Before deciding whether to replace “social” with “sociable,” learn about this centuries-old zombie rule that stumps copyeditors to this day.
Articles Tagged zombie rules
Do We Appreciate the Breadth of Appreciate?
A rule exists claiming that the word “appreciate” should not be used to mean “value.” Interestingly, multiple dictionaries beg to differ.
Rewriting the Zombies: Split Infinitives
Boldly go where grammar peevers don’t want you to go! Splitting verb phrases and infinite verbs is perfectly grammatical in English.
Rewriting the Zombies: “Hopefully”
Don’t start a sentence with “hopefully”? Hopefully, you’ll read this article and learn why you can.
Rewriting the Zombies: “None”
A few grammar peevers will insist that “none” means “not one” and must take a singular verb. But there’s more to the story.
Rewriting the Zombies: “And” and “But”
“Don’t start a sentence with ‘and’ or ‘but,'” we’re told. But no one updates that rule when our skills grow. Let’s fix that.
Rewriting the Zombies: “However”
We’ve been taught not to start sentences with “however.” Why you can dismiss that rule.
Rewriting the Zombie Rules: Singular “They”
The singular “they” zombie has been shuffling along for centuries. It’s time it bit the dust for good.
Rewriting the Zombies: “Between”
Have you been told that you can’t use “between” when talking about more than two items? That’s a zombie rule. Let’s rewrite it.
Rewriting the Zombies: “Since”
Why it’s OK to use “since” to mean “because” and when you should avoid it.