NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 81
Chapter 2 Word Choice
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choice of preposition
Some correct word combinations you just have to memorize.
Mrs. B has no rule to help you out.
Here's today's list:
conform to (not with)
v
We don't want the 11:00 scripts to CONFORM TO those at 6:00.
independent of (not from)
v
We want to be INDEPENDENT OF the network in our coverage
of the crash.
retroactive to (not from)
v
Our raises are RETROACTIVE TO January 1.
speak to (if you're telling something to someone)
v
I'll SPEAK TO the receptionist about the time to send your
interview into the studio.
speak with (if you're discussing something with someone)
v
You need to SPEAK WITH the special projects producer about
your ideas for a sweeps series.
Mrs. B leaves you with this to speak with your colleagues about.
"Language is not neutral. It is not merely a vehicle which carries
ideas. It is itself a shaper of ideas."
--Dale Spender, writer (1943- )
