Author: John Clifford

oral, verbal, aural

People talk of verbal contracts when they mean things agreed by word of mouth, not written down.

Strictly speaking that’s not the right word.

Naval gazing?

It surprises me how often people are criticised for “contemplating their naval”. I’ve seen this usage several times recently.

– “Sorry, I was on mute.”
– “You need to unmute yourself.”
– “I can’t find the mute button.”

People sometimes get confused between lay and lie and say something like, “I need to lay down.”

Would you say kudos are due? You shouldn’t.