My step-mother calls those things you mail letters in, “ahn-ve-lofes.” I’m sure she means “envelopes.” but it drives me buggy every time I hear it. I have stopped trying to correct her.
I am an editor. I work in a place full of other editors. Therefore, no mercy when I point out some of my favorite grammatical sins. I expect all of us to speak and write correctly – some of these editors are former teachers, fer cryin’ out loud. (on purpose)
Regards – Correct: “Send my regards to Broadway.” Incorrect: “With regards to your memo…” It’s either “with regard” or “regarding”. Very rarely do you need to add an “s” at the end. Only if you’re sending more than one regard.
Towards – According to my AP Stylebook, there is no excuse, ever, for adding an “s” at the end of that one. You run toward the light, you run away from the light – whatever you have to do to get away from the evil spirit who sucked you into the television, but you never [insert verb here] towards anything.
Oh, and “onto” is not a word. “Into” is a word. “On to” is two words. One does not log onto the internet. we log on, to the internet. (comma not necessary but thrown in there for emphasis.)
These are minor nitpicky things that bug me – but I would never say a word to anyone who isn’t an editor for a living. My co-workers, on the other hand… AIIIGH.
