Tag Archives: usage

Why "correctness" matters

Native speakers of English – or any other language – seem to know how to use their own language, and what is correct in language use, even without formal study of the rules of grammar. People just seem to know … Continue reading

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Prepare to wince

In his recent article “Whose English?” in the Financial Times, Michael Skapinker describes the growing popularity of English in the non-English speaking world. For example, one South Korean politician is promising that if elected he will greatly increase the availability … Continue reading

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Invented English: "smokefree"

In order to create publicity material to accompany the implementation of a law making it illegal to smoke in enclosed places, the UK Department of Health (DoH) have invented a new word: “smokefree”. In fact they have an entire campaign … Continue reading

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