Precision for Writers and Editors

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Front Page: Big thinks

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Help with Word

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Colon and semicolon

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Word into HTML

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Word abuse

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House giveaway

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False dignity

Safire, in Coming to Terms (New York: Doubleday, 1994), cited preplanning as another word invented without a need for it to fill.

When writing and editing, let our first concern be the reader. Let’s not try to impress anyone, least of all ourselves. Instead of engaging in Big Thinks, let’s pursue the goal of “plain and comprehensible” communication.

Invented by Accident

Some words are invented by accident—all it takes is typing too fast. Be sure to turn off the spellchecker too. All these words were invented using this method. The editors have filled in their best guesses as to the meanings.

cattlelab the secret government laboratory responsible for mutilating cattle, which has been blamed on aliens

deadling an article sent in that we really don’t want to run (see kindling for suggested uses)

footmotes tiny notes at the bottom of a page that seem to multiply as you read them

Continued below

Go to …

Front Page: Big thinks

[Assistance.gif]
Help with Word

[Punc.gif]
Colon and semicolon

[screen_TOC.gif]
Word into HTML

[Incorrect.gif]
Word abuse

[Mock.gif]
House giveaway

[said.gif]
False dignity

distinguised secretly distinguished

intension an anxiety-ridden decision

lamblasted attacked by a meek-looking person, usually by surprise

Missle East a land of perpetual conflict

miximum right in the middle

seemless apparently not

simplifiction fiction for dummies—“It’s not real, so who cares if it’s wrong!”