must of/must have
“Must of” is an error for “must have.”
__________________
Cyber Monday deals are on at William, James & Company. From now through Monday, December 2 take 30% off your entire order from the catalog of William, James titles.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
samwich/sandwich: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, November 29, 2013
samwich/sandwich
In some dialects, “sandwich” is pronounced “samwich.” In standard English the first syllable is pronounced exactly the way it’s spelled, like the word for sand at a beach.
__________________
Cyber Monday deals are on at William, James & Company. From now through Monday, December 2 take 30% off your entire order from the catalog of William, James titles.
In some dialects, “sandwich” is pronounced “samwich.” In standard English the first syllable is pronounced exactly the way it’s spelled, like the word for sand at a beach.
__________________
Cyber Monday deals are on at William, James & Company. From now through Monday, December 2 take 30% off your entire order from the catalog of William, James titles.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
lots, plenty, load (number): Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, November 28, 2013
lots, plenty, load (number)
The expression “a lot” takes a singular verb when it refers to an amount of something that can’t be counted: “a lot of water has gone over the dam.” But it takes a plural verb when it refers to a countable number of things: “there are a lot of fish in the sea.” “Lots” works the same way: “there is lots of room left in the theater, but for some reason lots of us are still waiting to be seated.” Remember that “there’s” is a contraction of “there is”; so instead of “there’s a lot of flowers in the garden,” say “there are a lot of flowers.”
The same rule applies to “plenty” and “load.” “There is plenty of turkey left,” but “there are plenty of pecans in the pie.” “Loads of dirty dishes are in the sink,” so “there is loads of washing up to do.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
The expression “a lot” takes a singular verb when it refers to an amount of something that can’t be counted: “a lot of water has gone over the dam.” But it takes a plural verb when it refers to a countable number of things: “there are a lot of fish in the sea.” “Lots” works the same way: “there is lots of room left in the theater, but for some reason lots of us are still waiting to be seated.” Remember that “there’s” is a contraction of “there is”; so instead of “there’s a lot of flowers in the garden,” say “there are a lot of flowers.”
The same rule applies to “plenty” and “load.” “There is plenty of turkey left,” but “there are plenty of pecans in the pie.” “Loads of dirty dishes are in the sink,” so “there is loads of washing up to do.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
squoze/squeezed: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, November 27, 2013
squoze/squeezed
The standard past tense of “squeeze” is not “squoze” but “squeezed.” Even most people who write “squoze” know this, and use it jokingly.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
The standard past tense of “squeeze” is not “squoze” but “squeezed.” Even most people who write “squoze” know this, and use it jokingly.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
rod iron, rot iron/wrought iron: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, November 26, 2013
rod iron, rot iron/wrought iron
Wrought iron has been worked (wrought) by hammering and bending, often into elaborate shapes. It is distinguished from cast iron, where the iron takes on the shape of the mold the molten metal was poured into.
There is such a thing as “rod iron”—iron shaped into rods—but this is a rare specialized term. Most instances of this form are erroneous spellings of “wrought iron,” as are all instances of “rot iron.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Wrought iron has been worked (wrought) by hammering and bending, often into elaborate shapes. It is distinguished from cast iron, where the iron takes on the shape of the mold the molten metal was poured into.
There is such a thing as “rod iron”—iron shaped into rods—but this is a rare specialized term. Most instances of this form are erroneous spellings of “wrought iron,” as are all instances of “rot iron.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Monday, November 25, 2013
object d’art/ objet d’art: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, November 25, 2013
object d’art/ objet d’art
The French-derived word for an object of artistic value or a curio is objet d’art pronounced “ahb-ZHAY darr,” (first syllable rhymes with “job”). It is often anglicized mistakenly to object d’art. People also mispronounce and misspell it ojet d’art, omitting the B. The correct plural form is objets d’art.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
The French-derived word for an object of artistic value or a curio is objet d’art pronounced “ahb-ZHAY darr,” (first syllable rhymes with “job”). It is often anglicized mistakenly to object d’art. People also mispronounce and misspell it ojet d’art, omitting the B. The correct plural form is objets d’art.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
memorium/memoriam: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, November 24, 2013
memorium/memoriam
The correct spelling of the Latin phrase is “in memoriam.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
The correct spelling of the Latin phrase is “in memoriam.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
vary/very: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, November 23, 2013
vary/very
“Vary” means “to change.” Don’t substitute it for “very” in phrases like “very nice” or “very happy.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
“Vary” means “to change.” Don’t substitute it for “very” in phrases like “very nice” or “very happy.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Friday, November 22, 2013
substance-free: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, November 22, 2013
substance-free
An administrator at our university once announced that his goal was a “substance-free” campus, which I suppose fit in with the fad of the period for “virtual education.” What he really meant was, of course, a campus free of illegal drugs and alcohol, designated “controlled substances” in the law. This is a very silly expression, but if he’d just said “sober and straight” he would have sounded too censorious. How about “drug- and alcohol-free”?
__________________
The kid is all right: Paul Brians' latest blog post explains that "all right" remains properly two words, though attitudes about using "alright" are shifting.
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
An administrator at our university once announced that his goal was a “substance-free” campus, which I suppose fit in with the fad of the period for “virtual education.” What he really meant was, of course, a campus free of illegal drugs and alcohol, designated “controlled substances” in the law. This is a very silly expression, but if he’d just said “sober and straight” he would have sounded too censorious. How about “drug- and alcohol-free”?
__________________
The kid is all right: Paul Brians' latest blog post explains that "all right" remains properly two words, though attitudes about using "alright" are shifting.
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
masseuse/masseur: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, November 21, 2013
masseuse/masseur
“Masseuse” is a strictly female term; Monsieur Philippe, who gives back rubs down at the men’s gym, is a “masseur.” Because of the unsavory associations that have gathered around the term “masseuse,” serious practitioners generally prefer to be called “massage therapists.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
“Masseuse” is a strictly female term; Monsieur Philippe, who gives back rubs down at the men’s gym, is a “masseur.” Because of the unsavory associations that have gathered around the term “masseuse,” serious practitioners generally prefer to be called “massage therapists.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
today’s day and age/this day and age: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, November 20, 2013
today’s day and age/this day and age
The traditional expression is “in this day and age,” meaning “right at this moment and during a considerable stretch of time around this moment.” “Today’s day” is redundant: “today” already has “day” in it.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
The traditional expression is “in this day and age,” meaning “right at this moment and during a considerable stretch of time around this moment.” “Today’s day” is redundant: “today” already has “day” in it.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
seam/seem: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, November 19, 2013
seam/seem
“Seem” is the verb, “seam” the noun. Use “seam” only for things like the line produced when two pieces of cloth are sewn together or a thread of coal in a geological formation.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
“Seem” is the verb, “seam” the noun. Use “seam” only for things like the line produced when two pieces of cloth are sewn together or a thread of coal in a geological formation.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Monday, November 18, 2013
celibate/chaste: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, November 18, 2013
celibate/chaste
Believe it or not, you can be celibate without being chaste, and chaste without being celibate. A celibate person is merely unmarried, usually (but not always) because of a vow of celibacy. The traditional assumption is that such a person is not having sex with anyone, which leads many to confuse the word with “chaste,” denoting someone who does not have illicit sex. A woman could have wild sex twice a day with her lawful husband and technically still be chaste, though the word is more often used to imply a general abstemiousness from sex and sexuality. You can always amuse your readers by misspelling the latter word as “chased.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Believe it or not, you can be celibate without being chaste, and chaste without being celibate. A celibate person is merely unmarried, usually (but not always) because of a vow of celibacy. The traditional assumption is that such a person is not having sex with anyone, which leads many to confuse the word with “chaste,” denoting someone who does not have illicit sex. A woman could have wild sex twice a day with her lawful husband and technically still be chaste, though the word is more often used to imply a general abstemiousness from sex and sexuality. You can always amuse your readers by misspelling the latter word as “chased.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
in another words/in other words: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, November 17, 2013
in another words/in other words
“In other words” is the correct expression.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
“In other words” is the correct expression.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
drier/dryer: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, November 16, 2013
drier/dryer
A clothes dryer makes the clothes drier.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
A clothes dryer makes the clothes drier.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Friday, November 15, 2013
backup/back up: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, November 15, 2013
backup/back up
To “back up” is an activity; “back up your computer regularly”; “back up the truck to the garden plot and unload the compost.”
A “backup” is a thing or describes a thing: “keep your backup copies in a safe place.” Other examples: a traffic backup, sewage backup, backup plan, backup forces.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
To “back up” is an activity; “back up your computer regularly”; “back up the truck to the garden plot and unload the compost.”
A “backup” is a thing or describes a thing: “keep your backup copies in a safe place.” Other examples: a traffic backup, sewage backup, backup plan, backup forces.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
could give a damn/couldn’t give a damn: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, November 14, 2013
could give a damn/couldn’t give a damn
If you don’t care at all about something, the standard popular expression is “I couldn’t give a damn.” People often say instead “I could give a damn,” which should logically mean they care. Note that we say “I don’t give a damn,” not “I give a damn” unless it’s set in some kind of negative context such as “do you really think I give a damn?” or “do I look like I give a damn?’
The same goes for parallel expressions where the last word is “darn” or some other expletive.
Just remember that in Gone with the Wind Clark Gable told Vivien Leigh, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you don’t care at all about something, the standard popular expression is “I couldn’t give a damn.” People often say instead “I could give a damn,” which should logically mean they care. Note that we say “I don’t give a damn,” not “I give a damn” unless it’s set in some kind of negative context such as “do you really think I give a damn?” or “do I look like I give a damn?’
The same goes for parallel expressions where the last word is “darn” or some other expletive.
Just remember that in Gone with the Wind Clark Gable told Vivien Leigh, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
quick claim/quitclaim: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, November 13, 2013
quick claim/quitclaim
The term for a legal document relinquishing a legal claim to some property is a “quitclaim deed.” It is not a “quick claim,” and “quitclaim” is a single word.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last).
The term for a legal document relinquishing a legal claim to some property is a “quitclaim deed.” It is not a “quick claim,” and “quitclaim” is a single word.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last).
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
crape/crepe: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, November 12, 2013
crape/crepe
In modern English “crape” refers to thin, crinkled paper or cloth. Black crape was traditionally associated with mourning. A crepe is a thin flat French pancake. Most Americans pronounce the two words the same, to rhyme with “ape.” If you want to spell it the French way, you’ll need to add a circumflex over the first E: crêpe, and pronounce it to rhyme with “step.” Even if you use the French form you’re likely to sound the final S in plural crêpes, though a real French speaker would leave it silent.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
In modern English “crape” refers to thin, crinkled paper or cloth. Black crape was traditionally associated with mourning. A crepe is a thin flat French pancake. Most Americans pronounce the two words the same, to rhyme with “ape.” If you want to spell it the French way, you’ll need to add a circumflex over the first E: crêpe, and pronounce it to rhyme with “step.” Even if you use the French form you’re likely to sound the final S in plural crêpes, though a real French speaker would leave it silent.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Monday, November 11, 2013
devote/devout: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, November 11, 2013
devote/devout
If you are devoted to a particular religion, you are devout, not devote. You may be a devout Christian, a devout Catholic, a devout Jew, a devout Buddhist, etc.
“Devote” (with no final D) is a verb, something you do rather than something you are. You may devote a lot of your time to working at a food bank, or building model airplanes, for instance.
If you are enthusiastically dedicated to an activity, a cause or person, you are devoted to it. You can be devoted to your gardening, to collecting money for Unicef, or to your pet. You can be a devoted father, husband, or a devoted runner or knitter. You can be a devoted fan of the Seattle Storm. If you have a lot of fans, you may have a devoted following. The devotion involved need not be religious.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last). SOLD OUT!
If you are devoted to a particular religion, you are devout, not devote. You may be a devout Christian, a devout Catholic, a devout Jew, a devout Buddhist, etc.
“Devote” (with no final D) is a verb, something you do rather than something you are. You may devote a lot of your time to working at a food bank, or building model airplanes, for instance.
If you are enthusiastically dedicated to an activity, a cause or person, you are devoted to it. You can be devoted to your gardening, to collecting money for Unicef, or to your pet. You can be a devoted father, husband, or a devoted runner or knitter. You can be a devoted fan of the Seattle Storm. If you have a lot of fans, you may have a devoted following. The devotion involved need not be religious.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
harbringer/harbinger: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, November 10, 2013
harbringer/harbinger
The correct spelling is “harbinger.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last). SOLD OUT!
The correct spelling is “harbinger.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
suped up/souped up: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, November 9, 2013
suped up/souped up
The car you’ve souped up may be super, but it’s not “suped up.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last). SOLD OUT!
The car you’ve souped up may be super, but it’s not “suped up.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Friday, November 8, 2013
wait on/wait for: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, November 8, 2013
wait on/wait for
In some dialects it’s common to say that you’re waiting on people or events when in standard English we would say you’re waiting for them. Waiters wait on people, so it’s all right to say “I’m tired of waiting on you hand and foot”; but you shouldn’t say “I’m waiting on you down here at the police station; bring the bail money so I can come home.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last). SOLD OUT!
In some dialects it’s common to say that you’re waiting on people or events when in standard English we would say you’re waiting for them. Waiters wait on people, so it’s all right to say “I’m tired of waiting on you hand and foot”; but you shouldn’t say “I’m waiting on you down here at the police station; bring the bail money so I can come home.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
ugly American: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, November 7, 2013
ugly American
The term “ugly American”—used to describe boorish people from the US insensitive to those in other countries—bothers fans of the 1958 novel The Ugly American, whose title character was actually sensitive and thoughtful—he just looked ugly. The popularizers of this phrase hadn’t read the book, and judged its message too quickly by its title.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last). SOLD OUT!
The term “ugly American”—used to describe boorish people from the US insensitive to those in other countries—bothers fans of the 1958 novel The Ugly American, whose title character was actually sensitive and thoughtful—he just looked ugly. The popularizers of this phrase hadn’t read the book, and judged its message too quickly by its title.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
sister-in-laws/sisters-in-law: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, November 6, 2013
sister-in-laws/sisters-in-law
Your spouse’s female siblings are not your sister-in-laws, but your sisters-in-law. The same pattern applies to brothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, and mothers-in-law.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last). SOLD OUT!
Your spouse’s female siblings are not your sister-in-laws, but your sisters-in-law. The same pattern applies to brothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, and mothers-in-law.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
past time/pastime: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, November 5, 2013
past time/pastime
An agreeable activity like knitting with which you pass the time is your pastime. Spell it as one word, with one S and one T.
__________________
Read about Paul Brians' holiday pastime of truffle-making on the Common Errors blog.
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
An agreeable activity like knitting with which you pass the time is your pastime. Spell it as one word, with one S and one T.
__________________
Read about Paul Brians' holiday pastime of truffle-making on the Common Errors blog.
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US. Single-copy shoppers can still use the coupon code and get the new edition for $15.
Monday, November 4, 2013
feelings for/feelings about: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, November 4, 2013
feelings for/feelings about
When someone says “I’m developing feelings for you,” the message is “I’m falling in love with you.” Feelings for are always positive feelings. In contrast, feelings about something or someone can be either positive or negative: “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US.
When someone says “I’m developing feelings for you,” the message is “I’m falling in love with you.” Feelings for are always positive feelings. In contrast, feelings about something or someone can be either positive or negative: “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
not hardly/not at all: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, November 3, 2013
not hardly/not at all
“Not hardly” is slang, fine when you want to be casual—but in a formal document? Not hardly!
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US.
“Not hardly” is slang, fine when you want to be casual—but in a formal document? Not hardly!
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
span/spun: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, November 2, 2013
span/spun
Don’t say “the demon span her head around.” The past tense of “spin” in this sense is spun.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US.
Don’t say “the demon span her head around.” The past tense of “spin” in this sense is spun.
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US.
Friday, November 1, 2013
all the farther/as far as: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, November 1, 2013
all the farther/as far as
In some American dialects it is not uncommon to hear sentences such as “Abilene is all the farther the rustlers got before the posse caught up with them.” The strangely constructed expression “all the farther” should be replaced with the much more straightforward “as far as.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US.
In some American dialects it is not uncommon to hear sentences such as “Abilene is all the farther the rustlers got before the posse caught up with them.” The strangely constructed expression “all the farther” should be replaced with the much more straightforward “as far as.”
__________________
The new edition of Common Errors in English Usage is now shipping, and it makes a great gift. When you order 5–9 copies and use the coupon code FIFTEEN, you pay only $13.48 each. Order 10 or more for just $12.15 each. All with free shipping in the US.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)