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insight about, insight as to, insight into, insight regarding
With the noun insight, the usual preposition is into. Other prepositions (including about, as to and regarding) are occasionally encountered. After studying this report for days, I now have some insight into this complex issue. Maxine has no insight regarding (as to) her son’s shortcomings. She thinks he can do no wrong. This experienced diplomat will provide us with fresh insight(s) about the war in the Middle East.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 27,346
Inuk, Inuit (Linguistic recommendation from the Translation Bureau)
On this page A note about the recommendation “Inuk” and “Inuit” used as nouns “Inuk” and “Inuit” used as adjectives Additional information A note about the recommendation The Translation Bureau recommends using the terms Inuk and Inuit both as nouns and as adjectives in English. Inuit can be used adjectivally in all contexts. However, Inuk can be used only to modify one person, in keeping with its sense in Inuktitut, the language from which it is borrowed. “Inuk” and “Inuit” used as nouns A concern for reconciliation and inclusivity requires that, when referring to Indigenous persons, we use the terms preferred by the community. Thus, we refer to the traditional inhabitants of Canada’s northern regions and Arctic coastline by the terms Inuk and Inuit. Inuk is the singular noun, used to refer to one person, regardless of gender. It is always capitalized and can be preceded by a definite or indefinite article: He is the first Inuk to have been called to the Nunavut Bar. She is an Inuk from Kuujjuaq in northeastern Quebec. Inuit is the plural noun. It is always capitalized. Because the word Inuit is already plural in form in Inuktitut, it is used in English without the English plural ending “s”: Correct: Inuit are working to preserve their language. Incorrect: Inuits are working to preserve their language. Since Inuit means "the people" in Inuktitut, do not use the definite article “the” or the word “people” in combination with Inuit: Correct: Inuit use traditional hunting methods. Incorrect: The Inuit use traditional hunting methods. Incorrect: The Inuit people use traditional hunting methods. Note: In addition to singular and plural forms, Inuktitut has a dual form used to refer to two people: Inuuk. Although Inuuk is used less frequently in English, it is still accepted. “Inuk” and “Inuit” used as adjectives Either Inuk or Inuit can be used as an adjective to describe a person. These terms are always capitalized: The Inuk Elder was honoured for contributions to the community. This award-winning Inuit designer combines fashion and tradition. But the adjective Inuk can be used only to describe one person, never two or more. With plural nouns referring to human beings, the adjective that’s used is Inuit: The non-profit organization is the voice of Inuit women in Canada. The website showcases original art created by Inuit artists. In addition, Inuk is never used to modify anything non-human. The adjective used to describe one or more places, things, qualities or ideas is Inuit: This Inuit hamlet is a cultural hub in summer. Traditional Inuit garments were made from animal skins and fur. Inuit hospitality is legendary. In the Inuit concept of health, the mind, body, spirit and environment are interconnected. Additional information Update on the words “Inuk” and “Inuit” (blog post) Inuit, inuk (Recommandation linguistique du Bureau de la traduction) (in French only)Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 10,306
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: 6,079
absolute phrases
A phrase is a group of words that forms a unit simpler than a sentence. A phrase does not contain a finite (conjugated) verb. Most phrases modify a particular word in a sentence. However, an absolute phrase modifies an entire sentence instead of a single word: The birds having flown off, the cat climbed down from the tree. Unlike an ordinary phrase, the birds having flown off does not modify any word in the rest of the sentence, such as cat or climbed. This type of phrase is called absolute because it is self-contained: it usually has its own subject (in this case, birds) and does not need to attach to any word in the sentence. Structure of an absolute phrase Absolute phrases can have any of the structures shown below. Noun + participle Her work completed, Amanda flew home. [noun work + participle completed] We scrambled along the shore, the waves splashing at our feet. [noun waves + participle splashing] Noun + other modifier His mind on other matters, Jordan didn’t notice the growing storm. [noun mind + prepositional phrase on other matters] The children set off for school, faces glum, to begin the fall term. [noun faces + adjective glum] Pronoun + infinitive The audience filed out, some to return home, others to gather at the pub. [pronoun some + infinitive to return; pronoun others + infinitive to gather] Common expressions as absolute phrases Some participle and infinitive phrases are common expressions that are considered absolute. Since they do not need to attach to a particular word, they can be placed at the beginning (or end) of a sentence without dangling. Here are some examples: Financially speaking, Bob’s lifestyle changes worked well. Talking of music, have you heard the new band at Taco Jack’s? A storm is brewing, judging by the dark clouds. To get back to the main point, the budget needs to be bigger. The food was mediocre, to say the least. Punctuation tip As the above examples show, an absolute phrase is set off with a comma (or with a pair of commas if it occurs in the middle of the sentence).Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 4,691
Update on the words “Inuk” and “Inuit”
An English blog post on the use of the words “Inuit” and “Inuk.”In 2009, the Translation Bureau issued a recommendation on the use of the terms “Inuk” and “Inuit.” The Bureau has now published a new recommendation that reflects the current usage in 2023. Background In 2009, the Translation Bureau recommended that the term “Inuit” be used in English as a plural noun and as an adjective, and that the term “Inuk” be used only as a singular noun. However, the use of these terms in English has evolved with the passage of time, and the Translation Bureau has therefore revised its recommendation to keep abreast of modern usage. Recommendation The Translation Bureau continues to recommend the use of “Inuit” as a plural noun and the use of “Inuk” as a singular noun in reference to persons, in keeping with the meaning of these terms in Inuktitut. It’s now acceptable to use “Inuk” as an adjective also. But there’s an important caveat: “Inuk” can be used only to modify a person, never an object. And it must be used with a singular noun, not a plural one: An Inuk singer won the Indigenous Music Award for best album. With plural nouns designating people, and with all other nouns, whether singular or plural, the adjective to use is “Inuit”: A group of Inuit drummers is performing at the music festival. The children were captivated by the storyteller’s account of the Inuit legend. “Inuit” can also be used in place of “Inuk” with singular nouns designating people: The Inuit sculptor works in soapstone. For more specific information, consult the Translation Bureau’s Linguistic Recommendation on “Inuk” and “Inuit (opens in new tab).” Meaning in Inuktitut It’s important to note that in Inuktitut, the noun “Inuit” is plural in form and refers to several persons. Therefore, it remains invariable in English, and an “s” should not be added to the end of the word to pluralize it. In addition, because “Inuit” means “the people,” it would be redundant to say “the Inuit people” in English. “Inuit” is used alone as the plural noun: Preserving cultural traditions is of great importance to Inuit. (not “to Inuit people” or “to the Inuit people”) Certain terms relating to Indigenous realities, including the terms “Inuk” and “Inuit,” are addressed in the Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology (opens in new tab), which a large number of federal departments and agencies contributed to. It’s important that Indigenous realities be taken into consideration in any discussion about equity, diversity and inclusion, which, like reconciliation, are priorities for the Government of Canada. The Translation Bureau’s recommendation in regard to the use of “Inuk” and “Inuit” as nouns corresponds to the information provided in the Guide, which underwent extensive discussion and consultation. As you can see, the terms “Inuk” and “Inuit” are perhaps a little more complex than you might originally have thought. But with the explanations and examples given here and in our recommendation, you’ll have no trouble mastering their correct use.Source: Our Languages blog (posts from our contributors)
Number of views: 4,545
prophecy, prophesy
The noun is spelled prophecy (with a c). Most gamblers would love to have the gift of prophecy. The verb is spelled prophesy (with an s). The verb forms are prophesies and prophesied. In Greek mythology, Cassandra prophesies momentous events, but no one believes her.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 3,942
face off, face-off, faceoff
Face off is the verb, while the spellings face-off and faceoff for the noun are correct (the National Hockey League uses faceoff for the noun). The Senators and the Leafs faced off in this year’s semi-finals. How many Stanley Cup face-offs have you seen?Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 3,462
back up, backup
The phrasal verb is spelled as two words, with no hyphen: back up. Have you backed up your data today? The noun and adjective are spelled as one word, with no hyphen: backup. Habib has agreed to be my backup at tomorrow’s meeting. My hard disk crashed and I had no backup disk.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 3,084
English Usage Guides (1974, volume 7, 4)
Peter Gawn (Terminology Update, Volume 7, Number 4, 1974, page 2) At the editor’s suggestion, I have undertaken to prepare a series of guides to English usage. I shall discuss in my Guides points that appear to give trouble to those whose work I revise. I hope that others may find my remarks useful. It is with some misgivings that I don the mantle of a dominie, particularly to teach English to those already familiar with it. Many books on usage have been published in the last ten years or so, however, and I shall see what they have to say on each topic: I shall then summarize the consensus of these authorities, give my opinion and suggest a fiche for readers to make for future reference. In this way I shall support my own judgements with that of others, thereby lending some weight to my recommendations. I know that the editor will be pleased to receive your comments. TOPIC: (Individual) Individual, as a noun. PROBLEM: (Individual) Individual is not equivalent to person; it refers to the single members of a group as opposed to the group as a whole (CGSM, p. 22). Incorrect Use: This individual writes poor English. Correct Use: The individual often feels helpless in his dealings with society. AUTHORITIES: (Individual) The incorrect use is described as colloquial (Chambers), heavy and pretentious (DCE), vulgar (COD), chiefly a colloquial vulgarism or term of disparagement (OED) and a Vogue Word now past its vogue but lingering in its vogue sense as a nuisance (MEU). Webster has no definition corresponding to the incorrect use, Mencken disparages it, with other newspaper words (p. 211). Treble recommends that the word be thought of as an adjective: its use as a noun in contrast with general will then become clearer. SUMMARY: (Individual) The condemned use appears to be a hangover from Victorian social criticism and Edwardian humour. It is not an Americanism. Its current use by, inter alia, the CBC News Service does not offset the consensus of the authorities. SUGGESTED FICHE: (Individual) Do not use individual as a synonym for person. * * * TOPIC: (Consider) Consider as … Consider that … PROBLEM: (Consider) It is unidiomatic to use consider followed by as (except as noted below) or a that clause. Incorrect Use: He was considered as a good worker. He considered that he had done a good job. Correct Use: Omit as and that or replace consider by regard and believe. AUTHORITIES: (Consider) Although consider is frequently seen followed by as, this usage is condemned as unidiomatic by all the authorities consulted (except of course in a sentence such as: The lecturer considered Eisenhower first as a soldier and second as administrator) (Strunk, p. 38). The problem arises from confusing the construction with that used with regard. Vallins says "Regard welcomes the as that consider rejects" (p. 158) and MEU that "regard is now beginning to have its revenge" (p. 106). The American Heritage Dictionary and Webster both agree with the foregoing. The use of consider with a that clause is no longer modern idiom (OED). The that is superfluous. The authorities also agree that consider is overworked and that it should be reserved for situations involving real mental activity or thinking over (Bernstein, p. 116). Synonyms such as regard, think, believe, feel or suppose should be used instead. SUMMARY: (Consider) The idiom is consider (noun) to be (noun), or consider followed by an object clause. The verb to be is frequently omitted, but that, says Vallins, ’is no reason why as should take its place’ (p. 158). Consider is in danger of losing its full meaning through overuse. SUGGESTED FICHE: (Consider) Consider should not be followed by as or that. The construction is consider (noun) to be (noun), with to be often omitted. Consider should only be used when there is deliberation. Otherwise, use regard, think, feel, believe, or suppose. KEY TO REFERENCE WORKS: Bernstein: The Careful Writer, T.M. Bernstein, Atheneum NY, 1968. CGSM: Style Manual for Writers and Editors, Queen’s Printer, 1962. Chambers: Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary, Edinburgh, 1972. COD: Concise Oxford Dictionary, OUP, 1969. DCE: Dictionary of Canadian English, The Senior Dictionary, W.J. Gage Ltd, Toronto, 1967. Mencken: The American Language, H.L. Mencken, Knopf, 1971 (Abridged). MEU: A Dictionary of Modern English Usage, H.W. Fowler, Second Edition, OUP, 1965. OED: Oxford English Dictionary. Strunk: The Elements of Style, W. Strunk & E.B. White, Macmillan, 1972. Treble: An ABC of English Usage, H.A. Treble & G.H. Vallins, OUP, 1965. Vallins: Good English, G.H. Vallins, Pan, 1968. Webster: Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged, 1963.Source: Favourite Articles (language professionals’ insights on English language issues)
Number of views: 1,705
lend, lent, loan, loaned
Lend is always a verb. Could you lend me $200? Bjorn lent us his ski chalet for the weekend. The verb lend can also have a figurative meaning. Please lend me a hand with this project. The bright colours lent a cheerful air to the room. Loan may be used as a noun or as a verb. As a noun, loan refers to something that someone is allowed to borrow, or to the act of lending. John and Lisa took out a loan to pay for the renovations to their house. Could I have the loan of your car for the weekend? As a verb, loan is used as a synonym for lend, especially in the case of valuable objects and money. Consuela loaned the museum her collection of Aztec artifacts. The bank loaned Elspeth the money to pay for the car.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 1,629