Semantics shemantics

I’ve noticed that “all is not” is often used when the person really means “not all is.” And it always stops me in my tracks.

I don’t know if those people realize the difference. The first is a blanket statement, while the latter points out a specific segment. For example: “All is not well.” means “Everything sucks.” versus “Not all is well.” means “Not everything sucks, but here is what does.”

Another example in which the order of the word, i.e.* where a word falls within a sentence, is vitally important to the meaning is the placement of the word, “only.”

Spot the difference between these sentences?
“Only Pat and I will go to the mall.”
“Pat and I will go only to the mall.”
“Pat and I will only go to the mall.”

That concludes another episode of “Teresa’s Pet Peeves”…hahaha!

But guess what? Barnes & Noble is having another one of their occasional sales! If you want to preorder DISGUSTOLOGY and get 25% off, join their free rewards program and use code PREORDER25 at checkout!

*i.e. stands for “that is” and not “for example,” as some folks mistake it for

Do you have grammar pet peeves? Let me know over at my website (where you can also see a cute video of the preorder promo)!