mixed-up media/mixed media
Mixed media can be great; mixed-up media not so much.
Books are published, movies and musical recordings released, and plays and TV shows premiered.
Movies are shown, plays staged, and TV shows broadcast.
Technically recordings get deleted (from catalogs) or withdrawn rather than going out of print like books (which may also be remaindered: sold at discount, or worse—pulped). However, there is a strong tendency to use “out of print” for all kinds of media: CDs, DVDs, etc. Movies and stage shows close or end their runs, but only stage shows fold.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
dire straights/dire straits: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, August 30, 2012
dire straights/dire straits
When you are threading your way through troubles as if you were traversing a dangerously narrow passage, you are in “dire straits.” The expression and the band by that name are often transformed by those who don’t understand the word “strait” into “dire straights.”
When you are threading your way through troubles as if you were traversing a dangerously narrow passage, you are in “dire straits.” The expression and the band by that name are often transformed by those who don’t understand the word “strait” into “dire straights.”
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
signaled out/singled out: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, August 29, 2012
signaled out/singled out
When a single individual is separated out from a larger group, usually by being especially noticed or treated differently, that individual is being “singled out.” This expression has nothing to do with signaling.
When a single individual is separated out from a larger group, usually by being especially noticed or treated differently, that individual is being “singled out.” This expression has nothing to do with signaling.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sierra Nevada Mountains/Sierra Nevadas: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sierra Nevada Mountains/Sierra Nevadas
Sierra is Spanish for “sawtooth mountain range,” so knowledgeable Westerners usually avoid a redundancy by simply referring to “the Sierra Nevadas” or simply “the Sierras.” Transplanted weather forecasters often get this wrong.
Some object to the familiar abbreviation “Sierras,” but this form, like “Rockies” and “Smokies” is too well established to be considered erroneous.
Sierra is Spanish for “sawtooth mountain range,” so knowledgeable Westerners usually avoid a redundancy by simply referring to “the Sierra Nevadas” or simply “the Sierras.” Transplanted weather forecasters often get this wrong.
Some object to the familiar abbreviation “Sierras,” but this form, like “Rockies” and “Smokies” is too well established to be considered erroneous.
Monday, August 27, 2012
sense/since: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, August 27, 2012
sense/since
“Sense” is a verb meaning “feel” (“I sense you near me”) or a noun meaning “intelligence” (“have some common sense!”). Don’t use it when you need the adverb “since” (“since you went away,” “since you’re up anyway, would you please let the cat out?”).
“Sense” is a verb meaning “feel” (“I sense you near me”) or a noun meaning “intelligence” (“have some common sense!”). Don’t use it when you need the adverb “since” (“since you went away,” “since you’re up anyway, would you please let the cat out?”).
Sunday, August 26, 2012
sci-fi/science fiction/SF: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, August 26, 2012
sci-fi/science fiction/SF
“Sci-fi,” the widely used abbreviation for “science fiction,” is objectionable to most professional science fiction writers and scholars, and to many fans. Some of them scornfully designate alien monster movies and other trivial entertainments “sci-fi” (which they pronounce “skiffy”) to distinguish them from true science fiction. The preferred abbreviation in these circles is “SF.” The problem with this abbreviation is that to the general public “SF” means “San Francisco.” “The Sci-Fi Channel” has exacerbated the conflict over this term. If you are a reporter approaching a science fiction writer or expert you immediately mark yourself as an outsider by using the term “sci-fi.”
“Sci-fi,” the widely used abbreviation for “science fiction,” is objectionable to most professional science fiction writers and scholars, and to many fans. Some of them scornfully designate alien monster movies and other trivial entertainments “sci-fi” (which they pronounce “skiffy”) to distinguish them from true science fiction. The preferred abbreviation in these circles is “SF.” The problem with this abbreviation is that to the general public “SF” means “San Francisco.” “The Sci-Fi Channel” has exacerbated the conflict over this term. If you are a reporter approaching a science fiction writer or expert you immediately mark yourself as an outsider by using the term “sci-fi.”
Saturday, August 25, 2012
mind of information/mine of information: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, August 25, 2012
mind of information/mine of information
A book, a person, or any other source stuffed with gems of useful knowledge is a mine of information, a metaphorical treasure trove of learning. The information involved may or may not be in someone’s mind.
A book, a person, or any other source stuffed with gems of useful knowledge is a mine of information, a metaphorical treasure trove of learning. The information involved may or may not be in someone’s mind.
Friday, August 24, 2012
principal/principle: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, August 24, 2012
principal/principle
Generations of teachers have tried to drill this one into students’ heads by reminding them, “The principal is your pal.” Many don’t seem convinced. “Principal” is a noun and adjective referring to someone or something which is highest in rank or importance. (In a loan, the principal is the more substantial part of the money, the interest is—or should be—the lesser.) “Principle” is only a noun and has to do with law or doctrine: “The workers fought hard for the principle of collective bargaining.”
Generations of teachers have tried to drill this one into students’ heads by reminding them, “The principal is your pal.” Many don’t seem convinced. “Principal” is a noun and adjective referring to someone or something which is highest in rank or importance. (In a loan, the principal is the more substantial part of the money, the interest is—or should be—the lesser.) “Principle” is only a noun and has to do with law or doctrine: “The workers fought hard for the principle of collective bargaining.”
Thursday, August 23, 2012
vain/vane/vein: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, August 23, 2012
vain/vane/vein
When you have vanity you are conceited: you are vain. “You’re so vain you probably think this song is about you.” This spelling can also mean “futile,” as in “All my love’s in vain” (fruitless). Note that when Ecclesiastes says that “all is vanity” it doesn’t mean that everything is conceited, but that everything is pointless.
A vane is a blade designed to move or be moved by gases or liquid, like a weathervane.
A vein is a slender thread of something, like blood in a body or gold in a mine. It can also be a line of thought, as in “After describing his dog’s habit of chewing on the sofa, Carlos went on in the same vein for several minutes.”
When you have vanity you are conceited: you are vain. “You’re so vain you probably think this song is about you.” This spelling can also mean “futile,” as in “All my love’s in vain” (fruitless). Note that when Ecclesiastes says that “all is vanity” it doesn’t mean that everything is conceited, but that everything is pointless.
A vane is a blade designed to move or be moved by gases or liquid, like a weathervane.
A vein is a slender thread of something, like blood in a body or gold in a mine. It can also be a line of thought, as in “After describing his dog’s habit of chewing on the sofa, Carlos went on in the same vein for several minutes.”
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Ukraine/Ukraine: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Ukraine/Ukraine
Some country names are preceded by an article—like “The United States” and “La France”—but most are not. Sometimes it depends on what language you are speaking: in English we call the latter country simply “France,” and “La Republica Argentina” is just “Argentina” although in the 19th century the British often referred to it as “The Argentine.”
When the region formerly known as “The Ukraine” split off from the old Soviet Union, it declared its preference for dropping the article, and the country is now properly called simply “Ukraine.”
Some country names are preceded by an article—like “The United States” and “La France”—but most are not. Sometimes it depends on what language you are speaking: in English we call the latter country simply “France,” and “La Republica Argentina” is just “Argentina” although in the 19th century the British often referred to it as “The Argentine.”
When the region formerly known as “The Ukraine” split off from the old Soviet Union, it declared its preference for dropping the article, and the country is now properly called simply “Ukraine.”
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
saw/seen: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, August 21, 2012
saw/seen
In standard English, it’s “I’ve seen” not “I’ve saw.” The helping verb “have” (abbreviated here to “’ve”) requires “seen.” Any time you use a helping verb to introduce it, the word you need is “seen”: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
In the simple past (no helping verb), the expression is “I saw,” not “I seen.” “I’ve seen a lot of ugly cars, but when I saw that old beat-up Rambler I couldn’t believe my eyes.” Or “I saw the game on TV.”
In standard English, it’s “I’ve seen” not “I’ve saw.” The helping verb “have” (abbreviated here to “’ve”) requires “seen.” Any time you use a helping verb to introduce it, the word you need is “seen”: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
In the simple past (no helping verb), the expression is “I saw,” not “I seen.” “I’ve seen a lot of ugly cars, but when I saw that old beat-up Rambler I couldn’t believe my eyes.” Or “I saw the game on TV.”
Monday, August 20, 2012
peace/piece: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, August 20, 2012
peace/piece
It’s hard to believe many people really confuse the meaning of these words, but the spellings are frequently swapped, probably out of sheer carelessness. “Piece” has the word “pie” buried in it, which should remind you of the familiar phrase “a piece of pie.” You can meditate to find peace of mind, or you can get angry and give someone a piece of your mind. Classical scholars will note that pax is the Latin word for “peace,” suggesting the need for an A in the latter word.
It’s hard to believe many people really confuse the meaning of these words, but the spellings are frequently swapped, probably out of sheer carelessness. “Piece” has the word “pie” buried in it, which should remind you of the familiar phrase “a piece of pie.” You can meditate to find peace of mind, or you can get angry and give someone a piece of your mind. Classical scholars will note that pax is the Latin word for “peace,” suggesting the need for an A in the latter word.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
perscription/prescription: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, August 19, 2012
perscription/prescription
“Prescription” is often mispronounced “perscription.”
“Prescription” is often mispronounced “perscription.”
Saturday, August 18, 2012
recognize: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, August 18, 2012
recognize
In sloppy speech, this often comes out “reck-uh-nize.” Sound the G.
In sloppy speech, this often comes out “reck-uh-nize.” Sound the G.
Friday, August 17, 2012
laundry mat/laundromat: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, August 17, 2012
laundry mat/laundromat
“Laundromat” was coined in the 1950s by analogy with “automat”—an automated self-service restaurant—to label an automated self-service laundry. People unaware of this history often mistakenly deconstruct the word into “laundry mat” or “laundrymat.”
“Laundromat” was coined in the 1950s by analogy with “automat”—an automated self-service restaurant—to label an automated self-service laundry. People unaware of this history often mistakenly deconstruct the word into “laundry mat” or “laundrymat.”
Thursday, August 16, 2012
thusfar/thus far: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, August 16, 2012
thusfar/thus far
Some common phrases get fused in people’s mind into single words. The phrase “thus far” is frequently misspelled “thusfar.” Hardly anybody writes “sofar” instead of “so far”—just treat “thus far” in the same way.
Some common phrases get fused in people’s mind into single words. The phrase “thus far” is frequently misspelled “thusfar.” Hardly anybody writes “sofar” instead of “so far”—just treat “thus far” in the same way.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
shook/shaken: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, August 15, 2012
shook/shaken
Elvis Presley couldn’t have very well sung “I’m all shaken up,” but that is the grammatically correct form. “Shook” is the simple past tense of “shake,” and quite correct in sentences like “I shook my piggy bank but all that came out was a paper clip.” But in sentences with a helping verb, you need “shaken”: “The quarterback had shaken the champagne bottle before emptying it on the coach.”
Elvis Presley couldn’t have very well sung “I’m all shaken up,” but that is the grammatically correct form. “Shook” is the simple past tense of “shake,” and quite correct in sentences like “I shook my piggy bank but all that came out was a paper clip.” But in sentences with a helping verb, you need “shaken”: “The quarterback had shaken the champagne bottle before emptying it on the coach.”
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
LOL: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, August 14, 2012
LOL
The common Internet abbreviation “lol” (for “laughing out loud”) began as an expression of amusement or satirical contempt: “My brother-in-law thought the hollandaise sauce was gravy and poured it all over his mashed potatoes (lol).” It has become much overused, often to indicate mere surprise or emphasis with no suggestion of humor: “The boss just told us we have to redo the budget this afternoon (lol).” And some people drop it into their prose almost at random, like a verbal hiccup. It is no longer considered hip or sophisticated, and you won’t impress or entertain anyone by using it.
Note that this initialism has had two earlier meanings: “Little Old Lady” and “Lots Of Love.”
The common Internet abbreviation “lol” (for “laughing out loud”) began as an expression of amusement or satirical contempt: “My brother-in-law thought the hollandaise sauce was gravy and poured it all over his mashed potatoes (lol).” It has become much overused, often to indicate mere surprise or emphasis with no suggestion of humor: “The boss just told us we have to redo the budget this afternoon (lol).” And some people drop it into their prose almost at random, like a verbal hiccup. It is no longer considered hip or sophisticated, and you won’t impress or entertain anyone by using it.
Note that this initialism has had two earlier meanings: “Little Old Lady” and “Lots Of Love.”
Monday, August 13, 2012
comptroller: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, August 13, 2012
comptroller
Although it is less and less often heard, the traditional pronunciation of “comptroller” is identical with “controller.” The Oxford English Dictionary, indeed, considers “comptroller” to have begun as a misspelling of “controller”—back in the 16th century.
Although it is less and less often heard, the traditional pronunciation of “comptroller” is identical with “controller.” The Oxford English Dictionary, indeed, considers “comptroller” to have begun as a misspelling of “controller”—back in the 16th century.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
government: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, August 12, 2012
government
Be careful to pronounce the first N in “government.”
Be careful to pronounce the first N in “government.”
Saturday, August 11, 2012
cache/cachet: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, August 11, 2012
cache/cachet
“Cache” comes from the French verb cacher, meaning “to hide,” and in English is pronounced exactly like the word “cash.” But reporters speaking of a cache (hidden hoard) of weapons or drugs often mispronounce it to sound like cachet—“ca-SHAY” —a word with a very different meaning: originally a seal affixed to a document, now a quality attributed to anything with authority or prestige. Rolex watches have cachet.
__________
Paul Brians' links to Candorville's take on "cache/cachet" in his latest blog post.
“Cache” comes from the French verb cacher, meaning “to hide,” and in English is pronounced exactly like the word “cash.” But reporters speaking of a cache (hidden hoard) of weapons or drugs often mispronounce it to sound like cachet—“ca-SHAY” —a word with a very different meaning: originally a seal affixed to a document, now a quality attributed to anything with authority or prestige. Rolex watches have cachet.
__________
Paul Brians' links to Candorville's take on "cache/cachet" in his latest blog post.
Friday, August 10, 2012
villian/villain: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, August 10, 2012
villian/villain
Villainous misspellings of “villain” have lain in wait to trip up unwary writers for many years.
Villainous misspellings of “villain” have lain in wait to trip up unwary writers for many years.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
in route/en route: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, August 9, 2012
in route/en route
En route is a French phrase meaning “on the way,” as in “En route to the gallows, Lucky was struck by lightning.” Don’t anglicize this expression as “in route.”
En route is a French phrase meaning “on the way,” as in “En route to the gallows, Lucky was struck by lightning.” Don’t anglicize this expression as “in route.”
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
organic: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, August 8, 2012
organic
The word “organic” is used in all sorts of contexts, often in a highly metaphorical manner; the subject here is its use in the phrase “organic foods” in claims of superior healthfulness. Various jurisdictions have various standards for “organic” food, but generally the label is applied to foods that have been grown without artificial chemicals or pesticides. Literally, of course, the term is a redundancy: all food is composed of organic chemicals (complex chemicals containing carbon). There is no such thing as an inorganic food (unless you count water as a food). Natural fertilizers and pesticides may or may not be superior to artificial ones, but the proper distinction is not between organic and inorganic.
When it comes to nutrition, people tend to generalize rashly from a narrow scientific basis. After a few preservatives were revealed to have harmful effects in some consumers, many products were proudly labeled "No Preservatives!” I don’t want harmful preservatives in my food, but that label suggests to me a warning: “Deteriorates quickly! May contain mold and other kinds of rot!” Salt is a preservative.
The word “organic” is used in all sorts of contexts, often in a highly metaphorical manner; the subject here is its use in the phrase “organic foods” in claims of superior healthfulness. Various jurisdictions have various standards for “organic” food, but generally the label is applied to foods that have been grown without artificial chemicals or pesticides. Literally, of course, the term is a redundancy: all food is composed of organic chemicals (complex chemicals containing carbon). There is no such thing as an inorganic food (unless you count water as a food). Natural fertilizers and pesticides may or may not be superior to artificial ones, but the proper distinction is not between organic and inorganic.
When it comes to nutrition, people tend to generalize rashly from a narrow scientific basis. After a few preservatives were revealed to have harmful effects in some consumers, many products were proudly labeled "No Preservatives!” I don’t want harmful preservatives in my food, but that label suggests to me a warning: “Deteriorates quickly! May contain mold and other kinds of rot!” Salt is a preservative.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
religiosity/piety: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, August 7, 2012
religiosity/piety
The main modern use of “religiosity” is to describe exaggerated or ostentatious showing off of one’s religiousness. A better word to label the quality of being truly religious is “piety.”
The main modern use of “religiosity” is to describe exaggerated or ostentatious showing off of one’s religiousness. A better word to label the quality of being truly religious is “piety.”
Monday, August 6, 2012
music/singing: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, August 6, 2012
music/singing
After my wife—an accomplished soprano—reported indignantly that a friend of hers had stated that her church had “no music, only singing,” I began to notice the same tendency among my students to equate music strictly with instrumental music. I was told by one that “the singing interfered with the music” (i.e., the accompaniment). In the classical realm most listeners seem to prefer instrumental to vocal performances, which is odd given the distinct unpopularity of strictly instrumental popular music. People rejoice at the sound of choral works at Christmas but seldom seek them out at other times of the year. Serious music lovers rightly object to the linguistic sloppiness that denies the label “music” to works by such composers as Palestrina, Schubert, and Verdi. From the Middle Ages to the late 18th century, vocal music reigned supreme, and instrumentalists strove to achieve the prized compliment of “sounding like the human voice.” The dominance of orchestral works is a comparatively recent phenomenon.
In contrast, my students often call instrumental works “songs,” being unfamiliar with the terms “composition” and “piece.” All singing is music, but not all music is singing.
After my wife—an accomplished soprano—reported indignantly that a friend of hers had stated that her church had “no music, only singing,” I began to notice the same tendency among my students to equate music strictly with instrumental music. I was told by one that “the singing interfered with the music” (i.e., the accompaniment). In the classical realm most listeners seem to prefer instrumental to vocal performances, which is odd given the distinct unpopularity of strictly instrumental popular music. People rejoice at the sound of choral works at Christmas but seldom seek them out at other times of the year. Serious music lovers rightly object to the linguistic sloppiness that denies the label “music” to works by such composers as Palestrina, Schubert, and Verdi. From the Middle Ages to the late 18th century, vocal music reigned supreme, and instrumentalists strove to achieve the prized compliment of “sounding like the human voice.” The dominance of orchestral works is a comparatively recent phenomenon.
In contrast, my students often call instrumental works “songs,” being unfamiliar with the terms “composition” and “piece.” All singing is music, but not all music is singing.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
plug-in/outlet: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, August 5, 2012
plug-in/outlet
That thing on the end of an electrical cord is a plug, which goes into the socket of the wall outlet.
That thing on the end of an electrical cord is a plug, which goes into the socket of the wall outlet.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
logon/visit: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, August 4, 2012
logon/visit
You log on to a Web site by entering your ID and password. If you are merely encouraging people to visit a site which has no such requirement, it is misleading to ask them to “log on” to it. News reporters often get this wrong by reporting how many people “logged on” to a particular site when they mean “visited.” “Visit” or just “go to” will do just fine.
You log on to a Web site by entering your ID and password. If you are merely encouraging people to visit a site which has no such requirement, it is misleading to ask them to “log on” to it. News reporters often get this wrong by reporting how many people “logged on” to a particular site when they mean “visited.” “Visit” or just “go to” will do just fine.
Friday, August 3, 2012
do to/due to: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, August 3, 2012
do to/due to
This expression, meaning “because of,” is often misspelled “do to.” Some authorities urge substituting “because” in formal writing; but it’s not likely to get you into trouble.
This expression, meaning “because of,” is often misspelled “do to.” Some authorities urge substituting “because” in formal writing; but it’s not likely to get you into trouble.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
extract revenge/exact revenge: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, August 2, 2012
extract revenge/exact revenge
The use of a rare sense of “exact” confuses people, but the traditional phrase is “exact revenge,” not the seemingly more logical “extract revenge” or “enact revenge.”
The use of a rare sense of “exact” confuses people, but the traditional phrase is “exact revenge,” not the seemingly more logical “extract revenge” or “enact revenge.”
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
afterwards/afterwords: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, August 1, 2012
afterwards/afterwords
Like “towards,” “forwards,” and “homewards,” “afterwards” ends with -wards.
“Afterwords” are sometimes the explanatory essays at the ends of books or speeches uttered at the end of plays or other works. They are made up of words.
Like “towards,” “forwards,” and “homewards,” “afterwards” ends with -wards.
“Afterwords” are sometimes the explanatory essays at the ends of books or speeches uttered at the end of plays or other works. They are made up of words.
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