Gender neutral

IT'S THEIR THERE -- Someday, the language will resolve the issue of gender neutral pronouns when referring to groups or individuals. A  company is made up of people, but is it right to refer to the company as an "it"? The conflict arises when using a singular verb ("the company is ... ") and a plural pronoun ("their") in the same sentence. British usage does not have this problem, since they consider collective nouns as being either singular or plural, depending on how the members are acting. Example: "The crew are going shore, and each of them will get drunk." Conversely, "The crew is ready to make sail, captain." On this side of the pond, however, the use of "their" grates when talking about a corporation and how it is doing business.

MORE MUSING -- When adding another bunch to something, make sure the numbers match. Are the terms "more" and "another" synonymous with "additonal"? Or would it be better to limit the use of "another" to refer to an equal, additional amount? Example: Thirty people died and another ten were wounded. It might be better to say "ten more."

GUIDE FROM THE RIM -- When in doubt, rephrase. If you, as a word professional, have to puzzle over which form is "correct" or easier to comprehend, how much more difficult would it be for the non-professional? The goal is communication, not challenge.

CLICHE CORNER -- If it's "needless to say," don't say it. This phrasing covers it all; just insert town and company: "The armed bandit brandished a revolver, vaulted the counter, scooped up the cash, stuffed it in a bag and made good his escape on foot." Avoid this one as meaningless: "Only time will tell."

SCOOP'S AMBITION -- Ace reporter Scoop Henshaw says he wants to write the Page One second day lede on the end of the world.

FASHION FORUM -- Mad Dog O'Shaughnessy wants to know if the British Royals and Southern Baptist ladies get their hats from the same milliner.