Jacqueline writes: I have a question about a …particular phrase, which can be read in two different ways…:”I am afraid I am unable to meet your requirements.” According to Jacqueline, the statement was interpreted by its recipient to mean the that the writer was taking the polite way to say they wanted to get out … Read more
Ralph Mielcarek writes: Please explain: Is the phrase CONTINUE ON — giving advice or instruction, considered redundant, or will CONTINUE suffice? The phrase “continue on” generally triggers a blackboard moment for me. I accept the use of the “on” in a statement such as Talks continue on the topic of global warming but I see … Read more
“I before E except after C…” “Eliminate passive voice…” “Start in the middle of the story…” There are hundreds of writing mantras we’ve all heard, and they always come back to haunt us as we pull out that ugly first draft and our trusty red pen to begin the editing process. So, like we’ve done … Read more
Katie Williams writes: I would like to see a post about capitalization, such as when is it proper to capitalize people’s titles, and when would you capitalize the name of a group (i.e. Board of Directors) – is “Board” always capitalized when you are referring to the group? A person’s title is capitalized when it precedes … Read more