Comments on: The Chief Justice’s Prepositional Slip

By: PreciseEdit

PreciseEdit — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:12:41 +0000

I’ve said it before (and will probably say it again): Ain’t words great? Just one little change in word choice can make a major difference in meaning.

Definately a blunder. On the other hand, many of our clients who speak English as a second language have difficulty with pronouns. We see “of” and “to” mistakes almost as frequently as “on” and “in” mistakes.

By: Cassie Tuttle

Cassie Tuttle — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:22:27 +0000

Yes, Charlie. It was a very nervous and exciting moment for a many people — especially Obama and Roberts (lots of firsts were taking place on that inaugural stand).

And yes, Carolyn. Sometimes a mistake is just a mistake. Let’s remember that the speaking errors these esteemed gentlemen made were not only televised nationally; the whole world was watching!

We all make mistakes: speakers, readers, and writers.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:01:56 +0000

The other side of this coin of speculation: the mistake was simply a mistake. All humans make them. None of us get to choose when our mistakes occur or I’m sure we all would have saved ourselves some embarrassing moments that weren’t even on national television.

By: Sherry Beth Connot

Sherry Beth Connot — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:56:50 +0000

I thought it was a teachable moment!

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:29:02 +0000

Notice that LBJ, being sworn in while still in shock, said “I do solemnly swear” without inserting his name after the “I.”

Technically, the Constitution does not include the ’state-your-name’ part. The relevant paragraph says, “Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:– ‘I do solemnly swear [...]‘”.