Don Ferguson News for Knoxville, TN from Knoxville News Sentinel

Don Ferguson

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Ferguson is a former city editor of The Knoxville News-Sentinel and a former Knoxville City Council member. He recently retired as chief deputy clerk of the United States District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Grammar Gremlins: Phrases without logic Published 6/17/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 3 comments
"Which is correct, 'every so often' or 'ever so often'?" a reader asked. "My teacher years ago told us 'ever so often' is right."
Grammar Gremlins: 'For free' OK for sure Published 6/10/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 0 comments
Is the expression "for free" correct usage?
Grammar Gremlins: You're never to misuse 'your' Published 6/3/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 6 comments
What would you think if your child received the following note from his teacher?
Grammar Gremlins: Don't dangle your modifiers Published 5/27/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 3 comments
The host of a network television show used the following sentence in describing the weather in a certain city:
Grammar Gremlins: 'Exact same' OK but unpolished Published 5/20/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 2 comments
In his recent statement on same-sex marriage, Vice President Joe Biden used the expression "same exact."
Grammar Gremlins: Credit where credit is due Published 5/13/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 2 comments
Can someone be "credited" with a despicable act?
Grammar Gremlins: Speech probe short-lived Published 5/6/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 0 comments
A reader asked about the pronunciation of "lived" in the expression "short-lived." He said he prefers the short "i" version — rhymes with "give."
Grammar Gremlins: 'That' is cure for redundant phrase Published 4/29/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 0 comments
An economist being interviewed on national television used the expression "the reason is because."
Grammar Gremlins: Don't grow improper usage Published 4/22/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 2 comments
"When I hear 'grow' used in sentences like 'We will grow the economy,' it makes me cringe," a reader said.
Don Ferguson: A Manhattan Project phone operator's memories Published 4/15/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 4 comments
"In appreciation of effective service in work essential to the production of the Atomic Bomb, thereby contributing to the successful conclusion of World War II."
Grammar Gremlins: And you can start off this way Published 4/15/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 3 comments
Is it proper usage to start a sentence with "and"?
Grammar Gremlins: Laying down the usage law Published 4/8/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 0 comments
Should "attorney" be capitalized when used in front of a lawyer's name? This question came up in a discussion I had recently with two lawyers.
Grammar Gremlins: Usage can make one sick Published 4/1/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 1 comment
The words "nauseous" and "nauseated" are used by many people as if they were interchangeable, but they are not, according to noted grammarian Theodore Bernstein.
Grammar Gremlins: Continue repeating yourself. Published 3/25/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 1 comment
We hear the phrase "continue on" used often in reference to some of the presidential candidates and whether they will remain in the race.
Grammar Gremlins: 'Equally as' a redundant phrase Published 3/18/2012 at 4:00 a.m. 0 comments
"There's no reason to think that the tornado damage on the other side of town won't be equally as bad," a weather reporter said on national television.