conditions unless and if mean very different things. It is part of the maturation process to understand that a phrase that joins these two words together as, “Unless if . . .,” is nonsensical. I only wish it were the same for learning that phrases such as, “My thoughts on the matter are . . .” or, “The way it makes me feel is . . .” are polluted by double-verb error, “. . . is, is . . .”

Unfortunately, you hear it everywhere. I consider myself a tolerant person and it is a badge of honour to me that I am not someone who is constantly triggered by pet peeves. However, this self-righteousness ends when I hear the use of, “. . . is, is . . .” Like everyone, I must periodically work on keeping my blood pressure down. Everyone knows the prayer. Say it with me now . . .

Goddess, grant me the serenity to accept the bad grammar I cannot change, the courage to correct people with kindness, and the wisdom to know when I might be wrong and to keep my mouth shut.

Photo Credit: Marilyn Cornwell, marilyncornwell.com