Nouns

“which is very fun”

Adjectives, Adverbs, Common English Blunders, Nouns

I heard this last night in a television advertisement during which someone associated with the TV show “nip/tuck” was discussing the joy of the show satirizing itself.

Problem:
Although the American Herritage Dictionary says that “fun” is sometimes used informally as an attributive adjective, “fun” traditionally is a noun.

Explanation:
The speaker used the word “very” as an adverb to intensify an adjective, but the word “fun” traditionally is a noun. Use of “fun” as an adjective is still noted in dictionaries as an informal use. Although such expressions as “a fun time” [sic] started to appear in the 1950s and 1960s, this use of “fun” as an adjective should be avoided, especially in writing. If “fun” is properly used as a noun, then it requires an adjective, not an adverb, to modify it.

Solution:
“which is much fun”

“Iniquity” vs. “Inequity”

Common English Blunders, Nouns, Versus

Misuse of these two words is rare, but they’re worth a second look.

Problem:
The nouns “iniquity” and “inequity” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The primary definition of the noun “iniquity” is gross immorality or wickedness. For example, identified iniquities of the sinners would be appropriate. The primary definition of the noun “inequity ” is lack of equity or fairness. For example, identified inequities in the public-education system would be appropriate.

Solution:
Use “iniquity” when you want to refer to sin, depravity, or evildoing; use “inequity” when you want to refer to unfairness.

“Methodology” vs. “Method”

Common English Blunders, Nouns, Versus

I frequently hear these used interchangeably.

Problem:
The nouns “methodology” and “method” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
“Method” describes an approach, process, procedure, or technique. “Methodology” describes the study of methods.

Solution:
Use “method” when you want to describe an approach, etc.
Use “methodology” when you want to describe the study of methods.