What to avoid when writing:

I think we had the host vs. play host to debate before. Host has evolved into a verb, and for my money I'll always change it from "play host to" just to save six characters.

 

We don't use "host" as a verb. don't use "win" as a noun. Heat, Magic, Galaxy, etc. are singular. And one of my biggest pet peeves: Podunk led by "as many as" 15 points in the first half. If you want to use "as many as" go work for ESPN and embellish everything you do.

 

It most assuredly is.

The absence of another verb that can do the same work -- and the need to otherwise engage in semantic wankery the likes of "play host to" -- created a need, and "host" ably fills it.

There's no reason to resist a word that is both useful and commonly used.

 

I need to work "semantic wankery" into more conversations.