Words to Watch: ‘Advocate’ NYT Blog After Deadline

    Certain words have to be used with caution, especially when they allow readers to do a double-take.  “Advocate” is a transitive verb that should take a direct object so the word can't be proceeded by the word "for." A person advocates healthcare, not a person advocates for healthcare. Also, the construction of an "anti-[blank] advocate," has unintended messages. Instead of using anti-abortion, "opponent," or other opposing words convey the opponent's message unbiased. The typical reaction to the word "anti" is negative and it prohibits writers to present both parties fairly without bias.