NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 93
Chapter 2 Word Choice
83
"first" annual, podium/lectern, naval/navel
Mrs. B is sad to tell you there will be no first annual Grammar
Corner reader reunion.
That's because there's no such thing as "first annual."
There might be an INAUGURAL Grammar Corner reader reunion.
But we'll have to wait till the second year to include the word
ANNUAL in the title.
When she does announce the reunion, Mrs. B will stand on the
PODIUM and put her notes on the LECTERN.
How do you remember that?
"Podium" is related to the Greek and Latin roots for foot: "pod" and
"ped." (Your feet are on the podium.)
And think "lecture" to remind you that you speak from behind the
"lectern" (or put your notes on it).
NAVAL has to do with a navy.
v
The NAVAL officer stepped onto the podium, walked up to the
lectern, and addressed the recruits.
A NAVEL is bellybutton.
v
Mrs. B likes NAVEL oranges because they're sweet and
seedless.
The scar on them, where the blossom attaches, looks like a navel.
"Navel-gazing" is a humorous way of saying somebody spends too
much time in self-analysis.
None of Mrs. B's students, of course, have time for such.
