The Composition Book Decomposed
The classic composition book (left), long used by students for developing essays, taking notes …
The Power of One: Cut Those Superfluous Words
One word is like one drop – its impact is greater when surrounded by less …
How Inventions Live on As Action Words
Transferring words from one word class to another – called “conversion” – is just one …
Wonderful Words Curiously Created
The many odd and revealing terms of English vocabulary make the language a word collector’s …
Darling, Step Aside! Time to Eliminate Superfluous Words
Yes, even long-standing expressions, the darlings of speech, can be substituted for simpler discourse. If …
New Year’s Resolutions for Writers
This slightly adapted, popular line from a holiday song is as much about Santa’s preparation …
Wonderful Words Uncovered
Our wonderful words series highlights odd and marvelous terms that may not be well known …
Black Friday – or the Lingua Franca Retail Tour
The international creep of English is no better exemplified than by “Black Friday”, the day …
Terms You Can Do Without: Cut Superfluous Words!
If you’re asked, “Would you like the minestrone soup with that?”, you wouldn’t be …
Wonderful Words to Wield
Our wonderful words series features terms that may not be well known, but that are …