2.21.2008

Please don't say this

As an editor, certain things really irritate me.

Case in point: "The instructional staff is second to none...."

Well, if you are second to none, aren't you really FIRST...so how about if you just say that the staff is the best. Or first rate. Or something that makes more sense than 'second to none.'

You can't be second to NONE. "None" means nothing. There is nothing there. So you're really first.

It's like "needless to say"...well, if it's needless to say, then don't say it.

OK...that's my mini-rant for the day.

8 comments:

  1. I always thought of it the other way. If you're "second to none" your in second place behind "none" which means you're worse than "none."

    It's just a dumb saying. I agree.

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  2. HAHA!

    I have never really paid attention to that saying b/c, well, I don't use it. But your rant makes perfect sense!!! That saying doesn't make sense at all!!

    Nice!!

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  3. I feel the same way about, "I could care less."

    No, you couldn't care less.

    (Am I alone on this one?)

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  4. oh yeah..i hate that one too.

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  5. This made my brain hurt. I think it might be stupid people like me who use these sayings because my brain can't think of what they really mean. (NOTE: I don't use any of these sayings.... but you know what I mean)

    :)

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  6. Good for you! Keep the rants coming. That is what blogging is for, correct?

    Yes, K, testify! I hate that too (could't care less, UGH!).

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  7. I can't stand "irregardless". It doesn't make sense. Double negatives irritate me.

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  8. oh yes..."irregardless" and double negatives. two more that make me CRAZY.

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