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August 29, 2000
JARGON
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Jargon is language that is custom-designed for particular occupations or specialty groups. For example, the field of computer technology uses terms such as e-zine, hyperlink, or server which may not be clearly understood by those unfamiliar with computer usage.
Jargon can be helpful when used in contexts which are understood by all participants, but jargon addressed to people outside the common group can complicate the communication process.
Technical reports sometimes use jargon to explain functional processes. However, when such reports are shared with readers who do not normally use the jargon, it may become necessary to explain technical terms by providing brief definitions inside parentheses immediately following the jargon or to include a list of technical terms with their definitions at the end of the document, perhaps as an appendix. Such a list is called a lexicon.
Generally, use jargon sparingly or provide definitions if you are unsure whether the reader is familiar with terms of the trade.
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SPELLING OR WRITING TIP
Here are a few spelling guidelines to keep in mind with regards to American English:
1. Many English words that sound alike are spelled differently. Be aware of variant spellings for words that sound similar (homonyms):
poor vs. pore
sew vs. so
threw vs. through
2. If in doubt about how to spell a word, look it up in the dictionary--don't guess.
3. If you can't find the word in a dictionary where you think it ought to be, check spelling alternatives in nearby columns.
4. Keep in mind the different spellings of similar sounds, such as "f" and "ph" (as in "stuff" and "enough") or "s" and "c" (as in "syrup" and "circus").
5. Don't rely exclusively on a computer's spell checker. Keep a dictionary, word list, or thesaurus handy as well.
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NEW WORD OF THE WEEK:
FECUND (fe-cund): 1. fruitful in offspring or vegetation: prolific 2. intellectually productive or inventive.
High school honors students often have fecund minds.
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YOUR GRAMMAR AND WRITING QUESTIONS
QUESTION: When making a door knocker or sign for a family home, where does the apostrophe go, and is there always an apostrophe? For example, The Ropers'? Or The Ropers? What about if the family's last name ends in "s"? Thank you!
GRAMMARCHECK: Name references on door plates such as you describe simply refer to the fact that several members of the same family share the residence. All you need do is make the family name plural by adding "s" (no apostrophe is needed):
The Smiths
The Burgandys (do not change the "y" to "ie")
The Wiffles
However, with a name like "Jones" that ends in "s," plurality can be demonstrated two ways:
Joneses (adding "es")
or
Jones' (adding 's clarifies plurality in nouns ending with "s")
From our perspective, adding "es" is preferable and more common for a sign.
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QUESTION: Once and for all, which is correct?
We recommend several books in this week's "Spelling Tips."
or
We recommend several books in this week's "Spelling Tips".
GRAMMARCHECK: Your first example is correct; the period stays inside the quotation marks.
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QUESTION: When someone says the following, which is the correct response:
I don't have anything to say.
Neither DO I.
or
Neither HAVE I.
Or both?
GRAMMARCHECK: The first example is more common--Neither do I.
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QUESTION: "Since you are using the Internet, you may be interested in entering our contest."
There seems to be a dispute at my office. I was editing a document and found the sentence noted above. Please help! Should "Internet" be capitalized? I know there are a few circumstances where you would capitalize this word. However, in this case, I don't think so. What's the rule on this?
GRAMMARCHECK: Our sources suggest that "Internet" is always capitalized. However, inconsistencies are common. The word "e-mail," for example, is sometimes hyphenated and sometimes not, depending on the writer. Because technological jargon is still relatively new (see our feature article), spelling and usage rules are not yet clearly defined.
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QUESTION: Hi! I love reading the GrammarCheck newsletter!
I provide students with low-cost proof-reading services, depending on their situation. I have done editing for people where English is not their primary language. I have a flexible payment plan, also. Check out my web site:
http://clik.to/iwriteforyou
The web site is new and I have not submitted to any of the search engines. Thanks!
June
GRAMMARCHECK: Thank you, June; you now may be contacted by some of our readers! Thanks for responding to our recent issue in which a non-native speaker of English asked about proofreading services.
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