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This blog is about the fascinating, fun, and challenging things about the English language. I hope to entertain you and to help you with problems or just questions you might have with spelling and usage. I go beyond just stating what is right and what is wrong, and provide some history or some tips to help you remember. Is something puzzling you? Feel free to email me at wordlady.barber@gmail.com.
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Monday, November 15, 2010

Long-a-go and far-a-way?

In a similar vein to the mistake that people make with "sing-along" I have also noticed "look-a-like". There is even a TV show called this, mistaken hyphen and all. What is so hard to understand? One person looks like another. They look alike. You can even call them "lookalikes". Look-alike or lookalike. NOT look-a-like!

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About Me

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Canada's Word Lady, Katherine Barber is an expert on the English language and a frequent guest on radio and television. She was Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Her witty and informative talks on the stories behind our words are very popular. Contact her at wordlady.barber@gmail.com to book her for speaking engagements; she can tailor her talks to almost any subject. She is also available as an expert witness for lawsuits.