Grammar

interesting facts about language, etc.

•Chinese names are often formatted as family name first, then given name.

Emmy J. Favilla • A World Without "Whom"

The birth of the modern emoticon, grandparent of the emoji, is widely accepted to be attributed to Scott E. Fahlman, a Carnegie Mellon University professor

Emmy J. Favilla • A World Without "Whom"

Long after we ceased seeking amusement by watching gladiators fight lions, we still use the abbreviation for the Ancient Roman libra ponda (“pound of weight”) to denote 16 ounces.

Emmy J. Favilla • A World Without "Whom"

Italicize titles of films, but use roman type for franchises in the general sense or when they act as a descriptor: “He has tons of Star Wars memorabilia”

Emmy J. Favilla • A World Without "Whom"

1982 [the first recorded instance of the digital emoticon]

Emmy J. Favilla • A World Without "Whom"

Exceptions to this: •Corporation or brand names that are pluralized, e.g., General Motors’

Emmy J. Favilla • A World Without "Whom"

(The appositive comma, to clarify, is a comma that separates a noun from the noun or noun phrase preceding it that further defines it.)

Emmy J. Favilla • A World Without "Whom"

Hopefully when used to mean “it is hoped” is a member of a class of adverbs known as disjuncts. Disjuncts serve as a means by which the author or speaker can comment directly to the reader or hearer usually on the content of the sentence to which they are attached.

Emmy J. Favilla • A World Without "Whom"

generally use Latino rather than Hispanic when a broader term is necessary.