Author: Kirk

“Disassociate” vs. “Dissociate”

Verbs, Versus

I had to look up these two verbs the other day during a conference call.

Problem:
I was not sure which verb represented proper English.

Explanation:
The conference call entailed a review of verbiage to go into a Web-based application.

The review centered on how to communicate to a customer that two identities with the same company could be disconnected from one another.

One part of the document used the verb “disassociate”; another part of the document used the verb “dissociate”.

I had to look up these two verbs because I was unsure whether both were correct. Both verbs are correct and mean to remove from association.

The difference, according to at least one dictionary, is the age of the two verbs.

  • The verb “disassociate” originated in the period of 1595 to 1605.
  • The verb “dissociate” originated in the period of 1605 to 1615.

Solution:
Both verbs represent proper English. Use the one that you prefer, but be consistent within any given document that you are writing.

“… held in captivity for three months, the Taliban execute …”

Commas, Passive Voice

I saw this on a website.

Problem:
The Taliban were not held in captivity for three months.

Explanation:
The full sentence was “After being held in captivity for three months, the Taliban execute a local official when their demands are not met.”

The sentence appeared at a website that tracks Islamic terror attacks.

This sentence documented an attack — by the Taliban, not ON the Taliban — that was purported to have occurred in Kunar, Afghanistan, on 22 November 2008.

The problem with the sentence is that “the Taliban” immediately follows the comma-terminated “After being held in captivity for three months” and therefore implies to the reader that the Taliban were held in captivity for three months.

I usually appreciate the use of active voice instead of passive voice, but this sentence calls for passive voice after the comma.

In other words, the correct way to leave the “After” clause in place is to say immediately after the comma WHO was executed.

Solution:
“… held in captivity for three months, a local official was executed …”

FirstBook.org

General

As we enter Thanksgiving week here in the USA, it is time to take stock of that for which we are grateful.

I am grateful for many things, and the ability to read would have to be near the top of my list.

There are many organizations that promote literacy, and one that is dear to my heart is First Book.

The basic concept of First Book is that a new, age-appropriate book should not be a luxury for any child.

First Book converts every $2.50 donation into a such book, an amazing feat made possible by generous support from major publishers and others.

If you are wondering why you should support First Book or any other literacy program, then please read my article “Our Future Depends on Our Literacy”.

Thank you!