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Sometimes You Need to Be a 'Passivist' Nov. 30, 2022
The passive voice has been getting a bum rap lately. Writing teachers tell would-be Hemingways to pu... Read More
Origin of 'Burner Phone' Is One Hot Topic Apr. 06, 2022
The Jan. 6 Congressional Committee is currently investigating a burning issue: Did former President ... Read More
Let's Sit Down for a Spell Mar. 30, 2022
"One false spelling may fix a stigma upon a man for life," wrote the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield in ... Read More
'Take' This Rule to Heart Mar. 09, 2022
Q: Please explain the difference between "bring" and "take." — Paul Johnson, Minneapolis A: In... Read More
'Round-Robin' Is Based on Circular Reasoning Mar. 02, 2022
Why is a tournament in which every contestant plays every other in succession called a "round-robin"... Read More
Two-Faced Words Prompt Double Takes Feb. 09, 2022
"Flores Drops Bombshell Lawsuit" "Gov. Newsom Pitches Plan To Reopen Public Schools" "Red Tape Holds... Read More
Have Tour Guides 'Taut' Us a Big Lie? Jan. 26, 2022
Insidious invaders have infested the homestead museums and historic houses across our great land. No... Read More
Origin of 'Dumbbell' Rings True Jan. 19, 2022
Q: Why are hand weights called "dumbbells"? — J. H., West Hartford, Connecticut A: It's hard t... Read More
Prep Perps, Potboilers Make Me Want To 'Flea' Dec. 15, 2021
Today, some random dispatches from the Word Front ... — Prep School — A while back, I sc... Read More
Taking a Stand on 'Podium' Dec. 04, 2013
Q: I've noticed many writers and reporters are using the term "podium" when they mean &quo... Read More
