Nested quotes

You can use single quotes inside of double quotes to quote someone who is quoting someone else.

"So, Jerry," I said, "what did she say?"

"She said, 'hello.' That's all," Jerry replied.

Joe and me

Sometimes it is correct to say "Joe and me" and not "Joe and I." If you're not sure which form to use, try leaving Joe out. If you would say, "I am going to the store," then say, "Joe and I are going to the store."

On the other hand, if you would say "give it to me," then you should say "give it to Joe and me."

Check, cheque, Czech

"Check" can mean to examine or can refer to a check mark in any version of English. In American English, "check" can also refer to a bank draft.

In British or Canadian English, a bank draft is referred to as a "cheque."

"Czech" refers to the Czech Republic.

Who's and Whose

"Who's" means "who is." Who's there? He's a man who's going to the top.

"Whose" means "belonging to whom." Whose shoes are those?

This can be confusing because, of course, apostrophes can indicate possession. But "who's" always means "who is."

Brothers in Law

I have a brother-in-law. If another sister gets married, I will have another brother, but not another law. I will have two brothers-in-law, not two brother-in-laws.

This can be confusing. The car that belongs to my brother-in-law is my brother-in-law's car, not my brother's-in-law car.

Discrete and Discreet

"Discrete" is an adjective meaning "separate." Keep the gravy in a discrete package or everything else will get soggy.

"Discreet" is an adjective that means using discretion, keeping things private. You can tell Joe about your problems because he will be discreet. She carries personal items discreetly in a purse.

Setup versus set up

A setup is a noun. I like your setup.

"Set up" is a verb followed by an adverb. Let's set up the tent.

You have a nice music setup because you set up your stereo nicely.

If someone decides to set you up, it will be a setup. I've been set up. It's a setup.