LCD display/LCD
“LCD” stands for “liquid crystal display,” so some argue it is redundant to write “LCD display” and argue you should use just “LCD” or “LCD screen” instead. But some in the industry argue that “LCD display” is the generic term for the category which comprises both LCD screens and LCD projectors. However, if you want to avoid the redundancy in wording you can still refer more precisely to your laptop or TV as having an LCD screen.
Many people confuse this abbreviation with “LED,” which stands for “light-emitting diode”—a much earlier technology. You will often see explanations even in technical contexts in which “LCD” is incorrectly defined as “liquid crystal diode.”
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
do respect/due respect: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, January 30, 2013
do respect/due respect
When you preface your critical comments by telling people “with all due respect” you are claiming to give them the respect they are due—that which is owed them. Many folks misunderstand this phrase and misspell it “all do respect” or even “all-do respect.” You shouldn’t use this expression unless you really do intend to be as polite as possible; all too often it’s used merely to preface a deliberate insult.
When you preface your critical comments by telling people “with all due respect” you are claiming to give them the respect they are due—that which is owed them. Many folks misunderstand this phrase and misspell it “all do respect” or even “all-do respect.” You shouldn’t use this expression unless you really do intend to be as polite as possible; all too often it’s used merely to preface a deliberate insult.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
shimmy/shinny: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, January 29, 2013
shimmy/shinny
You shinny—or shin (climb)—up a tree or pole; but on the dance floor or in a vibrating vehicle you shimmy (shake).
You shinny—or shin (climb)—up a tree or pole; but on the dance floor or in a vibrating vehicle you shimmy (shake).
Monday, January 28, 2013
preemptory/peremptory: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, January 28, 2013
preemptory/peremptory
“Peremptory” (meaning “imperative”) is often misspelled and mispronounced “preemptory” through confusion caused by the influence of the verb “preempt,” whose adjectival form is actually “preemptive.”
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Brilliant elucidation! Read Paul Brians' latest blog post here.
“Peremptory” (meaning “imperative”) is often misspelled and mispronounced “preemptory” through confusion caused by the influence of the verb “preempt,” whose adjectival form is actually “preemptive.”
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Brilliant elucidation! Read Paul Brians' latest blog post here.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
that/than: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, January 27, 2013
that/than
People surprisingly often write “that” when they mean “than” in various standard phrases. Examples: “harder that I thought,” “better safe that sorry,” and “closer that they appear.” In all these cases, “that” should be “than.”
People surprisingly often write “that” when they mean “than” in various standard phrases. Examples: “harder that I thought,” “better safe that sorry,” and “closer that they appear.” In all these cases, “that” should be “than.”
Saturday, January 26, 2013
suffer with/suffer from: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, January 26, 2013
suffer with/suffer from
Although technical medical usage sometimes differs, in normal speech we say that a person suffers from a disease rather than suffering with it.
Although technical medical usage sometimes differs, in normal speech we say that a person suffers from a disease rather than suffering with it.
Friday, January 25, 2013
naval/navel: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, January 25, 2013
naval/navel
Your bellybutton is your navel, and navel oranges look like they have one; all terms having to do with ships and sailing require “naval.”
Your bellybutton is your navel, and navel oranges look like they have one; all terms having to do with ships and sailing require “naval.”
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