A blog on the idiosyncrasies of today’s fast-moving, social-media-driven language managed by public relations writer Joseph Priest. l write “e-mail” with a hyphen, detest the word “issue,” and abbreviate “microphone” as “mike.” Got a language question? Bring it on.
Recent Posts
AC or A/C?
A simple abbreviation, or is it?
July 4, July 4th, July Fourth or Fourth of July?
Just how do you write America’s birthday?
Barbecue, Barbeque or BBQ?
This is a mouth-watering spelling conundrum.
Pronunciation Poise: Aunt
With all the aunts out there, you would think we would have arrived at a standard pronunciation for this word by now.
St. Patty’s Day or St. Paddy’s Day?
This spelling has had many a leprechaun laughing.
Presidents Day, Presidents’ Day or Washington’s Birthday?
Since this day involves such an important figure, it’s one holiday you’ll want to spell right.
Pronunciation Poise: February
Saying the date has never been any harder.
Definition Detail: Peruse
Be careful how you use this word.
Single Quotation Marks vs. Double Quotation Marks
In American English, single quotation marks are properly used in just two instances.