Tricky Rules

The prefix hyper- means “above,” “beyond,” or “excessively.” The prefix hypo- means “under” or “below normal.” Examples: Hypodermic needle (under the dermis) Hyperactive child (excessively active)

The expressions kind of or sort of to mean “rather,” “partially,” or “somewhat” are nonstandard. Both expressions literally mean “type of” or “variety of.” Incorrect: The child felt kind of lonely. Correct: The child felt somewhat (or rather) lonely. Correct: The kestrel is a kind of falcon. (A type or variety of falcon) When using

Farther refers to length or distance. It is the comparative form of the word far when referring to distance. Further means “to a greater degree,” “additional,” or “additionally.” It refers to time or amount. It is the comparative form of the word far when meaning “much.” Correct: London is farther north than Juneau. (Refers to

Hypercritical means “excessively critical.” Hypocritical means “two-faced” or “characterized by hypocrisy.” It literally means “critical underneath.” Note also the spelling of the nouns hypocrisy and hypocrite.

Lay means “to place something down.” It is something you do to something else. It is a transitive verb. Incorrect: Lie the book on the table. Correct: Lay the book on the table. (It is being done to something else.) Lie means “to recline” or “be placed.” It does not act on anything or anyone