I used to have a manager who, when reviewing things I’d written would say “so what does this actually mean?” When I’d tell him, he’d say “great, write that instead!” Worked every time
What a joy to read! My present day anguish in the world of words commonly misused is exchanging who for that - how has it come about? I read things like - the man that wanted to buy the house... instead of the man who etc. They are not interchangeable. No one would say - that do you think you are? or - who's my car. It's rampant, and I'm sure Mr. Khan would have raised it.
Good point! But language just changes whether we like it or not. The excellent podcast Lexicon Valley helped me come to terms with this, it’s really fascinating
Point 9 is wonderful!
I used to have a manager who, when reviewing things I’d written would say “so what does this actually mean?” When I’d tell him, he’d say “great, write that instead!” Worked every time
I’m afraid I use hopefully too often
This is perfect. I wish I had written it.
What a joy to read! My present day anguish in the world of words commonly misused is exchanging who for that - how has it come about? I read things like - the man that wanted to buy the house... instead of the man who etc. They are not interchangeable. No one would say - that do you think you are? or - who's my car. It's rampant, and I'm sure Mr. Khan would have raised it.
Good point! But language just changes whether we like it or not. The excellent podcast Lexicon Valley helped me come to terms with this, it’s really fascinating
Ahhh best thing I’ve read all week! A fantastic reminder to get to the damn point and do so with clarity. And for me, an emoji never hurts. 😄
Point 7.
I will never view "hopefully" the same.
"(And then decide, on the basis of their reactions, whether you still want them as friends.)"
This line got me. This entire memorandum is pure gold. I'll have to second that Singapore newspaper's call for a Nobel Prize.
Guilty on the overuse of hopefully, although I am hopeful that I'll be able to limit its use. 😉
I wish the English government would read and take note. Still, they have their own style guide, and ignore that. <Sigh>
Guilty as charged! Hopefully, I will stop overusing certain adverbs. Thank you.