Custom Search

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Time Expressions Should Read Smoothly

When you write the times for an event, think about the logic of what you are expressing. Recently, I received an invitation to a book release party, and the time frame was expressed as follows:

...on Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. (sounds as if the BEGINNING is from 4 until 6)

I also see times expressed this way:

...on Saturday, between 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

If you say "beginning at" or "between," you CANNOT continue with "until." The wording does not make sense. Here are some correct suggestions for expressing time frames:

...on Saturday, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

...on Saturday, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

I hope you are able to read this entry at some point between now and the next time I post to this site.

No comments: