This is the write-up on a movie DVD. “In this pensive drama, a sequence of ostensibly random but life-altering incidents conspire to link a half-dozen Los Angeles denizens from disparate economic and social classes, leading to epiphanies about responsibilities and relationships.” What’s wrong with this picture? This overloaded sentence violates some of the most important […]
Fun with English
I love words and enjoy playing with them. I came across this game many years ago. It’s a great way to test your word creativity. The goal is to see different combinations in words. And, even more challenging, to connect the “new words” with the meaning of the first words. For example, if you rearrange the letters in […]
Writing Tips: Save the Apostrophe!
I just saw a magazine refer to its “reader’s” and “advertiser’s.” Obviously the editor (who should know better) does not understand the apostrophe at all. The episode reminded me of this article I wrote several years ago about the apostrophe. I hope you find it helpful. Help! Call me old-fashioned, but I believe spelling, grammar and punctuation are […]
Seven Secrets of Highly Effective Publicity Pros (Part 2)
In my previous post, I outlined the first two secrets of highly effective publicity pros: understanding how the media works and doing your homework. Here are three more secrets. Secret #3: Develop good stories. Publicity is the art of ethical storytelling. One of the trickiest parts of the media’s job is to come up with […]
Gobbledygook, Gibberish & Jargon Awards
Just launched the second Online Gobbledygook, Gibberish and Jargon Awards (www.GobbledygookAwards.com). I encourage you to submit entries. The awards highlight the “best-of-the-worst” gobbledygook on the Web, specifically techno-babble, legalese, bureaucratese and other meaningless terms, vague generalities, and wordy, nonsensical writing. You can submit entries at www.GobbledygookAwards.com/EntryForm.html. All types of writing are eligible, including websites, articles, […]
The “Right” Word: “Lie” and “Lay”
I recently saw “lie” and “lay” used incorrectly Unfortunately, it is definitely understandable. “Lie” and “lay” may be the two most confusing words in English. The verb “lie” means to be at rest, especially in a horizontal position. (“I’m going to lie down for a nap.”). The verb “lie” also means to be in some condition. (“The fault lies […]
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