"Do this with a keyboard hit just like the examples and the book code do it." It is "do." The "examples and book code" are a plural subject of the clause. Therefore, they "do" the action. Not they does. 2. I'd say they are interchangeable, since both dark and darkness, used as nouns, indicate the absence of light. However, to me "darkness" connotes more of a gradation of absence of light, while "dark" is more absolute. 3."He wanted to leave as quickly (quick, fast?) as possible." A purist would say you must use quickly, since it is an adverb modifying the verb "leave." Fast and quick are both adjectives, modifying nouns. However, fast would generally be acceptably used as an adverb. "To leave quick" would probably be pounced upon by the majority as an error, though "quick" is sliding toward acceptable use as an adjective. I would certainly avoid that, myself. 4."It is that one pitch in a thousand you see in slow motion; its wings beat (beating) slowly as a hawk's." Since that sentence is pulled out of context, I am a bit confused. I don't know what the "it" refers to at the beginning. As is, there seems to be a disagreement in tense. The first independent clause contains a present tense verb (is) while the second uses what seems to be past tense (beat), though that could be present as well. Again, without context I'm confused. If it is meant to be be present, "beating" as present progressive tense is clearer, with the recommended punctuation change. 5. I agree completely with Crescent's explanation on this one.

Forum: Writers

Subject: A few usage questions