Peeve: A source of annoyance or irritation.
Every once in a while, I share some of the things that most peeve me as a writer and a listener to speakers and media types. Here are a few more:
Using myriad as a noun. Example: "He had a myriad of options for tackling the problem." Myriad is an adjective, not a noun. It means innumerable or many. So the correct wording of the example should be "He had myriad options...."
Using "he/she and I" incorrectly. Example: "They gave she and I free passes to the exhibit." This is a common mistake made by those who never learned the difference between the subject(s) and the object(s) of a sentence. The simple way to determine the correct usage in this case is to break the sentence into two sentences thus: "They gave her a free pass." "They gave me a free pass." Then combine the two into one for the correct usage: "They gave her and me a free pass."
Using busted in describing an accident or act of violence. Example: "Investigating officers discovered a busted window where the burglars had entered the residence." This used to be common usage among the uneducated and rednecks, but today it's common among otherwise well-educated media types who should know better. The correct word is broken. (The grammar police should ensure that the violators of this rule are busted!)
Using very unique to describe something--anything. Example: "Her approach to the subject is very unique." Unique means "one of a kind." There are no degrees of uniqueness. Something is either unique or it isn't. The correct usage might be "Her approach is unique" or "Her approach is different/interesting/uncommon"--or myriad other possibilities. But never "very unique."
Publishers and editors who don't respond to emails. Back in the days when snail mail was the only way for media types to respond to queries or submissions, even the busiest of them would send at least a small slip of paper--often preprinted and stockpiled--saying, "Thanks, but no thanks," or "Sorry, this isn't right for us," or "Sorry, but try us again." But in this day of instant messaging, when with a tap of a key they can send an almost immediate response, they prove themselves to be impolite cads who don't really care about their reading public or the writers who supply their material. There's no excuse for not replying promptly.
Drivers who sit looking at their cell phones, applying makeup, searching for something under their feet, or daydreaming in La-La Land after the stoplight turns green. Almost as bad are those who in heavy traffic won't close up the gap between themselves and the car ahead of them. Still worse--and far more dangerous--are drivers who see the light turn red and have plenty of time to stop safely, but speed through the redlight, endangering the lives of drivers on the perpendicular street who by then are passing through the intersection under their green light. Those are just a few of my pet peeves (I have myriads of them!)--for now. I might add a few more by tomorrow. What are yours?
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