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Off the rack
Rack is a word with many definitions. By lexicographer Bryan A. Garner's count, it has nine meanings as a noun and seven as a verb. And while a rack might end up everywhere from your closet to your dinner plate, it is also an instrument of torture 😬
Thus, as a verb, "rack" can mean to torture or stretch, which leads us to two common phrases and another noun and verb with overlapping meanings: wrack. The phrases nerve-racking and rack your brain are often written as "nerve-wracking" and "wrack your brain." The confusion is understandable, given that "rack" and "wrack" are sometimes used interchangeably. But usage manuals are pretty united on the phrases "nerve-racking" and "rack your brain": Don't use the "w."
You'll find more varied advice on how to use "wrack" on its own. Like "rack," it has quite a few meanings, including both "destruction" and "seaweed." And fun fact: Those definitions aren't as far apart as they might seem, as "wrack" evolved from a word meaning "shipwreck."
Speaking of "wreck," we'll cover that word in next week's newsletter when we discuss another commonly misused phrase. Can you guess what it is?
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Hone your writing skills and never use "hone in" again. Get writing tips, have fun with words and learn something new in a one-minute read each week by signing up for Stylebot’s newsletter.
A note from Stylebot's founder, Laura E. Davis: This is the last week to vote for our team to win the Public Choice Award in the Next Challenge for Media & Journalism. Voting closes on May 19. I wrote this week about our mission and why I started Stylebot. If you love this newsletter and/or care about our mission, please consider casting your vote here if you haven't already. Thank you in advance. Now onto our regularly scheduled programming... Graduation season is upon us, and even if you’re...
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