Tag: language

  • On language: The unfortunate nominalization of spend and ask

    On language: The unfortunate nominalization of spend and ask

    A pet peeve of the English language.

  • On language: The unfortunate nominalization of spend and ask

    James Kilpatrick may have been best known for his syndicated political newespaper column, but I preferred his weekly column about writing and English called “The Writer’s Art.” I loved it when in his column he’d put on his virtual judicial robes and open the Court of Peeves, Crotchets, and Irks, for what followed would be a humorous, incisive invective on foibles of…

  • Seeking injunctive relief from the misuse of “amazing”

    I’m rerunning this 2011 post because it didn’t solve the problem the first time. Try, try again. IN THE COURT OF PEEVES, CROTCHETS, AND IRKS CAUSE NO.  _________________________ JIM GREYPetitioner v. ALL ENGLISH-SPEAKING PEOPLE EVERYWHERERespondent PETITION FOR INJUNCTION PROHIBITING MISUSE OF THE WORD “AMAZING” The Petitioner alleges against the Respondent and states as follows: That…

  • Seeking injunctive relief from the misuse of “amazing”

    IN THE COURT OF PEEVES, CROTCHETS, AND IRKSCAUSE NO.  _________________________ JIM GREY Petitioner v. ALL ENGLISH-SPEAKING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE Respondent PETITION FOR INJUNCTION PROHIBITING MISUSE OF THE WORD “AMAZING” The Petitioner alleges against the Respondent and states as follows: That the word “amazing” means “causing a sudden, overwhelming sense of surprise, astonishment, or wonder;” that without…