Notes & Asides

Dear Mr. Buckley: In the March 28 Notes & Asides, Kelley Dupuis cites some pet peeves regarding the language. I have some of my own, after 40 years as a newspaper copy boy, reporter, editor, and publisher (and still a working stiff):

Using “impact” instead of “effect.” Using “venue” (except in a legal sense) instead of “location.” Not understanding the difference between “anticipate” and “expect.” Not understanding the use of “include” to mean that not all items, persons, etc., are listed. Using “cement” when they mean “concrete” (cement is an ingredient of concrete). Failure to have verb tenses agree with their subjects, such as the oftenmisused “media.” Not knowing that “criteria” and “criterion” are plural and singular. Unnecessarily using “in the month of” when listing months. Not knowing the difference between “alumni” and “alumnae.” Using “over” instead of “more than.” Using “at the present time” instead of “now.” Not knowing the difference between “continuing,” “continual,” and “continuous.”

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William F. Buckley Jr.

William F. Buckley Jr. founded National Review magazine in 1955.

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Language

Dear Mr. Buckley: In the March 28 Notes & Asides, Kelley Dupuis cites some pet peeves regarding the language. I have some of my own, after 40 years as a newspaper copy boy, reporter, editor, and publisher (and still a working stiff):

Using “impact” instead of “effect.” Using “venue” (except in a legal sense) instead of “location.” Not understanding the difference between “anticipate” and “expect.” Not understanding the use of “include” to mean that not all items, persons, etc., are listed. Using “cement” when they mean “concrete” (cement is an ingredient of concrete). Failure to have verb tenses agree with their subjects, such as the oftenmisused “media.” Not knowing that “criteria” and “criterion” are plural and singular. Unnecessarily using “in the month of” when listing months. Not knowing the difference between “alumni” and “alumnae.” Using “over” instead of “more than.” Using “at the present time” instead of “now.” Not knowing the difference between “continuing,” “continual,” and “continuous.”