Zombie rules seem follow you around like the undead, though some are just stylistic choices. Here’s a breakdown on the outdated rules involving “curate” and “reveal.”
Articles Tagged zombie rules
Rewriting the Zombies: Using “Likely” for “Probably”
In this series, learn why zombie rules don’t work and what rule you can follow instead. This week, we’ll tackle the “likely” and “probably.”
The Copyeditor’s Typographic Oath
Copyediting notoriously lacks industry regulation. So, we’ve developed a helpful set of ten best practices that all copyeditors can follow.
“Social” vs. “Sociable”: Another Zombie Rule Bites the Dust
Before deciding whether to replace “social” with “sociable,” learn about this centuries-old zombie rule that stumps copyeditors to this day.
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.
