•July 6, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Unless you are someone who feels the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut a decade ago was an elaborate hoax, you’ll probably accept what I’m about to tell you.
Reader Sue Budak wrote to tell me that “only” isn’t the only modifier that gets misplaced in sentences.
“Allegedly” gives it a run for its money.
She referred to a story about Golden State Warriors coach and dynastic Bull Steve Kerr’s reaction to the May 24 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
A passage reads: “State officials said at least 19 Robb Elementary School students and a teacher allegedly were killed by an 18-year-old gunman.”
“Unfortunately, there is nothing alleged about the death of these victims,” Budak wrote. “What is alleged is who committed the crime.”
Very astute, Sue.
Those 19 students and (now two) teachers indeed were killed.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.