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Pronouncing ‘schedule’
WHY is the word ‘schedule’ pronounced differently by the British from how Americans pronounce it? The British pronunciation /ˈʃɛdjuːl/ (“sheddjual”) is based on the Old French cedule (modern French cédule). The word schedule has been pronounced this way since Late Middle English (ca. 1430s). The American pronunciation /ˈskɛdjuːl/ (“skedjoo-ul”) is based on the Greek σχέδη […]
How to rewrite
November 14, 2017
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Good, simple advice for doing rewriting, an instinctive thing that almost defies explanation.
Ideal lengths for brand names and text
September 5, 2017
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The shorter the better when you're using words or inventing a name.
Same words but opposites
August 1, 2017
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Some expressions are the same but in different ways.
What is a normative question?
July 25, 2017
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A normative question in many cases is scarcely a normal question.
Due to vs. owing to
July 18, 2017
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A quick guide to these two phrases because of many people using them back to front.
Hanged on a comma
July 11, 2017
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Ultimately, it's what the government decides what technicality we get hanged for, regardless of our commas.
To do well in English, don’t bother with Latin
June 27, 2017
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Don't kid yourself. Latin isn't English. Not by a long stretch.
Is ‘news’ an acronym?
June 20, 2017
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This shouldn't be news to anyone that the word 'news' could ever be an acronym.
The longest known English word
June 13, 2017
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The longest known English word will surprise you because it's uncharacteristically shorter than many thought.
Lacka-lacka-lack: Lack of vs. lack in
November 22, 2016
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We lay down the score on the difference between 'lack of' and 'lack in.'
Time of the day
November 17, 2016
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Stop being ambiguous and call your time of the day a spade.
Didn’t do, or didn’t didn’t do?
August 6, 2015
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By the laws of the planets and logic, "didn't do nothing" means "did something." Only if you're language course is called "maths."
Origin of the name ‘grammar nazi’
May 10, 2015
Everything you almost wanted to know about the name 'grammar nazi,' when my grammar is gooder than yours.
Why the stars in ‘bad’ words?
October 21, 2014
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Isn't it a bit hypocritical to use 'stars' to hide some letters in a foul word, when we all know what the word is anyway?
The height of control
May 23, 2014
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Are there any grammatically sound sentences in English where every word starts with the same letter?
Missing the point … again
December 14, 2013
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Learn to be easily blindsided by recourse to hidebound rules. Some lack of rules are meant for profit-taking, my friends.
Pad, but think of your audience too
August 28, 2013
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Padding is necessary sometimes, but bear in mind WHY your readers are reading your stuff. (Some adult language in post.)
Nothing but a quimming linguanophile
July 3, 2013
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The newest entry in our Glossary is 'linguist,' we'll have you believe...
October 16, 2018
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