grammar

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More "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks

I've blogged about the good old Gallery of "Misused" Quotation Marks before, but sadly, the gallery is pretty much defunct -- no new entries in years. But, thank you Internet, there's a very frequently-updated site to take its place: The "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks. Here are a few favorites: The "milk" is in the refrigerator.The "best" first guitar that money can buy.Pizza since "1956""Do not lean on "old" glass" (yes, that's quotes-within-quotes: brilliant!)Thanks for "coming to a... READ ON

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Snowclones

In researching (ahem, yeah, I call my surfing research) an entry on Image Macros, I came across a category of phrases that use the format: "I'm in Your X, Y'ing Your Z." It turns out that such formatted phrases have a name, snowclones, and a rich history. Here's how Wikipedia describes snowclones: A snowclone or catch structure is a type of formula-based clichÃ© which uses an old idiom in a new context. It was originally defined as "a multi-use, customizable, instantly recognizable, time-worn,... READ ON

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The Gallery of "Misused" Quotation Marks

David recently posted a sign showing misused quotation marks, which reminded me of one of my favorite sites: The Gallery Of "Misused" Quotation Marks! They feature "Current" Exhibits and a Permanent "Collection", each of which is filled with awesomely "misused" quotation marks. Some samples: Sign outside a restaurant in Fort Myers, Florida: The "Fish" Monger A brochure for an Estee Lauder self tanning product claims that: in about an hour, your skin will turn a natural, healthy looking "tan." Sign... READ ON

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Image Macros: Intro to LOL Cats

I've long been interested in Image Macros, which are best described as web based images with text superimposed on them. Okay, that's a poor description. Here's an... READ ON

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Great "Stuff"

Nothing I like better than misused quotes in signs. And I was just turned on to a tremendous Flickr group dedicated to this very topic. Take a "look." Credit to Arzaga for the photo above, and to Phil from spamosphere ("the latest in junk mail trends") for the... READ ON

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Hopefully, I can get a ruling.

There are two kinds of people. Those who don't take issue with this post's title, and those now compelled to send me hate mail. Five years ago, I had no idea the second camp existed. Setting out on a quest for grammar excellence, I had picked up a book called Woe Is I. Subtitled "The Grammarphobe's Guide To Better English In Plain English," it's the work of Patricia T. O'Connor, who honed her skills as editor of The New York Times Book Review. This would be my grammar bible, O'Connor's word gospel.... READ ON

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Manual transmissions of the feeblest kind

Ever get frustrated with the grammar found in operating manuals that come with imported electronic gear? Me shore does. In fact, I generally find them about as frustrating as those pesky salespeople at Circuit City or Radio Shack, always trying to get you to buy their extended warranties for said gear. Well today I stumbled upon a site that commiserates by allowing you to post your more-often-than-not comical, grammatically incorrect finds for the whole blogosphere to read. It's called... READ ON

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Eats, Shoots & Costs a Company $2.13 Million

If there's ever an excuse to admire the real-life power of a comma, this might be it. Apparently, the misuse of the tiny punctuation mark in a contract is going to cost Rogers Communications in Canada $2,130,000. From The Globe and Mail: "Based on the rules of punctuation," the comma in question "allows for the termination of the [contract] at any time, without cause, upon one-year's written notice," the regulator said. Rogers was dumbfounded. The company said it never would... READ ON