Usage/Spelling tip!

❌ per say
✅ per se

Meaning:

"Per se" means "by itself" or "in itself."

"Per say" is a relatively meaningless combination of words.

Use in a sentence:

"I'm not obsessed with 'correct' grammar, per se. I simply like clear communication and smooth-flowing sentences."

#Grammar #AmEditing #WritingTips

@Emmacox Your flapjacks sound delicious!

The term “biscuit” has caused much confusion for many people on both sides of the pond! I encountered the British usage early, in a children’s book where the American characters lived in England for several years. Other Americans figure it out while trying to order at a restaurant over there.

There’s a British (now British American) YouTuber who talks about language differences and such on his channel, Lost in the Pond. I recommend it. ^_^

@Emmacox Oh wow, this is on the same level as our different meanings for "biscuit."

We don't have British flapjacks, per se, but it looks similar to a soft granola bar or an oat treat that you'd find on a gluten-free food blog.

My mind went straight to Clif Bars (a brand of protein/granola bars that you might take on a hike). But they have more ingredients.

There are British folks who live here, have kitchens, and share their favorite recipes. Thus, we have British flapjacks. Technically.

I haven't been paid to write an author bio in almost three years—maybe longer. I advertise myself as a book editor, not a copywriter.

Recently, I needed to write my own bio. I spent *hours* trying to do it in first person. I had so much I wanted to say and explain, and I couldn't decide what was most important.

Then I switched over to third person, as if I were writing someone else's bio. Suddenly, the words flowed easily.

Good to know my copywriting skills are still there when I need them.

I've been neglecting social media lately. I started preparing my newest author testimonial for posting weeks ago. And then... 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sometimes, I forget about the Fediverse because I'm buried in an editing project. This time, there are other factors. Maybe it's partly due to current events.

I'll try to get back to posting tips related to editing and such soon—I know that makes me happy, and it's why many of y'all followed me back when I first got here.

I hope y'all are taking care of yourselves. 💜