If you are writing in Word, change your language from US English to Australian English. (Select the whole document, and – in my version of Word – go to Tools then Language.) You will avoid spelling errors such as trialing, fetal, behavior, fulfillment, center, canceling and theater, not to mention all those zzzzzs. Don't [...]
When I was young and still impressionable, my father often quoted Fowler’s Modern English Usage (1965 edition) to me verbatim. His favourite section tickled his sense of humour and concerned split infinitives. It began as follows: “The English-speaking world may be divided into (1) those who neither know nor care what a split infinitive is; [...]
Here are the five most common word mix-ups I’ve found while proofreading over the past month. 1. Sort and sought … especially with the phrase ‘sought-after’. Correct usage: I’ll sort out the details tomorrow. (That one’s easy, yep?) This house is in a sought-after location. 2. Bought and brought Is this confusion unique to [...]
Here we step back and provide some reminders for writing clear business English. They apply whether you are writing a report, a newsletter or a story for your website. 1. Plan what you want to say Dot points or headings are great for planning, getting content in the best order, and subsequently checking you’ve covered everything. [...]
The apostrophe can be troublesome, no doubt about it. While there are many occasions when it should be used (judiciously, in the right spot...) let's start with three of its former uses that no longer apply. Contrary to many grocers’ blackboards advertising tomato’s or potato’s, the apostrophe does not have a place in forming plurals. [...]
It delighted me to see the introduction of DIY checkouts recently at my local supermarket, but perhaps not for the usual reasons you'd expect. Yes, it's quicker to get through the checkout now, and no, I don't have to chat to the checkout chick or rooster if I don't feel inclined (which I enjoyed anyway). [...]
