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Tag Archives: notes
Language tip 16 (2014-15)
Using expressions from other languages is risky and fine and replete with an “I don’t know what.” A well-placed French or Latin or Slovenian expression can contribute to the impression of a well-educated writer. However, there are other dangers. First, … Continue reading
Language Tip 15 (2014-15)
Patterns with consider… The verb “consider” is normally transitive, but the usage depends on the meaning: 1) “He considers me stupid” means “He thinks that I am stupid.” 2) “Please consider me as a partner” means “Please think about making … Continue reading
Language Tip 14 (2014-15)
The best of … construction: It’s perfectly ok to say “under the best circumstances” or “under the best conditions,” but this is not the best possible way of expressing this idea. In these particular cases, you can up the level … Continue reading
Language Tip 13 (2014-15)
Media as a plural noun – Originally, the Latin singular used in English is “medium,” and the plural is “media.” Nowadays common usage prefers “media” as a singular noun, although it is still recommended to use it as a plural … Continue reading
Language Tip 12 (2014-15)
Holidays are a linguistic pain. This is because so much time passes between Good Fridays and All Hallows’ Eves and Victoria Days for you to forget what you said and spelled last time. The Chicago Manual or Style says, “The … Continue reading
Language Tip 11 (2014-15)
Do not start sentences with “This + verb” (e.g. “This is a massive generalization…” “This sounds glib…”; “This runs counter to…”; “This is troublesome…”). This tip is a massive generalization. This advice sounds glib, but it’s an easy way to … Continue reading
Language Tip 10 (2014-15)
“bare” vs. “bear” Both of these words have several meanings, but “bear” is the one that means “to carry”; “bare” is normally used when referring to someone or something devoid of clothes, plants, etc. A few examples: Mussorgsky’s “Night on … Continue reading
Language Tip 9 (2014-15)
One of us was taught in high school that “like” should not precede an example: “I saw many fruits like oranges and apples and pears” supposedly meant “I saw many fruits THAT HAD A DISTINCT RESEMBLANCE TO oranges and apples … Continue reading
Language Tip 8 (2014-15)
Who vs. that Some people claim that relative clauses which relate to persons should only be introduced by “who” and never by “that,” although the latter option is in fact very common. According to this logic, the following is WRONG: … Continue reading
Language Tip 7 (2014-15)
Quoting. Quoting is not a get-out-syntax-free card. When you integrate quoted words into your sentence, your “combined” sentence has to be grammatical. This is nonsense: In “Strange Fits of Passion Have I Known” Wordsworth uses the symbol of the moon … Continue reading