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ImageSMART TALK

by Dr. Ced Riley


PROTEST AGAINST: At the Center for English as a First Language, we use a simple test for the ignorance quotient of a redundancy: Does the opposite modifier make an actual EFL speaker laugh? And here again, yes: Protest for sounds as silly as open down. Therefore, protest against is as redundant as seatbelts on bicycles.

If the pesto craze has you joining the movement to protest cruelty to basil, enough said. We know which side you're on.

We're wondering whether the exploding popularity of Greek yogurt will move PETA to protest the thoughtless exploitation of lactobacilli. They're living creatures, after all.

Children repeat what they hear. Let's protest ignorant sounding English by setting an example and speaking it as it it really were our first language.



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