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Author Archives: Norm Friedman
Yada, Yada
Although these posts are mainly geared to writing in the workplace, let’s look at common speech for three symptoms of failures to communicate concisely: 1. Blah, blah, blah. When we are telling a story or explaining something and we insert … Continue reading
Posted in Brevity, Flair & Finesse
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“Opposites Attract”
On occasion we get lured into saying the opposite of what we mean. I was reminded of this a few days ago when I read the following sentence in an article extolling the many strengths of the hit TV show … Continue reading
Posted in Commonly Confused Words
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The Semicolon’s Dual Identity
Having covered the colon the past two weeks, we can now progress to its poorly understood cousin*: the semicolon. And continuing a familial theme, does it seem that if a period and comma had a kid, it would look like … Continue reading
Keys to Success II
Last week we looked at a few virtues of the colon: its ability to lend clarity or emphasis to a sentence and, on occasion, act as a substitute for the unexciting verb “to be.” Today we’ll round out our look … Continue reading
Keys to Success
Our computer keyboard isn’t the same as that of an old typewriter, but one constant is the seldom-used colon/semicolon key. Do you use it with confidence? Do you use it at all? Because Rodney Dangerfield probably would have said the … Continue reading
Togetherness
In recognition of the lack of cohesion in our country right now – and in recognition of Black History Month – the above photo seemed apt. Now, on to business. How would you refine the following sentence? Our Department and … Continue reading
Dictionary Dabbling
The Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year for 2016 was post-truth: “denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” Meanwhile, Merriam Webster led off its top 10 for 2016 with … Continue reading
Posted in Commonly Confused Words
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Trust Me
Is this correct? I shouldn’t have believed Pam’s story, but I guess I’m too trustworthy. How about this? When Pete explained why he arrived late, I was suspect. What? You think they’re both wrong? You don’t trust me? Okay. You … Continue reading
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Fine Points II
Pick the preferred word in each case. 1. I have (continually/continuously) been improving my wardrobe. 2. At the meeting we solved one problem but then could get no (farther/further). 3. Bruce was (champing/chomping) at the bit to refute what Kirk … Continue reading
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Making Headlines
A major online news source committed two errors in one headline. Do you see them? John Avlon Discusses George Washington’s Farewell Speech and it’s Relevance Today Both mistakes are in it’s. One is the apostrophe. Although we were taught the … Continue reading