114
Mrs. Bluezette's Grammar Guide
regardless/"irregardless", famous/infamous,
imply/infer, disinterested/uninterested
If you're saying or writing "irregardless," don't, at least when you're
trying to be correct.
You're probably thinking of "irrespective" and trying to say
"regardless."
v
REGARDLESS of the ratings, we're putting together a good
newscast.
Once a writer in Mrs. B's shop used the word "infamous" in a tease
about Harry Caray.
Caray and his family, as well as fans, might have bristled at that
description.
"Infamous" means "disreputable or notorious, wicked, villainous,
scandalous."
v
We know FAMOUS Chicago sportscaster Harry Caray for
singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
The person talking "implies."
The person on the listening end "infers."
v
The EP IMPLIED that reporters should bring story ideas to the
meeting.
v
Reporters INFERRED that they should bring in at least two story
ideas each.
"Disinterested" means "impartial" or "objective."
"Uninterested" means "not interested" or "indifferent."
v
She was DISINTERESTED enough to be a reliable critic of the
newscasts.
v
You always hope you won't get an editor who's
UNINTERESTED in the story.
