Monthly Archives: May 2014

Excuse me, I am terribly sorry to bother you, but …

Posted on May 28, 2014 by BtU Admin

Originally posted on Dr Carmen Ebner:
The data collection is soon coming to an end and it is time to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has filled in the survey, shared it with friends and nagged their…

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Hypercorrect whom

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

It has been a recurring topic on this blog, but whom definitely seems to be on the way out. I’m in the middle of reading a pile of third-year essays, and have already come across two instances of hypercorrect whom this … Continue reading →

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The HRT a new usage problem?

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

Is the so-called High Rise Terminal, HRT for short and also called Upspeak, developing into a new usage problem? Robert Ilson, in an article in The English Language Today (1985), mentions three criteria that define linguistic features as potential usage … Continue reading →

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Wanted: Rhymes on Usage

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Inge Otto

nutritioneducationstore.com The Dinner Guests They seem to have taken on airs. They’re ever so rude with their stares. They get there quite late, There’s a hand in your plate, And they’re eating what’s not even theirs. O’Conner- Woe is I … Continue reading →

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Another Thin’ Coming

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

Cassandra Nijon‘s second (well, really her first) blog post follows below. Many so-called “old chestnuts” boast a long history of appearance in usage guides, but it seems the most prestigious source that managed to muster some attention for the contentious expression … Continue reading →

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What do you think about van?

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

This is Cassandra Nijon’s first blog post. It is actually her second, but I’m still in the process of editing the earlier one, so have a little patience! This one jumps the queue because she’d like to have your feedback. … Continue reading →

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The Guardian on language

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

It makes you wonder if they know the difference between grammar and spelling, but the pictures are still great for a good laugh! And there is more where this one came from.   Thanks for the link, Alison!

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What is English Grammar?

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

And this is Kate Taylor’s second blog post. Help her collect data by filling in her brief survey below! There are many different attitudes with regard to grammar; some people are born to learn grammar, some people work to achieve … Continue reading →

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Which dialect?

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

I’ve just finished another of Kingsley Amis’s novels, a children’s book called We are all guilty (1991). Kingsley Amis (1922-1995) also wrote a usage guide, The King’s English, which was published two years after his death. Amis’s fascination with language is evident … Continue reading →

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New English Today, new Feature!

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Robin Straaijer

Another chance to get involved in our project! The latest issue of English Today is out now and it contains another feature article from this project. In this feature I ask the following questions about how linguists should engage with the … Continue reading →

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