Q. We all know that the plural of the word “mouse” is “mice.” However, if I write the word “mouse” 10 times on a piece of paper, would you then refer to them collectively as “mice” or “mouses”? Also, ...
The word data leaves some of us in a conundrum. Data is the plural of datum, the Latin word for something given. Ordinarily, the plural word would get a plural verb. The chickens are on their nests.
An error has occurred. Please try again. With a Lewiston Sun Journal subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. It looks like you do not have any active ...
The world faces many challenges and concerns when it comes to the future of transportation, but one of the biggest hurdles to a utopian future has finally been overcome. Toyota, using the might of its ...
I've just learned a horrifying fact: I've been pluralizing the name "Prius" incorrectly, and you probably have been, too. Did you assume that the regular rules of English plural words applied, such ...
Every year in this column, I give tips for how to avoid the most common writing mistakes in holiday greetings and invitations. And every year, I’m reminded of just how influential I’m not as people ...
The usual way to modify a noun in English is to put an adjective before the noun: nice view, tasty treat, hot day. But every once in a while, we put the adjective after the noun. Often this is because ...
Algae thrives in sunlight. Or is it algae thrive? These are the questions that can broadside a copy editor years, even decades, into her career. When it comes to English, there’s never a point where ...
A particular tech company has reclaimed the letter "i" by turning it into a prefix — you know the one. But in this game, puzzle guru Art Chung sends poor "i" to the ends of words, by quizzing ...