Tricky Rules

Incisive literally means “cutting into.” Figuratively, it means acute, sharp, or trenchant. The adverb form is incisively; the noun form, incisiveness. Decisive comes from the word decide and means “conclusive, putting an end to debate.” It can also mean “prompt” or “positive.” The adverb form is decisively;the noun form, decisiveness.

Like is a preposition. It should be followed by an object to make a prepositional phrase. As is a conjunction. It should be followed by a clause containing a subject and a verb. Incorrect: He runs like a gazelle does. (Like is followed by a clause.) Correct: He runs like a gazelle. Correct: He runs

Good is an adjective. It describes nouns or pronouns. It may be used with descriptive linking verbs like look, feel, sound, taste, or be to describe the subject. Incorrect: The coffee tasted well this morning. Correct: The coffee tasted good this morning. Correct: The pitcher is looking good today. Well is normally an adverb. It

Incredible means “hard to believe,” literally “not able to be believed.” Incredulous means “skeptical” or “unbelieving.” It refers to a person’s response. The noun form of incredulous is incredulity. The opposite is credulous, or “gullible, believes anything.” Examples: Kim’s story was incredible. Arthur was incredulous as he listened to the story.

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