Based on the evidence, you lose

This document was sent in from a reader whose co-worker just got braces. Aside from some structural issues, there are two main grammar goofs that I see. The first is under the second bullet point, where it says, "Alcohol base mouthwashes." The idea that it says "base" instead of "based" could be a simple typo. However, the hyphen is also missing, as it should say "alcohol-based." So that is goof #1.

Goof #2 is on the very bottom line, where it says "If you loose your trays..." This is a common grammar goof. Loose is if an object is loose, like if a table leg is loose. What should have been used is lose, which is the correct word to use for when something is misplaced, like losing one's trays. Another good way to remember this is that lose is the verb (action word like run, walk ,or  talk), and loose is an adjective (describing word like small, skinny, or yellow).

The final goof I would like to talk about is more of a goof in regards to clarity. The word inevitably is hyphenated, allowing it to continue on more than one line. In standard practice today this is rarely done, as it can be confusing to the reader and takes longer to read. It is much better just go ahead and put the entire word on the next line, so that the text is clearer.

I will be posting a couple more grammar goofs for your enjoyment in the next few days, as some readers and friends have been sending them in. Thank you for reading, and keep 'em coming!