In a recent email reader Phil Dragonetti raises the specter of “could/couldn’t care less. Why do some say “I could care less”;—when they really mean “I couldn’t care less.”? We’ve already dealt with that shibboleth at DWT. I still have the bruises to show for voicing the opinion that as far as I’m concerned, either … Read more
Winston writes: On my job, part of my responsibility is doing transcription. Often I attend scientific meetings and have to [take notes]. The notes/minutes are written as indirect quotes. Can you please give some guidance on taking meeting notes and minutes? The purpose of taking minutes at a meeting is to create a record that … Read more
Two readers wonder about the practice of using nouns as if they were verbs. Nanerl wonders if journaled is acceptable. Marilyn writes: My colleagues, at a reputable academic institution, all use the word “action” as a verb, such as: “we must action these items” and “before these items can be actioned.” This drives me crazy … Read more
A reader writes I know you have written on this issue before, but I see the problem has arisen even in your latest message. You say “For those of you who, like me, hadn’t heard of SI symbols, you’ll find a list here.”  “Like me???” My husband and I have been arguing over the use … Read more
Susan wrote: I was always taught to double-space at the end of a sentence. Â I recently began working in a law office where I was surprised to find that many of the attorneys . . . do not follow this practice, even when drafting formal contracts and documents. Â Is double-spacing at the end of a … Read more
An English teacher from the Philippines wants to know the difference between errands and chores. The word errand is most commonly used in the sense of a short journey taken to perform some necessary duty. Some examples of errands are: taking or fetching clothes from the cleaners; taking mail to the post office; filling the … Read more
LJ wrote: Can you tell me which is correct: coming down the pipe or coming down the pike? I have heard it both ways. The original expression is coming down the pike, but it may be going the way of our friend free rein. The word pike in this expression is a shortening of turnpike. … Read more
This reader wants to know why we write 1980s and not 1980’s. I understood that making text entities with non-letter characters into a plural form, you separate the s from the term with an apostrophe – 1900’s, Jones’, Smith’s, or Bang!’s. Â So, why no apostrophe with 1980s? A lot of writers share this reader’s understanding … Read more
Back when I taught junior high school English I used to tell my students that they were allowed to use the word “ain’t” in their speaking and writing. When they recovered their composure I went on to explain that they could use it in only one context. They could not say or write I ain’t … Read more
In the old days writers could send out their queries and fantasize for weeks about acceptance before getting that crumpled little self-addressed envelope with its bad news back in the mail. Nowadays, thanks to email, we can be zapped with rejection in a matter of minutes! Nevertheless, email queries are a boon to writer and … Read more
A few months ago I came across a reference to something Bill Gates did at a technology conference. He released a swarm of mosquitoes and let the audience believe for a few moments that they were malaria carriers. A commentator at the Yahoo Buzz site mentioned the incident and ended the entry with these words: … Read more
I often receive emails from readers who profess to see no reason to worry about standard forms of spelling or usage. I say “profess” because if they are reading DWT posts, they must care a little. Here’s a recent comment: does it really matter b/c everyone has their own way of speaking, writing, and thinking … Read more