Usage

Featured Topic: Usage

So many usage rules, so little time! Today we examine the shift in common idioms, singular they, and how of sneaks into sentences when we shift the word order.

Featured Topic: Words, Words, Words

We aim to keep your vocabulary strong, copyeditors. Today, three timely word lessons.

I might not always agree with Bill Walsh, but I respect his work. And I agree with his modus operandi that copyeditors need to do more than mechanically search and replace; we need to think.

Featured Topic: Language Theory

Though it sometimes causes headaches, copyeditors need a little language theory now and again to keep up with changes. In today’s News Roundup: why you can keep the reason why, the problem with the phrase “correct grammar,” and the fallacy of those ultraconserved words.

Featured Topic: Usage Problems

You’ve seen reflexive pronouns used as subject or object pronouns; should you stet them? Also in today’s News Roundup, we look at the usage of that vs. which and any more vs. anymore.

Rich Adin recently published a blog post on the vagueness of about. When precision is wanted, he maintains, about isn’t going to cut it.

Adin points out that if you can use a precise date rather than “about 50 years ago,” you won’t make readers work hard for the meaning. His example:

About 50 years ago, John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

Featured Topic: Flexibility of Language

English is a wonderfully, frustratingly flexible language. Three articles that look at how far it can bend before it breaks.

Featured Topic: Usage Problems

Today’s News Roundup tackles the questions of whom, split infinitives, born vs. borne, and the historical present.

Which sentence would you write:

All the examples are drawn from published works.

All of the examples are drawn from published works.

Featured Topic: Quick Lessons in Language Mechanics

Before you start editing, learn how to reduce word repetition, how to recognize direct objects, and whether to put something on the other hand.