Category Archives: Language

Second time right, Mariella: two point one nine lies a day, NOT two point nineteen!

Posted on July 18, 2019 by biowrite

I am writing this as I listen to a BBC Radio 4 programme on children lying, presented by Mariella Frostrup. I was infuriated to hear her say that ‘people tell on average two point nineteen lies a day’ and relieved … Continue reading →

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What Jeremy Corbyn must say to the Labour Party establishment

Posted on June 26, 2016 by biowrite

‘You claim you wanted strong leadership. I give it to you. ‘I have an overwhelming mandate from members to lead this party, and I am using it now. Purging Blairites ‘I am purging all Blairites from the party. Resign or … Continue reading →

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Applying for a university course? New service offered: help with your personal statement.

Posted on February 5, 2014 by biowrite

I recently realised that I had helped several people with their UCAS personal statements (i.e. statements of motivation for entrance into UK universities) in the last couple of years. All seemed pleased with what I did. It occurred to me … Continue reading →

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Brushing up my French with Michel Thomas

Posted on April 21, 2009 by biowrite

I have just started brushing up my French by listening to Advanced Course: French by Michel Thomas.  Undoubtedly the man is a genius, although I agree with other reviewers that the level isn’t that advanced.  (I am qualified to teach … Continue reading →

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Acquaintances of various/varying degrees of closeness

Posted on March 8, 2009 by biowrite

The other day I sent an email using the heading “Overdue update for relatives, friends and acquaintances of varying degrees of closeness”. I received a witty response from a friend subtly pointing out that I should have said “various degrees … Continue reading →

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Fame at last! The voice of “rogue, scoundrel, rascal”!

Posted on March 5, 2009 by biowrite

I was delighted to receive an email today telling me that I am now the official voice of the Scots word for “rogue, scoundrel, rascal”. Let me explain: a few days ago I was recorded by Katrina MacLeod of the … Continue reading →

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The French connection, pesto, post, and post-pronoia post positivity

Posted on February 28, 2009 by biowrite

Pronoia and positivity work!  Since this post great things have happened, especially today! 1) I received a cheque in the post (for some transcription work). 2) I received a positive email from a potential commissioner, pleased with the sample work … Continue reading →

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Not hot sex, yet mad fun: the joy of three-letter words. Part II.

Posted on February 27, 2009 by biowrite

[UPDATE 20 APRIL 2009: Since this was first posted it has had about 300 hits from people seeking information on the Dogue de Bordeaux. I have added information on this breed, and have referred to two books which should be … Continue reading →

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Not hot sex, yet mad fun: the joy of three-letter words. Part I.

Posted on February 27, 2009 by biowrite

The last post was heavy stuff, so here’s a fun one! In my penultimate post I mentioned my favourite words.  Later I realised I had omitted one:  yet. yet Yet is the crème de la crème of conjunctions,  a feminine sophisticate.  … Continue reading →

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The case of the hyphen and other crimes of omission and commission

Posted on February 21, 2009 by biowrite

Many lament the effective demise of the apostrophe, misused to the point of uselessness. (Here’s a wee poem I penned on the subject many years ago. Note that it might have better to have referred to possessive adjectives rather than … Continue reading →

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