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To: King Prout

I must say, I love this particular test your grandfather devised..I am just a high school graduate, and yet, I have a gripe with folks who use the word 'only', incorrectly...I get the gist of what they mean, but realize that they are using the word, 'only' incorrectly...I never say anything because I would probably just be accused of being a smart aleck, but the way people use this particular word incorrectly always has grated on me...

Thanks for letting me know about your granddads wisdom in this respect...


1,266 posted on 07/29/2006 6:00:42 PM PDT by andysandmikesmom
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To: andysandmikesmom

one common current linguistic folly is the grotesque construct:
"Every one isn't (such and such)"

when what is MEANT is:
"Not every one is (such-and-such)"

this error (slovenliness) drives me monkey-$#!+

that... and the misuse of the term "decimate" when what is meant is "devastate"
etc...

I call all errors of this sort "Irregardless Syndrome"


1,292 posted on 07/30/2006 12:55:38 AM PDT by King Prout (many complain I am overly literal... this would not be a problem if fewer people were under-precise)
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To: andysandmikesmom
Thanks for letting me know about your granddads wisdom in this respect...

Gramps was an interesting fellow... a highly complex and subtle man who pretended and practiced to be a simple man.

1,293 posted on 07/30/2006 1:05:01 AM PDT by King Prout (many complain I am overly literal... this would not be a problem if fewer people were under-precise)
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