If and When You Read This

Instant Quiz

Can you correct the error in the sentence below? Scroll to the bottom of today’s post for the answer. 

I’ll be packing my cloths for the trip tonight.

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A recent article in the New York Times explored reasons why fewer New Yorkers are riding the subways:

In a fall survey, 90 percent of New York subway riders who had not yet returned to the trains said that their concern about crime and harassment was a major factor in when and if they would return.

I’m a former New Yorker who rode the subways for years. It provides a vital service for the city, and I hope it will soon come roaring back.

Meanwhile, though, I have a complaint about the Times: “if and when” is redundant. It’s a cliche that professional writers should avoid.

If those former subway riders indeed come back, there’s going to be a when eventually. We’ll see a statement like this in the Times: “Ridership was up 10% in May.” When did the riders come back? In May.

Simple, isn’t it?

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Instant Quiz ANSWER

The word you need in today’s Quiz is clothes.

I’ll be packing my clothes for the trip tonight.  CORRECT

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