Let’s Get This Straight
Welcome to Homophones Wednesday! “Straight” and “strait” are pronounced the same, but have different – if somewhat subtle – meanings. Read more
Perspective vs. Prospective
Easing into 2023 with a special request from fellow word nerd…and a tip for remembering which is which. Read more
You Could or Couldn’t Care Less?
If you don’t give a hoot about something, what’s the correct way to phrase it?
Saying you “couldn’t care less” about something means you are not the least bit concerned about or interested in it. In other words, you cannot possible care less than you already do.
Ask an English teacher and grammarian, and it’s likely they will agree that “could care less” is wrong because – logically – it should mean the opposite of “couldn’t care less.” If you could care less, it means you do care a little, right? Read more
What’s Your Business Love Language?
My colleague Emily Oliver, owner of Goals Garden, recently shared info about a networking event called, “What is Your Business Love Language?” Not only did this resonated with me, but it inspired this pre-Valentine’s Day Wordsmith Wednesday post!
What Do You #ChooseToChallenge?
Yesterday I listened to a podcast where Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen were sharing the stories behind their chosen careers. While their upbringings were markedly different, each considered themselves an outsider who had a valuable message to share – but lacked a voice. Politics and music {respectively} gave them a platform for self-expression. Springsteen recalled, “I needed to find a way to speak, and to be heard.”
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge,” and I choose to challenge a woman’s right to give voice.
Love Letters
When I was packing for my move last June, I found them in the hall closet. A small stack of letters, written on gray parchment. Tied with a piece of red ribbon and kept in a small cedar box for over 40 years.
Love letters. From the first man who stole my heart.
Nothing Beats a Thank You Note
‘Tis the season when we focus on gratitude. And nothing says “I totally appreciated that” like sending a handwritten note.
Okay – maybe diamonds or a big wad of cash would be more impressive. But when it comes to heartfelt and sincere, a simple thank you note takes the cake. It’s classy. It sends a powerful message about what you value {kindness, generosity, manners.} And it makes the recipient feel special. Really special.
So why don’t we actually do it?
Confusing i.e. and e.g. is More Common Than You Think
Confusing “i.e.” and “e.g.” is rumored to be one of the most common mistakes writers make. It certainly is tricky for me!
Both abbreviations are derived from Latin words, which always complicates matters. So I’m going to keep things as simple as possible:
- i.e. stands for “id est,” which essentially means “in other words.”
- e.g. is the abbreviation for “exempli gratia” or “for example” in English.
Wordsmith Wednesday: The 3 There’s
Now more than ever, it matters what words you choose to share your brand story. Wordsmith Wednesday is a space for people who love words & creating content that is a joy to read. I’ll be sharing my favorite tips & tricks – and hope you’ll share yours!
The 3 There’s
I’m starting with they’re, their, and there because I’ve been noticing misspellings cropping up lately in people’s emails and social posts. The confusion between these three words probably happens because they sound exactly alike, but they have entirely different meanings (for my fellow geeks out there, these words are called homophones.)
Who Are You Talking To?
“For better or worse, a writer is working all the time.” Robert Bruce
I would argue that this premise isn’t 100% true – at least among the writers I hang out with. But for the sake of argument, let’s pretend it is.
If writers are writing all the time, it would be safe to assume that they steer clear of the common pitfalls ordinary folks experience when they put pen to paper {so to speak.}
Again – I beg to differ. Read more
My Story
I’ve been telling stories about people, places and businesses my entire career. As Chief Storyteller at Open Heart Creative, I’m privileged to share my story in the process of helping other business owners share theirs.
– Donna Gould