Usage Woes and Myths
SUMM 511
THURSDAY, July 12 2012
9:00aam–5:00pm
$225.00 CDN (includes course material)
Word usage is an ever-changing area. First it’s wrong to use impact as a verb; then it’s okay. The distinction between fewer and less seems clear, but specific examples make you hesitate. You wonder about debated words such as hopefully and presently, and confusing words such as may and might. You’ve heard that you should never start a sentence with however, but, or because, but you’re not sure.
If you are intent on preventing (not avoiding) word errors and avoiding (not preventing) usage myths, this workshop will help. Through discussion, examples, and exercises, we will review some of the most contentious points of English usage. Come prepared with your own usage questions and examples to share with the group.
Tailored to the participants, lots of examples and references given, good supporting materials (books and handouts) and useful activities.
Usage Woes and Myths will benefit editors and writers who need an intensive review of recent changes and errors in word usage. The workshop is an excellent follow-up to Fundamentals of Grammar (July 11) and Punctuation and Mechanics (July 11 ), and a good companion workshop to Copyediting and Proofreading (July 9-10 and July 23-24) and Clear and Concise: Guidelines for Style (July 13).
FACULTY
Frances Peck is an editor and writer whose clients include government departments, agencies, and associations. She has taught editing and writing for two decades for the University of Ottawa, Douglas College, the Editors’ Association of Canada, SFU’s Writing and Communications Program, and many private clients. Peck is the author of Peck’s English Pointers, an online collection of language articles and quizzes; co-author of the popular HyperGrammar website; and a columnist for the journal Language Update. She is a partner with West Coast Editorial Associates.
