Words, Words, Words
Could we all please agree that we are waiting for the virus vaccine, not waiting on the vaccine? We wait for a train (while waiting “on” the platform). I think I would need to be a gymnast to wait on the train (especially while it’s moving . . . ). We wait for our friends to arrive. We wait for the box to be delivered. We wait for the movie to start.
One small exception is a restaurant table. Customers wait for a table. The server waits on the table. The server certainly isn’t waiting for a table, so I guess “on” is the only alternative if we are going to use the word “wait” in that situation. Imagining the server standing on the table while we decide what to order is probably going to make me laugh the next time I get a chance to go to a restaurant with a bunch of folks.
Whenever that will be . . .
From The Blog
HR “Speak” – Part Two
In my October, 2025, blog post (“HR” Speak – BB’s Words), my HR expert friend, Maggie Peters, gave me some language that HR people use…
Animal Groups
In honor of National Pet Month (May), here are words for groups of animals (in case you want to adopt several animals 🤗🥰.) Did you…
Confusing Adjectives (or Nouns?)
American English puts adjectives before nouns. Okay. Not too confusing. We even add a LOT of adjectives in a row and finally get to the…
Books from Barbara P. Burke
Mr. Smiles® Stories
(Also available in Spanish)
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How Mr. Smiles® Got His Name
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Mr. Smiles® and the Power of Smiles
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Mr. Smiles® and the Listening Lesson
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Mr. Smiles® and Changing Cruel to Cool
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Mr. Smiles® and the Spend or Save Question
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Title World Tales™
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Persuasive Communication™ Training
Do you have a lot of thoughts but can’t seem to put them together? As the “Thought Connector,” Dr. Burke will help you organize your thoughts to best convey your message to your customers or clients.
