It's been a long day in the engine room. Among the copy that came our way was:
"the failure rate at annual test was 65.96%". A clear example of a writer switching off his common-sense module and writing whatever his calculator told him. Assuming the vehicle fleet didn't number in the thousands, 66% would make a lot more sense... or better yet, two out of three.
"the infectious energy extolled by the business development director..." The writer meant exuded, of course, though JD, being in his usual argumentative mood, pointed out that the director could have been extolling someone else's infectious energy...
"the sliding drawer". As any engine room denizen would delight in telling the author, if it don't slide, it ain't a drawer (which reminds me of the schoolboy joke: Q–what do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back? A-a stick).
Sometimes, after all, an object is defined by its function. For example, is a broken-down car still a car? Say you removed the wheels and engine...
I think it's time for my medication.
Writers... doncha love 'em?
Posted by
Apus
on Thursday, 29 November 2007
Labels:
extol,
exude,
percentages,
sliding drawer
4 comments:
I like you Apus, you care a bit too much.
Apologies for the splice. That's ruined my weekend.
Gez, if JD and I weren't obsessive's hoe could we make our charges lives a misery?
;)
Gez, if JD and I weren't obsessive's hoe could we make our charges lives a misery?
;)
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