SerendipiT

... because, well, for a start, what the FUCK is going on with LJ (as well as what the FUCK is going on with Windows, but I know the answer to that [recent security updates are trashing fonts]). But really because I see this kind of regularly and I thought I'd do a mini-rant on language use.


That bike you ride in the gym that doesn't get you anywhere? It's not a recumbent bike. It's a stationary bike. Recumbent means you ride it in, basically, a supine position. Those are street bikes. Gym-style stationary bikes are quite upright in construction.

Also, stop saying "in regards to." It's "in regard to." Regards are greetings and well-wishes. You give someone regards. If you're referring to a particular topic, it is "in regard to the matter at hand."

Also also also ... this is, I think, a regionalism of the middle U.S. Just a theory. But certain folks have a penchant for "The reason why is because ..." It makes me want to scream. It's enough to be redundant, but doubly redundant? "The reason is [STATE REASON HERE]." God almighty.

And because I always enjoy other people's pet peeves regarding language, feel free to post anything that's recently made you grit your teeth.

Note: I was reviewing some old posts about the craft and remembered that I had had some really fun ones in another fandom so I went over there and collected some, and will post a few here. Those who know me know this, but for those who don't: You can say anything in my LJ. If it's offensive you won't get a pass on it, but I censor no one, I ban no one, and I'm not afraid of being corrected or disagreed with. This is unlikely to come up in regard to these writing questions; just makin' the point.

Here's the thing. I re-read my own stuff and I like it, but I don't love it. I wouldn't place me in a list of my favorite writers, or more accurately, in a list of the best fandom writers. So ...

[Poll #1974441]

Please elaborate upon your answer in a comment!