Letter: A question begged

Sir: At least two writers in your issue of 7 January - in common with TV and radio commentators any day of the week - misuse the expression "to beg the question".

Am I just an old-fashioned pedant to be bothered by this? To say that it bothers me only because I am just an old-fashioned pedant begs the question.

The question it raises is am I right to be bothered by it or am I just an old-fashioned pedant?

BARRY SHEPPARD

Brighton