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Ask An Editor: Kitty, Catty, Cater?
Kitty-corner/catty-corner. I know it’s regional. But a story I edited a few nights ago had cater-corner. Which is best? First, a disclaimer: I am neither a linguist nor a lexicographer—I’m just an editor who likes to understand where words come from and how best to use them. The short answer about kitty-cornered, cater-cornered, and catty-cornered…
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Grammar Day 2015
On March 4, word nerds, grammar gurus, and language artists collectively brandish their red pens to celebrate National Grammar Day. But I get a little nervous when self-described sticklers and grammar police make finding typos and rule breakers their singular cause—the goal almost always seems to embarrass, not aid. And yet, I’ve cheered grammatical goofs.…
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Happy Holidays!
Regardless of what you do or do not celebrate, be well. Don't forget that discounted NaNoWriMo packages expire on December 31.
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Breaking the Rules
Have you ever encountered a work rule so ridiculous, arbitrary, and inflexible that you want to shoot yourself or someone else into the sun at the earliest opportunity? Me too. But before you start crafting your solar cannons, put down your spanners and reassess: what’s the genesis of the offending rule? In some circumstances, hard…
