Remarks on English Usage

In my spare time, I enjoy identifying common errors of English grammar and usage and complaining bitterly about them. As a mere amateur in this area, I claim only the most superficial understanding of the relevant issues and generally defer to the experts. In particular, I'm a fan of Goold Brown (others who share my admiration for G.B. may be interested in acquiring this commemorative toilet kit), H. W. Fowler, and Wilson Follett. Occasionally, however, in the spirit of Kingsley Amis's dictum, "The defence of the language is too large a matter to be left to the properly qualified", I offer my own observations. It is my hope that arrogance, pedantry, and dogmatism can compensate for what I lack in other credentials. Some of my favorite solecisms are discussed herein.