The American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel includes such luminaries as Joan Didion, Calvin Trillin, and Antonin Scalia. The group of 200 is often polled on usage controversies.
Are you as picky as the panelists—or are you even pickier?
Let’s find out: Would you accept the underlined word or phrase in each of these ten sentences?
- Her behavior during these negotiations really aggravated me.
- We are anxious to receive your proposed changes on the draft agreement.
- Please let me know if you have any questions as regards our settlement offer.
- The board is comprised of seven directors.
- The lawyers in New York are different than the lawyers in Chicago.
- I won’t be able to propose a settlement value until we are farther along in the discovery process.
- We will send you more information once we finalize plans for the retreat.
- Some people find ERISA dull. However, my office mate finds it exciting.
- Your foul mood is impacting our ability to finish the due-diligence report and go home.
- I need to incentivize my colleagues to finish their billing for the month.
