Like it or not, artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. And while experts may argue about the pros and cons of these programs, one potential pitfall is clear: AI is not yet ready to replace human editors. Consider this—a real example I got from ChatGPT: ChatGPT (ChatGPT.com) changed “countries” to “regions” but left “New
One easy way to rile a grammarian is to misuse your apostrophes. The rules are pretty simple: Is your word pural? (That is, are there more than one?) Then add only an s (or an es if the noun ends in an s, x or z)—no apostrophe is needed. This rule applies even for numbers
Compare these two sentences: By implementing a marketing strategy and focusing on customer relations, John was saving the company money and contributing to the bottom line. John’s marketing strategy focused on customer relations to help the company save money and increase its bottom line. Notice how the second version is a bit clearer and easier
The Oxford comma is one of the more confusing rules of grammar. That’s because it’s not really a rule. It’s more of a suggestion. Also known as the serial comma, the Oxford comma is used before the conjunction (usually “and” or “or”) in a series of three or more things: “Eggs come with a choice
The English language is full of surprises. The other day I was reading about flamingos and was, well, tickled pink when I learned what a group of flamingos is called: A group of these leggy, gregarious pink birds is a flamboyant. The word “flamboyance” means “strikingly bold and showy,” a description that fits these birds
ChatGPT launched just last November, and already it seems like everyone has started worrying about how artificial intelligence programs like this one are going to affect our world—and maybe even take our jobs. I decided to take this question right to the source. Could ChatGPT replace human editors? Here is ChatGPT’s reply: While CHATGPT is an
There is one simple change that can make your writing more dynamic. Wait, let’s try that again: One simple change can make your writing more dynamic. See the difference? Starting a sentence with “there is” or “there are” slows the pace of your writing. What’s more, this sentence structure buries the most important part of
“Don’t use a big word when a minuscule alternative will suffice.” It’s an old joke, but one that makes an important point: Big words are like fine jewels—you may take them out for special occasions, but they’re not for everyday use. No matter what you’re writing, you want your words to be read and understood.
Does the word discuss mean the same as present? Or healthcare the same as health care? Some would say yes; some, no. The fact is, we don’t always agree on the meanings of words. But if we don’t always agree on the meanings of words, do we always know what we’re saying to each other? Not necessarily.
A bit belatedly, this blog will highlight some changes in the latest edition of the AP Stylebook. For a general overview, also see the What’s New section at the front of the guide. Generally, the main sections have been shuffled around a bit. There is a new Polls and Surveys section that takes the place
It’s 3 p.m. Your eyes have glazed over from staring at a computer, you’ve talked to a mind-numbing number of people, and—against your will—the afternoon haze has begun to set in. Have no fear, your wake-up call is here! Who doesn’t struggle with that feeling of “I just need to look at something else for
Copyeditors often work under the “no news is good news” principle. We complete our step in the publication process, hand the content along for review or layout, and turn to the next urgent edit in our pile. We may even worry when we see a response from a client about a project we finished pop
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