March 2023

absorbtion

Although it’s “absorbed” and “absorbing” the correct spelling of the noun is “absorption.” But note that scientists distinguish between “absorption” as the process of swallowing up or sucking in something and “adsorption” as the process by which something adheres to the surface of something else without being assimilated into it. Even technical writers often confuse […]

please RSVP / Please Reply

RSVP stands for the French phrase répondez s’il vous plaît (“reply, please”) so it doesn’t need an added “please.” However, since few people seem to know its literal meaning, and fewer still take it seriously, it’s best to use plain English” “Please reply.” And for those of you receiving such an invitation, yes, you have […]