Write and Polish ~ News & Blog - Write and Polish

Banish: "Reach Out"

3/27/2012

We must declare a moratorium on the use of the phrase "reach out" when what is meant is "talk," "contact," or "communicate."

There are plenty of words and phrases that are actual synonyms, so this one will not be missed.

What will also not be missed is the vaguely self-congratulatory air that it conveys, as if establishing contact were some heroic act. Inflating the initial stage out of all proportion also buries the lead, as the next information conveyed is usually the result of the contact in question. Come to the point quickly and spare readers/listeners a window into the mechanics.

We also recommend the Lake Superior State University Banished Words List Facebook Page and the website where you may submit your own nominees for banishment!

Word of the Day: Soporific

3/26/2012

Today's Word of the Day is auto-biographical

Soporific

1a : causing or tending to cause sleep b : tending to dull awareness or alertness
2 : of, relating to, or marked by sleepiness or lethargy

Example: The warmth of the fireplace combined with a hearty lunch to have a soporific effect on the writer.

The relevance of the illustration is that the Writers and Polishers, like many youngsters, first encountered this word in Beatrix Potter's The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, which if you care to, you may enjoy all over again at The Free Library, here.

Completed Project: Grant Proposal (Renewal) for Area Non-Profit

3/23/2012

Write and Polish is, for the second year, basking in the rosy glow conferred by completing the renewal of a grant application for an area non-profit organization.

It's very satisfying to contribute our skills and experience to entities that are working to help the community in countless ways, both seen and unseen. In order to do our part, Write and Polish offers a discount for non-profit clients.

Contact us to discuss the needs of your charitable, religious or educational group, and to explore how we may be able to assist you in getting your message out, and/or getting donations or grant funding in!

New Upload to the 'Why the World Needs More Proofreaders' Album -- Starbucks

3/20/2012

You may need to enlarge this one to appreciate what's wrong with it.

It's embarrassing for Starbucks (part of their new juice bar launch) but, lucky for them, this isn't printed/embroidered/tattooed matter...it's pixels on screens, so easily fixed!!

Writing Tip: Avoid Misuse of "Myself"

3/7/2012

An oft-encountered misuse of a word = "Myself"

The Rule: never use "myself" if "me" leaves the meaning of the sentence the same.

The Reason: used correctly, "myself" receives action that I do -- "I excused myself to take the phone call." So, if "I" am not already in the sentence, "myself" can't be there either.
It can also be used to *emphasize* that I am the actor in a statement -- "Many people dislike black licorice. I, myself, adore it!"
In this latter usage, "myself" can also precede "I," like so: "For myself, I don't need any other kind!"

More: each pronoun has a reflexive version that pairs with it in the same constructions illustrated above -- you + yourself, he + himself, she + herself, we + ourselves, you + yourselves, they + themselves

Does that clear things up?

Self-Evident Language Humor

3/5/2012

Not a knee-slapper, but good for a snort!

National Grammar Day -- a Great Time to Bust Some Grammar Myths

3/4/2012

Grammar Monkeys offers this set of grammar myths, including several "well known" ones related to prepositions at the end of sentences, split infinitives, beginning sentences with conjunctions, passive voice and others.

Some great advice is offered. It will help your writing to incorporate it, we promise!

Completed Project: Website Content for Accounting/Business Consultants

3/1/2012

Write and Polish recently completed an extensive website content overhaul for PPG Partners, LLC, under the auspices of our good friends at Image Management.

Thanks for the opportunity to contribute to such a great new site!

Write and Polish Services up for Auction to Benefit Rotary Club

3/1/2012

We are pleased to be able to support our local Rotary Club in their Vegas Night fundraiser this Saturday. Write and Polish has donated a voucher for services to the silent auction.

Glad we can help out, Rotary!!