The New York Times recently published an article about style in The Times. It consisted of questions from readers and responses by editor Philip B. Corbett. It’s well worth reading for anyone interested in grammar, style, or how to write better. One particular section summed up The Times’ style well:
Perhaps I’m tradition-bound, but this is one quirk of Times style that I would go to some lengths to defend. We strive for a tone that is literate, civil and serious: not fussy or old-fashioned, but also not chatty or self-consciously hip. It’s not an easy balance, and we don’t always get it right. But I think the simple use of courtesy titles — whether it’s “Mr. Bush,” “Mrs. Clinton” or “Ms. Rivera, a teacher from Queens” — injects a note of thoughtfulness and civility into our pages. Amid the daily cacophony, that seems a worthy effort.
Incidentally, a reader’s question in that section also used the word “bailiwick”. I figure it has to be a good question if it correctly uses “bailiwick”. So, go enjoy a talk with the newsroom.
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Tags: bailiwick, grammar, New York Times, style, writing
