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Results 1 to 10 of 124 (page 1 of 13)
in regard to, with regard to, as regards
Write the noun regard in the singular in the phrases in regard to and with regard to. The store has called in regard to (not in regards to) the missing hot tub. With regard to (not with regards to) my recent accident in the hot tub, I have completely recovered. The final s is correct only in the phrase as regards, where regards is a verb. As regards the hot tub, I’m making a planter out of it! Note: In regard to, with regard to and as regards are wordy phrases. Instead, to communicate clearly and effectively, use about, as for, concerning or regarding, or rewrite the sentence. The store has called about (or concerning or regarding) the missing hot tub. I have completely recovered from my recent accident in the hot tub. As for the hot tub, I’m making a planter out of it! OR I’m making a planter out of the hot tub!Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 40,490
decision (make a decision, take a decision)
Both make a decision and take a decision are correct. Although attempts are sometimes made to distinguish between these two expressions or to reject one in favour of the other, most modern dictionaries use them interchangeably. For example: She was forced to make a tough decision about her future. The Cabinet took the decision to launch the initiative.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 11,443
overall, over all
The overused adjective overall can be left out entirely or a more precise synonym can be used instead. Depending on the context, choose one of the following: absolute, aggregate, average, comprehensive, general, supreme, total, or whole. The (overall) goal of the provincial program is full employment. The final figures show an overall (total, absolute, average, general) increase in sales. The adverb phrase over all expresses the idea of “all things considered,” and is written in two words. Over all, I would say the party was a great success.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 10,650
OK, O.K., okay
Okay and the abbreviations OK and O.K. are informal and should be replaced by synonyms such as acceptable, all right, correct, approval, authorize or recommend in formal writing. Ian says he’ll be okay (all right) once his cold clears up. Once we have the Board’s okay (approval), we can begin hiring staff for the project. Jill okayed (authorized) the travel claims submitted by her staff. In everyday writing, choose okay rather than OK or O.K. Are my vacation plans okay (not O.K.) with you? The plural of the abbreviations is formed by adding ’s (OK’s or O.K.’s). You should replace the two OK’s in your email message with the word okay or with a more formal synonym.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 9,159
eligible, illegible
The near-homonyms eligible and illegible are adjectives. Eligible means “fit” or “qualified.” You will not be eligible for promotion until you have worked here for two years. Illegible signifies “unreadable.” It is often said that doctors have illegible handwriting.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 6,245
old, older, elder
Elder and eldest are normally reserved for people. Use elder when comparing two people and eldest when comparing three or more. Lianna always admired her elder brother. The eldest person attending the reunion will receive a plaque. The title elder is often used for senior or highly respected members of a family or community. Having survived years of hardship, the elders were said to be very wise. As a title, Elder is often capitalized. Although barely middle–aged, Jacob was elected to the Board of Elders of his church. Sixteenth–century painters Lucas Cranach the Elder and Lucas Cranach the Younger were father and son. Old, older and oldest refer to either people or things. Use older when comparing two people or things and oldest when comparing three or more. Lianna always admired her older brother. The oldest person attending the reunion will receive a plaque. Houses in Halifax are older than those in Calgary. In the oldest office buildings, there are very few telephone connections.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 6,073
kickoff, kick off, kick out
The kickoff which starts a football game or other event is usually spelled as one unhyphenated word. The Nguyens watched every Grey Cup game, from the kickoff to the trophy presentation. The phrasal verb kick off does not take a hyphen. It can be used as an informal synonym for “begin.” Fireworks normally kick off Ottawa’s Winterlude celebrations. Kick off is also a synonym for “remove forcibly or officially.” Kick out (which is also unhyphenated) can be used in this sense as well. Zack was kicked off his hockey team because of his violent temper. Jenny and Jody were kicked out of the fast-food restaurant for starting a food fight.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 4,458
owing to the fact that
Choose because or since instead of the wordy expression owing to the fact that. I missed the bus because (not owing to the fact that) I got up late. Since (not Owing to the fact that) her parents were very wealthy, Deirdre had far too many toys.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 4,305
period of time, time period
Period of time and time period are idiomatic expressions. The auditor examined the company’s receipts and expenditures over a lengthy period of time. This introductory course examines European history by time period. However, where possible, write concisely by replacing these phrases with period or time. The geologist studied the period between the last two ice ages. The change of seasons divides the year into four periods (not time periods). The Depression was a very difficult time (or period) for many people.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 2,869
about, approximately, approximately about, around, roughly, roughly about
About and around often replace the more formal approximately. If there is a difference, it is that approximately suggests a more careful calculation. Avoid redundant wording such as roughly about or approximately about; instead use about, approximately, around or roughly. We waited about 30 minutes for the bus. Teresa won approximately $500 last week with Lotto 6/49. Redundant wording: Alessandro’s father is roughly about 40 years old. Standard usage: Alessandro’s father is roughly (or around or about) 40 years old.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 2,772