Grammar Discussions

[anat0l]

:shock: New name for bum bag?

US versus UK once again.

 

[medhead]

One that gets mum is "different to" instead of different from; or vice versa since I'm not sure which is correct.

:shock: New name for bum bag?

Extremely old (>20 years) name for bum bags.

 

[SeatBackForward]

:shock: New name for bum bag?

Its not specifically the reference to the bags, but rather bums vs fannys. That will be all I'll say about that one.

 

[Warks]

One that gets mum is "different to" instead of different from; or vice versa since I'm not sure which is correct.

Either is better than the American "It's different than that." That makes it sound like different is quantitative like 'bigger', 'faster' etc.

 

[Pushka]

For those in business - BAS statements. Almost made this faux pas in the ATO credit card thread.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Just to keep the ball rolling, this thread title is "Grammar Discussions", but is it?

 

[get me outta here]

How about the totally superfluous "just saying", after making a smart cough comment. Do they really think no one is insulted by what they have just said.

 

[Pushka]

Just to keep the ball rolling, this thread title is "Grammar Discussions", but is it?

if you are going to go technical, it was actually started as a comment about spelling in the "off topic" thread. I'd say its all relevant.

 

[SeatBackForward]

if you are going to go technical, it was actually started as a comment about spelling in the "off topic" thread. I'd say its all relevant.

But is it discussion or discussions?

 

[JohnK]

Its not specifically the reference to the bags, but rather bums vs fannys. That will be all I'll say about that one.

Yes fanny pack took me surprise as I have never heard it used that way. :shock:

 

[TheEmu]

Similar to.
Different from.

"Different to" has gained acceptance over time but is self-contradictory.
"Different than" sounds horrible and I rank it alongside "bored of" as two of the worst-sounding collocations in common use.
Fillers like "so, yeah..." (can't think of what to say next) and "no, yeah" rank highly as well.

 

[JohnK]

How about the totally superfluous "just saying", after making a smart cough comment. Do they really think no one is insulted by what they have just said.

Like this?

"I think you are a moron. Just saying...."

And no, not you.

 

[Warks]

Like this?

"I think you are a moron. Just saying...."

And no, not you.

"No offence but... [proceeds to utter offensive comment]"

 

[get me outta here]

So, anything that starts, "I'm not a (whatever) but ..... "

 

[SeatBackForward]

So, anything that starts, "I'm not a (whatever) but ..... "

There's actually a Grammatical definition for the use of such paradoxical sentences.

It's called, being an idiot.

 

[get me outta here]

I seem to remember being taught that the correct use of 'free' is to say something is free. However, almost every use now is, "for free". Which seems senseless or something.

And, hopefully pollies will stop saying 'rolled' gold when they mean 24 carat gold.

 

[anat0l]

How about the totally superfluous "just saying", after making a smart cough comment. Do they really think no one is insulted by what they have just said.

I think people use that insertion to clarify their position in that they didn't intend to inflict malice, despite the statement unwittingly or possessing a high propensity to insult or offend.

At least that is what I perceive the use of the phrase to be. It is likely more common in written communication (e.g. on this forum), where the lack of any expression via oral or visual makes it extremely difficult to accurately communicate sometimes sensitive statements.

At worst, it's in the same boat as the use of the clause, "With all due respect..."

 

[dcm]

Similar to.
Different from.

Yes, "different to" has found its way into common usage, unfortunately. I think we would not say that "A differs to B" but, rather, "A differs from B", so "different from" is preferable.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

Licence and license
Eligible and eligable
Grey and gray

veuve and cliquot

 

[anat0l]

Re: The totally off-topic thread

veuve and cliquot

As in?

Furthermore, both should be capitalised and it is "Veuve Clicquot"