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usage

“Attendee”? I’m afraid not.

March 14, 2013 By Tim Gray

Have you noticed that it’s common for people talking about events to refer to those who come along as attendees? The “-ee” suffix means something happens to you. For example, an employee is someone who is employed by another person or organisation. Attendee actually means someone who is attended – perhaps they have servants! To […]

Tagged With: conferences, events, grammar, seminars, usage, writing

Let’s have a 121 chat

January 30, 2013 By Tim Gray

Have you noticed wording like this appearing? “I also offer 121 coaching.” I guess it’s people aiming to be cool; possibly in some cases a touch of laziness. But here’s what will happen in the reader’s head. – interrupt reading – call up number processing routines – “They offer a hundred and twenty-one coaching sessions? […]

Tagged With: grammar, reading, usage, writing

Word Fu

October 16, 2012 By Tim Gray

I realised last night that I have something in common with my qigong teacher. Qigong is a Chinese system of movement to improve health. You can use a mental shorthand of “a bit like tai chi” if that helps (though of course there are reasons why it’s inaccurate, like tai chi being a martial art […]

Tagged With: books, craft, ebooks, grammar, kindle, publishing, text, usage, writing

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