speaking tips Archives

speaking tips

Writing Tip 159: “Every once and a while” vs. “Every once in a while”

Every once in a while This idiom is up there with “for all intents and purposes” (not “intensive purposes”), “hunger pangs” (not “pains”), and “exacting” (not “extracting”) revenge for how often it is confused by writers and speakers alike.

Reminder: “Every once in a while” is the proper form of this expression—not “every once and a while,” not “every once in awhile.”

Every once in a while, I seem to notice a certain mistake all over the place.

Every once in a while, I can be polite and not point an accusatory red pen at the offenders.

Every once in a while, I need new red pens because I tend to run them dry.

We’ve already discussed the differences between “awhile” and “a while,” but this expression needed a note of its own. Are you writing it correctly?

Writing Tip 150: Myself (and the Reflexive Pronouns)

885618_s — I’m convinced that swans think deep thoughts. Perhaps the usage of the reflexive pronoun is one of them. No? You don’t agree?

We’ve addressed prickly “I” versus “me” usage, but “myself” needs its own moment in the editorial spotlight. Sure, it can be egotistical or dramatic, but it’s time that “myself” is finally understood. Are you with me?

Above all else, remember that “myself” is not interchangeable with “I” or “me.”

The painter and myself didn’t choose our palette (yikes!)
No one went to the library with my friend and myself (no!)

Neither of these sentences is correct. If you’re not sure why, return to that “I” versus “me” refresher. Here’s what you do need to know about this tricky word—and let’s add “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “yourselves,” and “themselves” to this conversation too. (These are all reflexive pronouns, but I’ll whisper the grammar jargon so as not to scare you away).