Book Review: “Dictionary of Fine Distinctions,” by Eli Burnstein

by Andi Benjamin In editorial work, small details have an outsized impact on the final product. This is one reason why editors need to be exceptionally meticulous – to avoid the pitfalls of using the wrong word and then inadvertently changing the meaning of the text. Eli Burnstein is a Canadian humour writer who is … Continue reading Book Review: “Dictionary of Fine Distinctions,” by Eli Burnstein →

A Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of “Garner’s Modern English Usage”

by Bethany Lake It was merely an answer to a question. I wasn’t trying to be a know-it-all or a Language Police officer or anything like that. The question posed by a Twitter (now X) personality was, “What’s the smallest hill you are willing to die on?” My answer: “The l in almond is silent.” I pointed out that, … Continue reading A Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of “Garner’s Modern English Usage” →

English Usage: Variants, Dictionaries, and Editorial Judgement

by Keith Goddard Every Friday when I pick up pizza from my local Toronto pizza chain, I see a sign that tells me it’s fine to park in their parking lot whilst I’m in their restaurant. Whilst? Sounds quaint, but that’s not proper Canadian English, eh? My dictionaries label it as British, and Garner’s Modern English Usage, fourth edition (Garner … Continue reading English Usage: Variants, Dictionaries, and Editorial Judgement →

Book Review: “The Dictionary of Lost Words” by Pip Williams

By Małgosia Halliop The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is a fascinating novel that asks questions about what is and isn’t included in that most basic of language tools: the dictionary. It’s a fictional story set within real and specific historical events, and reminds us of the ways even a seemingly neutral document like … Continue reading Book Review: “The Dictionary of Lost Words” by Pip Williams →