Author Archives: Campbell Aitken

Use ‘consequently’ when one event or idea is a consequence of another, meaning that the first thing led to the second.  For example: I asked Campbell to edit my thesis; consequently, it passed without amendments. Great Britain declared war on … Continue reading →

Many people confuse these words or think they are synonyms. In fact, to imply is to suggest something (the implication), and to infer means to interpret that suggestion (the inference).

It struck me recently that cufflinks are the male equivalent of foot-binding, or perhaps of growing insanely long fingernails, or even being sewn into your clothes to avoid creases (as was Archduke Ferdinand, who was shot and bled to death … Continue reading →

It’s common (but painful, to me at least) to see may or may not used in a sentence. This is poor English, because ‘may’ conveys the idea of possibility by itself: if something may be the case (this newsreader may … Continue reading →

In formal academic writing, especially theses and journal articles, most text about methods and previous research is written in past tense (e.g., ‘We interviewed 666 people living in metropolitan Melbourne’; ‘Aitken et al studied a sample …’). Nevertheless, in some … Continue reading →

These words are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Can refers to objective possibility or capacity.  For example: Can you jump over that chair? I can edit this document in one hour I can go to that party … Continue reading →

Some clients tell me they’re struggling to get their thoughts on paper (not that anyone writes on paper any more, but you know what I mean); others have written plenty but say that it doesn’t flow logically and they don’t … Continue reading →

Australians are lucky to live in a largely functional democracy that allows almost all adult citizens to have a say in who governs us. What I find strange is that we are compelled to vote; after all, voting is about … Continue reading →

Using active instead of passive voice simplifies and clarifies sentences – and saves words, which is often important in academic writing. For example: Those shoes were destroyed by your cat! Terrible injuries can result from bicycle accidents. Anchovies are what … Continue reading →

After seeing a great performance by Steve Hughes on TV earlier this year, I knew I had to see him at the 2011 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Steve was billed as ‘Steve Hughes: conspiracy realist’, and as expected he gave … Continue reading →