Editorial Help Desk

Word of the Month

Genuflect
(Verb)
1. Bend the knees and bow in church or before a religious superior or image.
Example:
One student was admonished for failing to genuflect before going into the pews. 
—Vanessa Romo, NPR.

2. Bend the knees and bow in a servile manner (more current usage).
Example:
Every time I stepped into his office, I felt the need to genuflect.
The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates, by Wes Moore

Tip of the Month

Caution! In an effort to avoid misdirection and misinformation, adverbs should be placed as close as possible to the word they modify. Ideally, place it directly before the word. Misplacement can change the entire meaning of the sentence. Especially words like only, nearly, almost, ever, merely, also, and too.

Take a close look at these examples:

Only the Board can nominate the three officers. (They cannot be nominated by anyone else)
The board can only nominate the three officers. (They cannot elect them)
The board can nominate only the three officers. (They cannot nominate any more than three)

WRONG: Our list of members almost numbers 5,000.
RIGHT: Our list of members numbers almost 5,000.

WRONG: Here are some helpful suggestions for protecting your valuables from our hotel security staff. (Can no one be trusted?)
RIGHT: Here are some helpful suggestions from our hotel security staff for protecting your valuables.

WRONG: For anyone with children who does not know it, there is a free after-school program at the community center.
RIGHT: Anyone with children will be glad to know that there is a free after-school program at the community center.

As always, when in doubt, check it out! Contact the Editorial Help Desk for help (Donna_M_MarksPleasant@mcpsmd.org).