Friday, August 24, 2007

AGGRAVATE/IRRITATE

What is the difference in meaning between "aggravate" and "irritate"?


TODAY'S WORD

The word for today is "coercion".

Define the word and use it in your speech today.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

WHICH IS CORRECT?

One of the sentences below has an error. What is the error?

Her renown as a hated stage mother is legendary.
Her reknown as a hated stage mother is legendary.


PHRASES I LOATHE

Why is the sentence below offensive and hypocritical?"
I think, with respect, that your opinions are short sighted and wrong."

TODAY'S WORD

"Disingenuous" is the word for the day.
Define "disingenuous" and use it in a sentence.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

TOO OFTEN HEARD AND SEEN

PAY ATTENTION

You should have went to the movies with them.
Is there an error in the sentence above? What is it? Can you fix it and give a reason to explain your correction?

WORDS I LIKE

The word is "ineffable".
Define "ineffable" and use it in a sentence.
Should this word be used when describing politicians?

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

ALWAYS THE SAME ERRORS! DUH!

A CONSTANT MISUSE

What is incorrect in the sentence below?

"Some report waiting lists of customers anxious to test drive the new vans, according to Dave Buckingham, vice-president of sales for Chrysler Canada."
Chris Vander Doelen, "Encouraging signs for Chrysler minivan", The Windsor Star, Tuesday, August 21, 2007.

PHRASES I HATE

"No problem."

Why is the above phrase so repugnant? Or do you consider it acceptable?

WORDS I LIKE

The word for today is "coruscate".

Define the word. What is the noun form of the word?

Monday, August 20, 2007

WRITERS BEWARE! I'M BACK!

VACATION IS OVER

Having enjoyed two weeks in unbearable temperatures, I am rededicating myself to rooting out and chastising writers and news readers who misuse the English language. I will publish all examples, complete with appropriate authorial credit, that come to my attention.

I invite you, the readers, to participate by sending me your examples. To do this, you must click on "comment" at the bottom of the post and type in your example. You may remain anonymous or insert your name or nickname. Be aware that I retain the right to accept or reject any comment and none will be published before I review it.

Be diligent. Be dogged. Be nasty. Demand correctness.

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If anyone needs a piece proofread, let me know. I am sure we can negotiate something.

Mike

WHAT IS WRONG?

He sat inside of the snow cave.
The bear tore the bark off of the tree.

WORDS I LIKE

I like the word "insipient" because I can apply it to many writers.

Define "insipient" and use it in a sentence.