John P. Choisser > Quotes

“BTW, notice that cannot is all one word! That is a very frequent mistake, also,” said Grandpa. “You don’t write can not, it is cannot.” “Hey, why is did not two words and cannot is one word?” asked Morgan. “Go ask your mother,” smiled Grandpa.”
― John Choisser, Grandpa, When Do We Say Me, Myself, or I?: Let's Stamp Out Grammar Demons!

“Take is from or away from the speaker. Bring is to or toward the speaker. Those are the actual rules,” said Grandpa. “So what about with?” Hunter asked. “Let’s see if the same rule will hold. You take your luggage to the airport, or you bring your luggage from home. But can’t you bring your luggage with you to the airport? Sure. You can bring it with you or take it with you. Now it’s not just grammar any more, but the point of view of the speaker. “If you are taking your luggage with you to the airport, the emphasis is on leaving home and going to the airport. On the other hand, if you are bringing your luggage with you to the airport, the emphasis is on you being at the airport, or being on your way to the airport. That difference is so subtle that we’re going to call it a draw.”
― John Choisser, Grandpa, When Do We Say Me, Myself, or I?: Let's Stamp Out Grammar Demons!