Pled vs. Pleaded

This is one I used to struggle with regularly in my day-to-day work, until I got used to it.
Someone pled guilty or pleaded guilty?
The rule for us in journalism is pleaded. The lawyers like pled.
I imagine this goes back to the good ole English court terminology somewhere in history.
In any case … I like pled.  [...]

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It’s RIGHT, right?

“I’ve just had a right good shit,” a friend who is known for giving unnecessary information said.
So, a good shit was not enough, it was a right good shit. Does that mean a good shit which is correct?  Can a good shit be incorrect for that matter.
“I’m right pleased with my new job.” – Can [...]

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It Just Doesn’t Sound (Write?)

When we talk about writing letters, us Brits have a certain…overly long way about asking people to send us mail:
“Send a letter to me.”
“Write me a letter.”
Whereas some other nations are somewhat more economic with words:
“Write me.”
Call me old fashioned but I like the long-winded approach:
“Go forth and reproduce” is sometimes a better way of [...]

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Like it matters…

The MADE IN ENGLAND part, that is.

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Le Cheese Royale – Economy in Words

The people of North America (possibly South America and Canada as well, I’m not sure) have it figured out. They use what I’d call imperial measurements: good old pounds and ounces.
Here in Britain, it’s a different matter. There’s some confusion as to what we use.
Here’s a packet of out of date bacon I [...]

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Officialize It

In today’s modern world, there is a tendency to feel as if the most sensible and basic words don’t measure up.
Everything must be … “officialized.”
Utilize.
Prioritize.
Desensitize.
If you read the classics, how many of these officalized words do you ever come across?
This is used (not utilized) by those who work in cubicles who are afraid that if [...]

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