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I also offer personally-tailored, individualized English conversation practice (including etiquette) and coaching in writing techniques. Finally, I edit texts such as magazines, business proposals, memorandums, emails so they are presented in English which does not embarrass you or your organization. For further details, please mail me at: language.etiquette@gmail.com

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09 February 2012

Frequently misused words #1: exponential

In today’s Moscow Times, Boris Kagarlitsky wrote about the information war that he sees being waged between the Russian government and the “Bolotnaya Square” (for want of a better term) protesters. He said this:
“The Kremlin has exponentially more resources to spend on propaganda campaigns than the opposition and could never be ‘outgunned’ in a information war.”
     The question is: what would be a better phrase to use than “exponentially more”, given that “exponential” describes a rate of increase, not a quantity level.
     The best answer sent to me at language.etiquette@gmail.com will earn a ticket in the (very small, with consequently high chance of winning) draw for a bottle of malt whisky, which I will announce in the near future.