Words That Work ... or Don't

David Letterman, Please Don't

Now and then, I enjoy staying up to watch "Late Night" with host David Letterman. I like his zany humor.

He usually wraps up his show with some form of musical entertainment.

But Mr. Letterman consistently misuses the word entitled. He will say, for example, "Here with a song from their latest CD, entitled 'Stay Positive,' is The Hold Steady."

I wish that Mr. Letterman, who holds such an influential position in the entertainment world, would use greater care with the English language.

Entitled means a right to do or to have something.

Examples:
After spending the morning cleaning the garage, John was entitled to a nap.
Susan has worked hard and is entitled to a promotion.

Titled has to do with the title of something: a book, poem, movie or musical work.

Examples:
The book titled "Of Mice and Men" was written by John Steinbeck.

American poet Walt Whitman is well-known for his poetry collection titled "Leaves of Grass."

Mr. Letterman is a high-profile celebrity seen regularly by millions of television viewers. I wish someone on his staff would let him know about this language faux pas.

Ruthless Editor follows The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law guidelines for word and punctuation usage. Webster's New World College Dictionary serves as a secondary reference.

If you'd like to receive Kathy's FREE monthly tips on grammar and punctuation, email your request to: contact@ruthlesseditor.com