Lost in Words

I seem to get stuck stumbling over the choice of words a lot. I mean A LOT. And time and again, it’s the same words. So I hoped if I blogged about them, I might remember the proper usage the next time I struggle.

Did Not (Do) versus Have Not (Done)

Both phrases indicate some action was not completed. However, there are differences in definition and time frame.

“Did not” refers to tasks that were not completed in the past. The implication is the action was missed or neglected in the past. The time frame is the past.

“Have not” refers to tasks not completed in the past and up to the present moment. The implication is the action is pending or unfinished. The time frame is the present.

So in this sentence from my soon-to-be-published novella, Hidden Love, the time frame is the present, so “have not” is appropriate.

“The addition of Noel Matthews and Leonard Shalbrook had upended the harmonious male trio at Foxcote, even if Oliver hadn’t wanted to participate all the time.”

However, when my heroine is in a pickle and laments an earlier rash decision, “did not,” is best.

“If only I didn’t run from Felpham in such a hurry.”

More often, I use “had not” everywhere when “did not” is called for. In working on this post and reviewing my WIP, I found this sentence:

“After her Aunt Margaret’s death, she had worried he might have secondary motives and hadn’t responded to his letter to visit his office to discuss Aunt Margaret’s money.”

But this refers to a time frame in the past, so “hadn’t responded” should be “didn’t respond.”

Here’s a sentence I sweated over:
Looking back, Sarina wondered if her mother hadn’t died of a broken heart.

At first, I thought the time frame was the past, so it should be “did not.” But “looking back” and the rest of the scene refer to the present and my heroine recalling fading memories of her mother.

It’s enough to make me pull my hair out.

Would versus Could

Could is past tense of Can. It expresses ability.
Would is the past tense of Will. It expresses a definite claim.

Can means to know how to, be physically or mentally able to.
Will is used to express futurity, or desire, choice, willingness, consent, etc.

Examples:

1. When I lived in London, I could visit the British Library.
2. When I lived in London, I would visit the British Library.

In example 1, I had the ability to visit the British Library but it doesn’t mean I ever stepped foot inside.
In example 2, visiting the British Library was definitely something I did.

Could expresses possibility
Would expresses intent.

But I still struggle with these auxiliary verbs. I seem better at getting would used correctly as in this example:
“I would be thrilled to accept your cast-off items.”

I found this example sentence again while searching my WIP:
“While Everett could use his upper arm to stabilize the stick, Noel had lost the entire arm.”

That needs to be would.

See why I have these words and phrases sketched out and why I check on how I’ve used them?

Each versus Every

I have a tendency to reach for each. LOL

Each refers to two or more people in a group who share the action or work. It stresses the individual members of the group.

Every refers to three or more people in a group. It stresses all the members of the complete group.

From my WIP:
“Each chose a part of the necklace.”

In the example above, there are three people choosing, but the emphasis is on the individual choosers.

“We do not need help in that quarter.” Aunt Hypatia emphasized each word.

While there are eight words in her statement, the stress is on the individual, not the group. But I had to think A LOT about that one.

Here’s a partial sentence where every is the better choice and I need to change it.
“Where before the stone cottage had sparkled in greeting each time she returned …”

My heroine has returned multiple times and these visits are not distinct. There is no need to emphasize their individuality.

The better sentence is:
“Where before the stone cottage had sparkled in greeting every time she returned …”

I am adding all of these words and phrases to my editing checklist.

I’m participating in MFRW Book Hooks—browse the current hop here:
https://airtable.com/appvKrW9skkDjJe1n/shrqsbVq9LOioYMUD