Suirprsed taht you can raed tihs? Here’s why
The human brain is capable of incredible things. Research shows that our brains can unscramble words due to an ability to make predictions based on context.
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Reading between the lines: Graffiti’s history, significance
To youths in the 20th century, graffiti represented their identities, from the names they used to the artwork that helped them identify with one another.
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Clarity and accessibility: How subtitles can help you learn new languages
Whether for clarifying audio or for learning a new language, subtitles undeniably contribute significantly to the quality of the viewer experience.
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Glorace, not Grace: Appreciating the uniqueness of my name
I often wonder how hard it can possibly be to pronounce or remember my first name. It’s Glorace. Not Grace. Why can’t people ever remember? How many times do I have to correct them, which is unpleasant for me and embarrassing for them?
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How too write: A copy editor’s top 3 writing pet peeves
As both a copy editor and an English major, I have read a lot of people’s writing. I’ve discovered writing styles that I really enjoy, and I’ve discovered a whole set of writing pet peeves.
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United States vs. Britain: Who spells better?
Here’s a judgmental list of seven words with different American and British spellings, based on which versions make the most sense.
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The case against the Oxford comma
While the Oxford comma is technically grammatically correct, it is most often unnecessary and pointless. Thus, writers and editors should eliminate the comma unless it’s absolutely essential for comprehension.
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In other words: A brief commentary on the irony of language
It seems that words present a peculiar and unexpected kind of irony. We rely on them to communicate effectively in a variety of situations, but countless times over, they confuse, frustrate and fail us.
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‘Face the music’: A look into the idiom
The idiom “face the music” has been a staple in the English language for decades. But how did this phrase come about? And how has its meaning changed over the years?
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Just our type
Typography plays an important role in journalism. While newspaper typefaces may not seem as exciting as the content itself, they are a mode of creative communication. The very curvature, shape and aesthetic of letters are often and understandably overlooked; the extent of the writing’s impact is usually contemplated through word choice and diction. From a visual perspective, however, the font is foundational; a paper’s main objective is to deliver information efficiently, and an effective message is elevated by clear design.
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