Little English Lessons

Mute Points?

2008-09-05T01:33:00.000-07:00

A mute point might be a point that a mute makes, or a super quiet point. It's most certainly not a real phrase, though.

The correct phrase is "moot point" - moot meaning something that really doesn't matter at this point - an abstract idea without significance.

Of course, if you want to call it a "moo point" like Joey from Friends, you'd better be cute.

Toe, not tow, the line

2008-09-05T01:29:00.000-07:00

Several times over the past few days, I've seen folks write, "tows the party line" - just to clarify folks, it's "toes the party line" (and, more often, "toes the line").

Remember when you were a kid and lined up at the line to start a race? You were careful to keep your toes behind the line - staying within your boundary. That's where the phrase apparently originated.

Let's be careful out there.

Lose vs. Loose

2008-01-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

I can't even believe I need to do this. You lose something, like your wallet or your keys or your first love. When something is loose, it's not tight, or it might be a person who sleeps around.

I simply cannot believe how many folks get this one wrong.

Technology Company Crimes

2007-12-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

I've heard a lot of, "we have an ask," as of late - "an ask" in this case is supposed to mean "a request". I don't know which person started this trend, but I would like to smack them three times.

A different technology company was recently heard using the word "onboarding" - I was wondering if maybe their consultants weren't performing, and onboarding was somehow related to water boarding. Apparently not. "Onboarding" means hiring. Who'd of thunk it?

Why?

2007-11-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

Quick explanation: since some people take offense to having their use of the English language corrected, I need a place to vent. I won't name the folks who mangle our lovely language, because that's not nice. I hope to possibly spread a little love for the idea that careful use of language is important, and that we should tend our words like a garden. Or something.

BTW, I almost wrote "hopefully" above. An oft told family story relates that my great-grandmother, on her deathbed, chided my grandmother for using the word "hopefully" in an improper way. So I feel guilty whenever I use the word, because I know I'm never using it the way great-grandma would have appreciated.

Disclaimer: any misuse of the English language herein is stylistic and completely intentional. Or due to ignorance. Call me on it. Teach me something.