next store/next door
You can adore the boy next door, but not “next store.”
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
just assume/just as soon: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Saturday, April 6, 2013
just assume/just as soon
People sometimes write, “I’d just assume stay home and watch TV.” The expression is “just as soon.”
People sometimes write, “I’d just assume stay home and watch TV.” The expression is “just as soon.”
Friday, April 5, 2013
yea/yeah/yay: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Friday, April 5, 2013
yea/yeah/yay
“Yea” is a very old-fashioned, formal way of saying “yes,” used mainly in voting. It’s the opposite of—and rhymes with—“nay.” When you want to write the common casual version of “yes,” the correct spelling is “yeah” (sounds like “yeh”). When the third grade teacher announced a class trip to the zoo, we all yelled “yay!” (the opposite of “boo!”). That was back when I was only yay big.
“Yea” is a very old-fashioned, formal way of saying “yes,” used mainly in voting. It’s the opposite of—and rhymes with—“nay.” When you want to write the common casual version of “yes,” the correct spelling is “yeah” (sounds like “yeh”). When the third grade teacher announced a class trip to the zoo, we all yelled “yay!” (the opposite of “boo!”). That was back when I was only yay big.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
supposably, supposingly, supposively/supposedly: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Thursday, April 4, 2013
supposably, supposingly, supposively/supposedly
“Supposedly” is the standard form. “Supposably” can be used only when the meaning is “capable of being supposed,” and then only in the US. You won’t get into trouble if you stick with “supposedly.”
“Supposedly” is the standard form. “Supposably” can be used only when the meaning is “capable of being supposed,” and then only in the US. You won’t get into trouble if you stick with “supposedly.”
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
cut of tea/cup of tea: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, April 3, 2013
cut of tea/cup of tea
An astounding number of people write “cut of tea” when they mean “cup of tea,” especially in phrases like “not my cut of tea” instead of “not my cup of tea.” This saying is not about fine distinctions between different ways the tea’s been harvested; it just refers to the ordinary vessel from which you drink the stuff.
Is this mistake influenced by the expression “the cut of his jib” or is it just a goofy typo?
An astounding number of people write “cut of tea” when they mean “cup of tea,” especially in phrases like “not my cut of tea” instead of “not my cup of tea.” This saying is not about fine distinctions between different ways the tea’s been harvested; it just refers to the ordinary vessel from which you drink the stuff.
Is this mistake influenced by the expression “the cut of his jib” or is it just a goofy typo?
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
extend/extent: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Tuesday, April 2, 2013
extend/extent
People often write “to a great extend” or “to a lesser extend.” “Extend” is a verb only, and should not be used as a noun. It’s “to a great extent,” and “to a lesser extent.”
People often write “to a great extend” or “to a lesser extend.” “Extend” is a verb only, and should not be used as a noun. It’s “to a great extent,” and “to a lesser extent.”
Monday, April 1, 2013
allusion/illusion: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Monday, April 1, 2013
allusion/illusion
An allusion is a reference, something you allude to: “Her allusion to flowers reminded me that Valentine’s Day was coming.” In that English paper, don’t write “literary illusions” when you mean “allusions.” A mirage, hallucination, or magic trick is an illusion. (Doesn’t being fooled just make you ill?)
An allusion is a reference, something you allude to: “Her allusion to flowers reminded me that Valentine’s Day was coming.” In that English paper, don’t write “literary illusions” when you mean “allusions.” A mirage, hallucination, or magic trick is an illusion. (Doesn’t being fooled just make you ill?)
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