Judy Vorfeld Properly used, says Chicago Manual of Style, incredible (adjective) means “unbelievable.” It is also used to mean “astonishing” (in a good way). Incredulous (adjective) means “disbelieving, skeptical.” American Heritage Dictionary uses, “an incredulous stare.”
Judy Vorfeld IN REGARD TO. Avoid “in regards to.” Also try substituting “about” “regarding” “concerning.”
Judy Vorfeld Oppress means to persecute/tyrannize/bully. A nation could be oppressed by its leaders, a community could be oppressed by a powerful segment intent on control, and a child could be oppressed by bullies. Further, people can feel oppressed (worried/depressed) by many things, such as a strange atmosphere or strange surroundings. Repress […]
Judy Vorfeld “Repellent” and “Repulsive” both speak to driving others away, but REPULSIVE is more REPULSIVE than REPELLENT is REPELLENT. Repellent is more about distaste. Repulsive is more about disgusting. In good writing, there are distinct differences.
Judy Vorfeld Pretext & Pretense Pretext is a false reason given to conceal a truth, and comes from a word meaning “to weave, before, pretend.” Think of a pretext as having “texture, a cloth, a cover-up.” Dana told everyone she was laid off because of the economy but she was really fired. She […]
