between you and I/between you and me
“Between you and me” is preferred in standard English.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
copywrite/copyright: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, June 29, 2013
copywrite/copyright
You can copyright writing, but you can also copyright a photograph or song. The word has to do with securing rights.
You can copyright writing, but you can also copyright a photograph or song. The word has to do with securing rights.
Friday, June 28, 2013
better: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, June 28, 2013
better
When Chuck says, “I better get my research started; the paper’s due tomorrow,” he means “I had better,” abbreviated in speech to “I’d better.” The same pattern is followed for “he’d better,” “she’d better,” and “they’d better.”
When Chuck says, “I better get my research started; the paper’s due tomorrow,” he means “I had better,” abbreviated in speech to “I’d better.” The same pattern is followed for “he’d better,” “she’d better,” and “they’d better.”
Thursday, June 27, 2013
French dip with au jus/French dip: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, June 27, 2013
French dip with au jus/French dip
This diner classic consists of sliced roast beef on a more or less firm bun, with a side dish of broth in which to dip it. Au jus means “with broth,” so adding “with” to “au jus” is redundant. In fancier restaurants, items are listed entirely in French with the English translation underneath:
This diner classic consists of sliced roast beef on a more or less firm bun, with a side dish of broth in which to dip it. Au jus means “with broth,” so adding “with” to “au jus” is redundant. In fancier restaurants, items are listed entirely in French with the English translation underneath:
Tête de cochon avec ses tripes farciesMixing the languages is hazardous if you don’t know what the original means. “With au jus broth” is also seen from time to time. People generally know what a French dip sandwich is, and they’ll see the broth when it comes. Why not just call it a “French dip”?
Pig’s head stuffed with tripe
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
picture: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, June 26, 2013
picture
The pronunciation of “picture” as if it were “pitcher” is common in some dialects, but not standard. The first syllable should sound like “pick.”
The pronunciation of “picture” as if it were “pitcher” is common in some dialects, but not standard. The first syllable should sound like “pick.”
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
epicenter: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, June 25, 2013
epicenter
The precise location where the earth slips beneath the surface in an earthquake is its hypocenter (or focus) and the spot up on the surface where people feel the quake is its epicenter. Geologists get upset when people use the latter word, designating a point rather removed from the main action, as if it were a synonym of “epitome” and meant something like “most important center.” The British spell it “epicentre.”
The precise location where the earth slips beneath the surface in an earthquake is its hypocenter (or focus) and the spot up on the surface where people feel the quake is its epicenter. Geologists get upset when people use the latter word, designating a point rather removed from the main action, as if it were a synonym of “epitome” and meant something like “most important center.” The British spell it “epicentre.”
Monday, June 24, 2013
beat/bead: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, June 24, 2013
beat/bead
In American English when you focus narrowly on something or define it carefully you “get a bead” or “draw a bead” on it. In this expression the term “bead” comes from the former name for the little metal bump on the end of a gun barrel which helped the shooter aim precisely at a target. “Beat” is often mistakenly substituted for “bead” by people who imagine that the expression has something to do with matching the timing of the person or activity being observed, catching up with it.
In American English when you focus narrowly on something or define it carefully you “get a bead” or “draw a bead” on it. In this expression the term “bead” comes from the former name for the little metal bump on the end of a gun barrel which helped the shooter aim precisely at a target. “Beat” is often mistakenly substituted for “bead” by people who imagine that the expression has something to do with matching the timing of the person or activity being observed, catching up with it.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Champaign/Champagne: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, June 23, 2013
Champaign/Champagne
Champaign is the name of a city and county in Illinois.
Champagne is a region of France which produces the sparkling wine of that name.
Champaign is the name of a city and county in Illinois.
Champagne is a region of France which produces the sparkling wine of that name.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
heart-rendering/heart-rending: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, June 22, 2013
heart-rendering/heart-rending
Your heart is “rent” (torn) when you experience something heart-rending, not “rendered.”
Your heart is “rent” (torn) when you experience something heart-rending, not “rendered.”
Friday, June 21, 2013
homophobic: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, June 21, 2013
homophobic
Some object to this word—arguing that it literally means “man-fearing,” but the “homo” in “homosexual” and in this word does not refer to the Latin word for “man,” but is derived from a Greek root meaning “same” while the “-phobic” means literally “having a fear of,” but in English has come to mean “hating.” “Homophobic” is now an established term for “prejudiced against homosexuals.”
Some object to this word—arguing that it literally means “man-fearing,” but the “homo” in “homosexual” and in this word does not refer to the Latin word for “man,” but is derived from a Greek root meaning “same” while the “-phobic” means literally “having a fear of,” but in English has come to mean “hating.” “Homophobic” is now an established term for “prejudiced against homosexuals.”
Thursday, June 20, 2013
enormity/enormousness: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, June 20, 2013
enormity/enormousness
Originally these two words were synonymous, but “enormity” got whittled down to meaning something monstrous or outrageous. Don’t wonder at the “enormity” of the Palace of Versailles unless you wish to express horror at this embodiment of Louis XIV’s ego.
Originally these two words were synonymous, but “enormity” got whittled down to meaning something monstrous or outrageous. Don’t wonder at the “enormity” of the Palace of Versailles unless you wish to express horror at this embodiment of Louis XIV’s ego.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
council/counsel/consul: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, June 19, 2013
council/counsel/consul
The first two words are pronounced the same but have distinct meanings. An official group that deliberates, like the Council on Foreign Relations, is a “council”; all the rest are “counsels”: your lawyer, advice, etc. A consul is a local representative of a foreign government.
The first two words are pronounced the same but have distinct meanings. An official group that deliberates, like the Council on Foreign Relations, is a “council”; all the rest are “counsels”: your lawyer, advice, etc. A consul is a local representative of a foreign government.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
precede/proceed: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, June 18, 2013
precede/proceed
“Precede” means “to go before.” “Proceed” means “to go on.” Let your companion precede you through the door, then proceed to follow her. Interestingly, the second E is missing in “procedure.”
“Precede” means “to go before.” “Proceed” means “to go on.” Let your companion precede you through the door, then proceed to follow her. Interestingly, the second E is missing in “procedure.”
Monday, June 17, 2013
once/ones: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, June 17, 2013
once/ones
“Once” always has to do with time and answers the questions, “how many times?” or “when?” For instance: “I only played handball once.” “Once I got my boot off, I saw my sock had a hole in it.”
In contrast, “ones” have to do with things. In your tool collection, the ones you should keep handy are the ones you use most.
“Once” always has to do with time and answers the questions, “how many times?” or “when?” For instance: “I only played handball once.” “Once I got my boot off, I saw my sock had a hole in it.”
In contrast, “ones” have to do with things. In your tool collection, the ones you should keep handy are the ones you use most.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
suttle/subtle: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, June 16, 2013
suttle/subtle
It’s a not-so-subtle hint to the reader that your spelling is weak if you misspell “subtle” as “suttle.”
It’s a not-so-subtle hint to the reader that your spelling is weak if you misspell “subtle” as “suttle.”
Saturday, June 15, 2013
on accident/by accident: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, June 15, 2013
on accident/by accident
Although you can do things on purpose, you do them by accident.
Although you can do things on purpose, you do them by accident.
Friday, June 14, 2013
rye/wry: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, June 14, 2013
rye/wry
“Wry” means “bent, twisted.” Even if you don’t have a wry sense of humor you may crack a wry smile. No rye is involved.
“Wry” means “bent, twisted.” Even if you don’t have a wry sense of humor you may crack a wry smile. No rye is involved.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
female/woman: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, June 13, 2013
female/woman
When referring to an adult female of the human species it sounds weird and may even be considered insulting to use the noun “female” instead of “woman.” “The female pointed the gun at the cop” should be “the woman pointed the gun at the cop.”
In the case of the related adjectives some people argue that since we say—for instance—“male doctor” we should always say “female doctor” rather than “woman doctor.” It may be inconsistent, but the pattern of referring to females as women performers, professionals, etc. is very traditional, dating back at least to the 14th century. People who do this cannot be accused of committing an error.
Technical adjectival uses defining gender like “female genes” are fine (but don’t confuse them with “women’s jeans”).
When referring to an adult female of the human species it sounds weird and may even be considered insulting to use the noun “female” instead of “woman.” “The female pointed the gun at the cop” should be “the woman pointed the gun at the cop.”
In the case of the related adjectives some people argue that since we say—for instance—“male doctor” we should always say “female doctor” rather than “woman doctor.” It may be inconsistent, but the pattern of referring to females as women performers, professionals, etc. is very traditional, dating back at least to the 14th century. People who do this cannot be accused of committing an error.
Technical adjectival uses defining gender like “female genes” are fine (but don’t confuse them with “women’s jeans”).
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
no sooner when/no sooner than: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, June 12, 2013
no sooner when/no sooner than
The phrase “No sooner had Paula stopped petting the cat when it began to yowl” should be instead “No sooner had Paula stopped petting the cat than it began to yowl.”
The phrase “No sooner had Paula stopped petting the cat when it began to yowl” should be instead “No sooner had Paula stopped petting the cat than it began to yowl.”
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
congradulations/congratulations: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, June 11, 2013
congradulations/congratulations
I fear that all too many people are being “congradulated” for graduating from high school who don’t know that this word should be spelled “congratulations.” Try a search for this misspelling on your favorite Web search engine and be prepared to be astonished.
I fear that all too many people are being “congradulated” for graduating from high school who don’t know that this word should be spelled “congratulations.” Try a search for this misspelling on your favorite Web search engine and be prepared to be astonished.
Monday, June 10, 2013
criteria/criterion: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, June 10, 2013
criteria/criterion
There are several words with Latin or Greek roots whose plural forms ending in A are constantly mistaken for singular ones. You can have one criterion or many criteria. Don’t confuse them.
There are several words with Latin or Greek roots whose plural forms ending in A are constantly mistaken for singular ones. You can have one criterion or many criteria. Don’t confuse them.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
compare and contrast/compare: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, June 9, 2013
compare and contrast/compare
Hey kids, here’s a chance to catch your English teacher in a redundancy! To compare two things is to note their similarities and their differences. There’s no need to add “and contrast.”
Hey kids, here’s a chance to catch your English teacher in a redundancy! To compare two things is to note their similarities and their differences. There’s no need to add “and contrast.”
Saturday, June 8, 2013
exalt/exult: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, June 8, 2013
exalt/exult
When you celebrate joyfully, you exult. When you raise something high (even if only in your opinion), you exalt it. Neither word has an H in it.
When you celebrate joyfully, you exult. When you raise something high (even if only in your opinion), you exalt it. Neither word has an H in it.
Friday, June 7, 2013
agnostic/atheist: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, June 7, 2013
agnostic/atheist Both agnostics and atheists are regularly criticized as illogical by people who don’t understand the meaning of these terms. An agnostic is a person who believes that the existence of a god or gods cannot be proven or known. Agnosticism is a statement about the limits of human knowledge. It is an error to suppose that agnostics perpetually hesitate between faith and doubt: they are confident they cannot know the ultimate truth. Similarly, atheists believe there are no gods. Atheists need not be able to disprove the existence of gods to be consistent just as believers do not need to be able to prove that gods do exist in order to be regarded as religious. Both attitudes have to do with beliefs, not knowledge.
“Agnostic” is often used metaphorically of any refusal to make a judgment, usually on the basis of a lack of evidence; people can be agnostic about acupuncture, for instance, if they believe there is not enough evidence one way or another to decide its effectiveness.
“Agnostic” is often used metaphorically of any refusal to make a judgment, usually on the basis of a lack of evidence; people can be agnostic about acupuncture, for instance, if they believe there is not enough evidence one way or another to decide its effectiveness.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
bullion/bouillon: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, June 6, 2013
bullion/bouillon
Gold bricks are bullion. Boil down meat stock to get bouillon. It’s an expensive mistake to confuse bullion with bouillon in a recipe.
Gold bricks are bullion. Boil down meat stock to get bouillon. It’s an expensive mistake to confuse bullion with bouillon in a recipe.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
koala bear/koala: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, June 5, 2013
koala bear/koala
A koala is not a bear. People who know their marsupials refer to them simply as “koalas.” Recent research, however, indicates that pandas are related to other bears.
A koala is not a bear. People who know their marsupials refer to them simply as “koalas.” Recent research, however, indicates that pandas are related to other bears.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
track home/tract home: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, June 4, 2013
track home/tract home
Commuters from a tract home may well feel that they are engaged in a rat race, but that does not justify them in describing their housing development as a “track.” “Tract” here means an area of land on which inexpensive and uniform houses have been built. Incidentally, note that the phrase is “digestive tract,” not “digestive track.”
Commuters from a tract home may well feel that they are engaged in a rat race, but that does not justify them in describing their housing development as a “track.” “Tract” here means an area of land on which inexpensive and uniform houses have been built. Incidentally, note that the phrase is “digestive tract,” not “digestive track.”
Monday, June 3, 2013
proved/proven: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, June 3, 2013
proved/proven
For most purposes either form is a fine past participle of “prove,” though in a phrase like “a proven talent” where the word is an adjective preceding a noun, “proven” is standard.
For most purposes either form is a fine past participle of “prove,” though in a phrase like “a proven talent” where the word is an adjective preceding a noun, “proven” is standard.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
rediculous/ridiculous: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, June 2, 2013
rediculous/ridiculous
You may ridicule ideas because you find them ridiculous, but not rediculous.
You may ridicule ideas because you find them ridiculous, but not rediculous.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
case and point/case in point: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, June 1, 2013
case and point/case in point
The example before us is a “case in point,” not “case and point.”
The example before us is a “case in point,” not “case and point.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)