Grammar

Pompoms and proofreading: Fifth Circuit rejects cheerleader’s civil rights action.

July 25, 2011 Grammar

Lots of virtual ink has been spilled in the past week or so about the Fifth Circuit opinion rejecting the lawsuit of a Texas cheerleader who claimed that her civil rights were violated when she didn’t make the varsity squad. The opening paragraph of the opinion gives a hint as to the court’s view of the merits: [...]

Read the full article →

Every woman for herself: Supreme Court smacks down class action against Wal-Mart

June 21, 2011 Grammar

Yesterday the Supreme Court ruled that the discrimination action brought by female WalMart employees from various states could not proceed as one overarching class action. From the NYTimes.com, here’s an explanation of the challenge the plaintiffs will face in proceeding outside the class action context: In the Wal-Mart case, there is abundant evidence that women [...]

Read the full article →

Grammar humor: Overheard in the Newsroom

June 3, 2011 Grammar

Copy Editor: Knock knock. Photo Editor: Who’s there? Copy Editor: To. Photo Editor: To who? Copy Editor: “To WHOM!”

Read the full article →

Who or whom? A harrowing story with harrowing pronoun choices

May 31, 2011 Grammar

I recently read a great profile of Leonard Joy, who was until recently the head of the Federal Defenders of New York, which represents federal criminal defendants who can’t afford to hire attorneys. Over 20 years as head of Federal Defenders, Joy represented notorious defendants in cases involving international intrigue, terrorism plots and arms trafficking — think would-be Times [...]

Read the full article →

Do you buy things in your inbox? Neither do I.

May 27, 2011 Grammar

This headline from Mashable threw me: Slice Creates a Home For Everything You Buy In Your Inbox I was all, “Huh? What do I buy in my inbox? Am I missing a shopping opportunity?” Yet another misplaced modifier creating confusion in its wake. To avoid this unfortunate misunderstanding, reunite this wandering modifier (in your [...]

Read the full article →

Sweetest little grammar tip ever.

May 26, 2011 Grammar

Just remember — Superman’s doing good. You’re doing well. Take it from Tracy Jordan. From http://weheartit.com/entry/10060068

Read the full article →

Yikes

May 25, 2011 Grammar

Now this is a seriously mischievous misplaced modifier. Awkward indeed. reblogged from livingallforyou

Read the full article →

Mischievous modifier makes Lance Armstrong a victim.

May 21, 2011 Grammar

I’ve never been a big Lance Armstrong fan, but I don’t think he can be blamed for his former teammates’ misconduct. This NY Times headline gives the impression that Lance is a to blame for all the ills of competitive biking — even his ex-teammate’s use of drugs: Armstrong Accused of Drug Use by Ex-Teammate [...]

Read the full article →