= WORD CHECK Don’t make these linguistic mistakes
By Hatie Parmeter Illustration by Eric Roesner BUT YET
With hundreds of thousands of words in the English language, you’re bound to misuse some now and then. Here are five frequently misused words and how to stop the abuse.
How we use it: “He says he’s a Chicagoan, but yet there is ketchup on his hot dog.” How we should use it: Using both words is redundant. Choose one or the other: “but” or “yet.” What its usage says about you: “I’ve got a word count to meet.”
BEMUSED
WINTER/SPRING 2013
How we use it: Somewhat amused. “I was bemused by Louis C.K.’s joke.” How we should use it: To describe feelings of bewilderment and confusion. What its usage says about you: “I’m a little bemused by the meaning of bemused.”
IRREGARDLESS
How we use it: “I have a 5 p.m. deadline. Irregardless, I think I’ll catch up on Breaking Bad.” How we should use it: Irregardless is not a real word. Just say “regardless.” What its usage says about you: “More syllables, more intellect, right?”
ANYWAYS
How we use it: “So anyways…” How we should use it: Just say anyway. No “s” necessary. What its usage says about you: “I like words that end in hissy consonants.”
LITERALLY
How we use it: To add emphasis. “I literally had a heart attack.” How we should use it: Only for the strictest meaning of the word or phrase—not figuratively. What its usage says about you: “I am dramatic.”d
MAGAZINE
10
FUTURE-PROOF JOBS Some careers are here to stay
By Alex Stedman & Sarah Lawhead Flowchart by Emily Fleege
The Great Recession and advancements in technology have made true job security an elusive concept. But some careers aren’t going away, no matter what changes the future brings. Here’s how to find your future-proof job.
How do you feel about Manual Labor?
I’ve got a bad back.
Do you work well with others?
Do you care if people like you? NO
Social Media Manager NO
YES
Do prefer saving machines as opposed to people?
Car Mechanic
EchoFOB12_1712_7pm.indd 10
Hedge Fund Manager
IRS Agent
Firefighter Plumber
YES
Do you need to make at least six figures? NO
Uh, toilets?
Vroom, vroom!
Quick! Cars or Toilets?
YES
Do you want to work for the government? NO
YES
Do dead people scare you? NO
Trucker
YES
NO
YES
It’s hammer time!
Trauma Surgeon
12/18/12 7:01 PM