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Friday, May 27, 2005

Not to Mention…

Posted by on May 27 at 15:09 PM

Maybe I’m too sensitive about linguistic peccadilloes, but the phrase (or is it a clause?), “Not to mention…” followed by stuff the writer then goes on to mention, bugs the hell out of me. I know, I need to lighten up, but after a misspent youth reading books by language grouches like Edwin Newman, John Simon, and William Safire, I can’t let such gaffes slide.

I’m sure my writing bears some annoying tics, so feel free to call me out on any verbal irritants. I’ll ignore you, but it’s the thought that counts. However, I am kindly advising that Stranger writers avoid using the “Not to mention” construction. Really, it’s for your ownand our readers’good.