How to email a professor

As in: Writing Pedantry

This isn't strictly writing pedantry, but I think it's good advice. Orange Crate Art advises the following 'rules' for writing to professors via email:

• Write from your college or university e-mail account.
• Include the course number in your subject line.
• Think about what you're saying:
  • Choose an appropriate greeting.
  • Avoid rote apologies for missing class.
  • Avoid Make direct requests.
  • Proofread what you've written.
  • Sign with your full name, course number, and meeting time.
• Don't send unexpected attachments.
• When you get a reply, say thanks.

For me, the attachments one isn't so key--I ask students to send me a lot of stuff by email, so that's okay. I also don't mind direct requests, but phrasing them politely is nice.

Found via Lifehacker

Not as many

As in: Writing Pedantry

Less does not mean "not as many." Less means "not as much." Fewer means "not as many."

Wrong	Right

Do not write:
I didn't have a stomachache because I ate less M&M's than last Halloween.

Do write:
I didn't have a stomachache because I ate fewer M&M's than last Halloween. I still had a sugar high, though.

The "naked 'this'"

As in: Writing Pedantry

Do not use this as a pronoun. Include the noun to which you are referring.

Do not write:
The answer to "life, the universe, and everything" is 42. This has puzzled scholars and fans of silly novels for years.

Do write:
The answer to "life, the universe, and everything" is 42. This mystery has puzzled scholars and fans of silly novels for years.

Using a "naked 'this'" leaves the reader guessing at your meaning; don't make them guess! (Thanks, Doug!)

IMO

As in: Writing Pedantry

Don't say "in my opinion." The whole paper is your opinion.

Don't write:
In my opinion, Evil Dead 2 is Sam Raimi's best work.

Write:
Evil Dead 2 is Sam Raimi's best work.

Gender words

As in: Writing Pedantry

"Male" should be an adjective unless you have good reason for it not to be. Use "man" and "woman" when appropriate.

Do not write:
The elevator was full of females and I hadn't showered that morning.

Write:
The elevator was full of women and I hadn't showered that morning!

Using "females" here makes it sound like you're doing animal behavior studies: The four females chased the amorous male over the hill and clubbed him with branches.