It’s been nearly ten years since I patiently explained that one doesn’t “hone in on” anything. And yet somehow none of the writers, editors, and proofreaders over at the Spokesman-Review were paying attention. I mean, check this headline out.
Fine. You don’t want to listen to me, a hack writer with no credentials whose sole qualification for the job is that no one else wants to do it? Then at least pay attention to Paul Brians, retired professor and “national authority on English grammar,” whose Common Errors in English Usage ought to be required reading for aspiring writers everywhere.
“You home in on a target (the center of the target is ‘home’),” writes Professor Paul. “‘Honing’ has to do with sharpening knives, not aim.”
Told you so.
