I have a lot of gripes about the grammar used (or misused) by reporters. This one even drew Andy Rooney’s ire a few weeks ago: Troop: A troop is a group of solders, like a company or a division. It is not just one soldier. Therefore it is incorrect to say “Three American troops died … Continue reading One soldier does not a troop make
“Help is on the way.” President Bush says that a lot. And every time he does, sadly, I’m reminded of the old jokes “the check is in the mail” and “we’re from the government and we’re here to help.” Continue reading Bush: Help is on the way
Verbification. Coining a verb from a noun. It makes any English purist shudder. I’d like to strangle those who originated or help perpetuate these: Summit: To reach the top of a mountain, to reach the summit. Medal or podium: To earn a medal in a competition, which often means you get to stand on a … Continue reading Grammatical peeves
Please, Mr. Bush, stop embarrassing yourself in public!! There is a difference between persecution and prosecution and most college-educated people know the difference. You embarrass me and the country with mistakes like that in your prepared speeches. Use your speechwriters, have them double-check your every word, and then stick to the script. Continue reading English ala Bush
Well, today is the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I know that because CNN just told me. And for what it’s worth, I will defend to the death a woman’s right to choose. Yes, abortion should be legal in this country. Everywhere, for that matter. Let me emphasize, however, that this makes me neither pro … Continue reading Roe v. Wade
Lands’ End. Hmm. Was in the “reading room” last night and noticed something for the first time: Lands’ End catalog. Why do they punctuate it that way? Shouldn’t it be Land’s End? Is it a bunch of people named Land? More than one land, or country, coming to an end? Sure, graphically, it’s nice to … Continue reading Editorial curiosity
