August 17, 2006: Issue 152
You have a backside, but your house doesn’t. Neither does your sofa or that quilt you’re making. They, like all other inanimate objects, have back sides. Use the single word “backside” only when you mean “buttocks.”
incorrect: Limestone pilasters repeat on the backside of the house.
correct: Limestone pilasters repeat on the back side of the house.
correct: Get your backside in gear and finish proofreading that layout, missy!
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