Simplifying Government-Speak
It’s almost a given these days that the federal government is unpopular. A fall 2011 Gallup poll found that 63% of Americans hold negative views of it, and critics come from all sides. However, certain citizens, civil employees and lawmakers believe that a primary factor behind public disillusionment has to do with the fact that [...]
Literally Literal
The common misuse of the word “literally” is a pet peeve of The Awkward Adverb (shared by many other people). The word is a useful tool to clarify that a potentially metaphorical phrase is indeed not metaphorical. Consider for example, “I was riding my bicycle through the park when I was yelled at by some [...]
Presidentially Speaking
Awkward adverbs became a hot topic on Inauguration Day when Chief Justice Roberts and President Obama stumbled over the presidential oath. Not that we’re pointing fingers at either party (The Awkward Adverb is nonpartisan), but according to the Constitution, what the president should have said was: I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute [...]
