A reader of "Understanding English Grammar'" has asked Bob Funk, my co-author, and me to delete all references to "rules of thumb" in our book. It came as a surprise to both of us that the term was offensive. It turns out, however, that the so-called rule has its origin in the size of the stick that a husband could use when he beat his wife! I'm not sure how long ago that rule applied in its original state; and I'm also not convinced that anyone using the term makes that connection. I do see the term frequently in books like ours. I'd appreciate any opinions as to the merits of this objection. Martha To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/