Comments on: Yes, Words Matter

By: So much for weekly « Word Nerds Unite

So much for weekly « Word Nerds Unite — Sat, 24 May 2008 23:35:08 +0000

[...] this thread is that one commenter pointed out a string of blog posts on the over/more than debate, one of which was posted on the very same day I posted mine! (Check out the Common Sense PR blog for April [...]

By: over = more than « Motivated Grammar

over = more than « Motivated Grammar — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:20:17 +0000

[...] 2008 in grammar, history, modification, speech, words, writing Did I miss the memo? Suddenly all the grammar snobs on the snobosphere are debating whether over is an improper substitute for more than. [...]

By: PRs need to learn manners | Strive Notes

PRs need to learn manners | Strive Notes — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:59:36 +0000

[...] Obviously using the right language always matters, but as Peter comments here, ‘why write two words when you can write one’. [...]

By: CJ Johnson

CJ Johnson — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:23:25 +0000

I am a PR student at Towson University in Maryland. My class was given an assignment to research on PR related blogs and I happened to come across this one. I just want to say that the title of this blog, “Common Sense PR,” is what really caught my eye. Then, I read your first entry about word choice. You make such a valid point here. Word choices, such as choosing to say “more than” reather than “over” can make all the difference in any type of speech or presentation. Correct grammar and word choice can really leave an impression on a listener if you can strike their fancy the right way. Hearing a PR professional speak illiterately completely throws all credibility out the window and can make a listener lose interest right off the bat. Although very brief and to the point, your posting should really be taken to heart by any PR student or professional. As a PR student, these small tips and words of wisdom from experienced members of the field are always helpful and greatly appreciated, even if they’re simple common sense like this. Thanks for the read.

By: Words, Links, Innovations and Giant Leaps in Wine Labeling « Brett’s Blog

Sun, 04 May 2008 23:57:08 +0000

[...] Yes, Words Matter: So when do you use “more than” instead of “over?” Better yet, when does it matter? CommonSense PR has a take on it. [...]

By: Mariana Sarceda

Mariana Sarceda — Sat, 03 May 2008 20:02:06 +0000

The correctness of speech should always be seeked after. I agree on your opinion about the difference between “more than” and “over”; it may be subtle but it definitely exists.

By: Sherrilynne Starkie

Sherrilynne Starkie — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:48:48 +0000

Eric, you are correct in your explanation of ‘more than’ v ‘over’. It’s on of the most common errors I find when editing other people’s copy.

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:45:42 +0000

Why write two words when you can write one?

By: Becky Mochaface

Becky Mochaface — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:06:15 +0000

I think there are definite cases for both. And my boss has brainwashed me to use “more than” in all of our writing. So much so that when I read “over” for figures, I do cringe. For spoken language, I think “over” is appropriate. But in writing, it’s sloppy and seems almost unprofessional.

By: Allan Jenkins

Allan Jenkins — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:40:05 +0000

“More than,” by all means, when talking about quantities.

I see nothing ungrammatical with “over” — I don’t wince — but it strikes me as inprecise and sloppy.

And “over” has precise uses, so why debase the currency?

Just finished editing an article that was 5100 words when it showed up, 4500 when it left. Guy called to complain when he should have been kissing my booty in thanks… people do love their prose.

You coming to conference this summer?