Language Matters

Rampant incorrect use of hyphens is contributing in its small way to the dulling of English-language literacy.

Programs like 'Thirteen Reasons Why' demonstrate the potential consequences of bullying. Looking to the media is often a good way to demonstrate how adults bully and why this is shameful, unacceptable behavior.

Every walkway is a "pedestrian walkway." Redundancy should be used sparingly, and only when it contributes to rhetorical effect or provides necessary emphasis.

While Donald Trump may be an avatar of civilization's decline, it has already been proceeding quite nicely without him. A Roman Trump might well have said "Veni, vidi, vici," in just those words – building his strength on citizens' ignorance.

Money and genius grants can't revive the hundreds of languages native to the Americas that have died out over the last few centuries.

"Man up." What a curious phrase to use in the context of a wave of accusations of sexual harassment and assault.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. But "any other name" just might not do.

Those who respect the New York Times's journalistic integrity will do so even more if it begins to include among "all the news that's fit to print" calling out the lies, even the petty ones, told to the American people by those who aspire to lead them.

"Hate" is an old word, going all the way back to Anglo-Saxon (Old English). "Hate group" and "hate crime" sharply narrow the meaning of the word.

To paraphrase an old campaign slogan of that other famous Clinton: "It's credibility, stupid."