Tag Archives: writers
Impact
Like my Twitter colleague André Racicot, I thought it would be a great idea to comment on French words often used incorrectly or Gallicisms that constantly ooze into English texts. Today, I’d like to talk to you about a word that rubs my French-speaking colleagues the wrong way: impact. Below is a text excerpt written by […]
Noun Strings, I Think I Love You. Not.
For some reason, some English writers love wordiness. Surprisingly, several newspaper journalists are notorious for this pesky practice. I have been a Globe and Mail subscriber for the past two years. Generally speaking, journalists write well. Lately, however, I’ve noticed that writing has become somewhat stiff, somewhat wordy. It seems that in-house or freelance editors no longer […]
Media: Singular or Plural?
Within the space of a week, Peter Mansbridge, anchor of CBC’s The National, and co-anchor Wendy Mesley have accompanied media with singular verbs when presenting a panel or an upcoming story in future broadcasts. Last night was no exception. In preparation for a discussion about the way in which the media are covering the ongoing […]
“Do not put statements in the negative form.”
This was one of many writing techniques rules I learned a few years ago. Why should writers avoid putting statements in the negative form? According to KwizNet’s website,[1] putting statements in the affirmative form “tells or asks about what is.”[2] It is important to tell readers what they want or need to know, not what […]
Overused Words & Conciseness
During the summer, I have had several opportunities to read publications on a variety of topics: film archives, shyness, music—the list goes on. I also listened to several breaking news headlines on television. As I was reading and listening, I couldn’t help but ask myself why authors and spokespeople loved long-winded, overused words and structures […]
Mind Your “It’ses” and “Itses,” Please!
In fall 2011, I took a writing techniques class at Montreal’s McGill University. I remember receiving and reading a list of rules for writers and writing techniques. One of the rules read as follows: “Use the apostrophe in it’s proper place and omit it when its not needed.” The rules were meant to be humorous […]
Language-Professional Events in Montreal—and Across Quebec
Despite Mother Nature’s tricks, spring has sprung! Many of us will now feel like getting out of our houses after a long, cold, snowy winter. What better time to get out there and participate in events in Montreal and across the province! Last night, I learned that an event gathering translators and authors will take […]
Psst! Writers, Editors, Where Are You?
If you’re a writer or editor, the Editors’ Association of Canada (EAC)/Association canadienne des réviseurs (ACR) could use you for its next issue of Active Voice/Voix active, a bi-yearly national and bilingual magazine that puts editing and editors to the fore. In this publication you can read about members’ activities, conferences, and topics that not […]
Dwain Richardson 