This post outlines the basic principles of the verb, the workhorse of language. A verb describes an action (talk), an occurrence (become), or a state of being (live). Verbs are complicated by their many variable states, based on inflection depending on functions. For example, an action might, depending on the number of talkers, be described … Read more
The characteristics of canids have long been applied to characterize humans, as this discussion of words and expressions based on the names of various canine species demonstrates. 1. Coyote A slang term for a person who guides illegal immigrants into the United States (usually from Mexico), rather than a term based on behavior, coyote nevertheless … Read more
If your parents brought you up vigilantly, chances are that you were admonished to use your words carefully. As far as writing is concerned, that instruction is one of the most valuable lessons you learned. Consider the power of connotation, the sense of a word apart from its denotation, or literal meaning. Unless you have … Read more