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Post by Chicago Jake on Apr 23, 2007 23:57:46 GMT -6
A solecism is defined as a badly worded, nonstandard, or ungrammatical expression that may range from the absurd to the vulgar. I recently saw a link to a whole shitload of them. Some of them seem kind of picky, and almost sound like they should have become accepted usage by now. Not because I believe that continued misuse makes the incorrect correct; just because I often make these same mistakes! Anyway, here are a few excerpts: Acronym: this is a word, like radar or NATO, not a set of initials, like the BBC or the IMF. Aggression is an unattractive quality, so do not call a keen salesman an aggressive one (unless his foot is in the door or beyond). Aggravate means make worse, not irritate or annoy. Alternative: strictly, this is one of two, not one of three, four, five or more (which may be options). Anticipate does not mean expect. Jack and Jill expected to marry; if they anticipated marriage, only Jill might find herself expectant. And those are just a few of the "A" entries! It is a long list.....Jake www.economist.com/research/styleGuide/index.cfm?page=673903
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