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Author Archives: Norm Friedman
Mirror, Mirror …
When we look into the mirror, we see ourselves as others do, right? With that cryptic hint as your guide, find the clarity problems in the following sentences. 1. Having perused several evaluations of the latest vacuum cleaners, I think … Continue reading
The “Basics”
Watch out for these common slips when using words related to “basic”: 1. I was basically on hold for more than 20 minutes until a customer service rep solved my issue. What is “basically” doing in this sentence? If we’re saying … Continue reading
Posted in Brevity, Flair & Finesse
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All Ears
Our daily paper just ran two complementary pieces filled with advice for grads seeking jobs. I was gratified by the articles’ accent on “soft skills” and this statement: “Communication skills are ranked first among a job candidate’s ‘must have’ qualities, according … Continue reading
Posted in Flair & Finesse, Tone
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Quiz Time
Correct weaknesses in each of these sentences. 1. We both went to the same high school for a period of time until Jack won a scholarship to a private school. 2. The meeting is set for 8:30 am tomorrow morning, … Continue reading
Getting It “Wright”
Here’s another chance to flex your editing muscles. See what refinements you might make in these two paragraphs from an article quoting a Wright brothers authority. The publication will remain anonymous, and we’ll call the authority Smith. Although neither Albert … Continue reading
Posted in Brevity, Common Grammar Errors, Flair & Finesse
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Hit Your Target
The December 2, 2015, post focused on the relative weakness of the verb “to be” and the recommendation to look for a livelier verb in the editing process. (For example, instead of Several of us were wondering who will be the new … Continue reading
Play Copy Editor
Several rough spots jumped out at me when I read Friday’s newspaper. What would you have caught as copy editor? 1. From an entertainment column: The other reason I’m fond of the jacket is because KSU was one of the … Continue reading
Posted in Brevity, Flair & Finesse
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Fly High
See if this title of an online article grabs your attention. 9 Reasons Why Flying is Getting Better Your response might be “Really?” Does the person who wrote this always fly first class? Does the writer know a secret to … Continue reading
Posted in Brevity, Common Grammar Errors
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Alumni Reunion
If you took Latin, maybe you get cranky, too, because you can’t go on a trip anywhere and chat in Latin – unless it’s to your old Latin teacher’s house. But what really perturbs me is pulling up at a … Continue reading
Posted in Commonly Confused Words
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In the Spotlight
The word “just” has been highlighted this past year as a prime illustration of the female tendency to apologize too much in written and oral communications. (“I’m just wondering if you’ve had time to review my idea.”) According to some … Continue reading
Posted in Flair & Finesse, Tone
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