Messages

1

Use and Misuse / Re: handsomer and handsomest

« on: July 08, 2010, 07:49:34 AM »

Ah - my fault;not explaining myself fully.On the reply page amongst the icons there's an 'm' which swings to the left rather like a carousel.Click the button and it states 'marquee'.Must be a printers term.

'And yes'. These two words really drive me up the wall,often seen in newspapers;"He went to this place and that place,and yes,another place too'.

Where does it come from.Completely unnecessary.

Or 'sans'.Sheer laziness.AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH.

2

Use and Misuse / Re: handsomer and handsomest

« on: July 07, 2010, 04:09:48 PM »

This is a nifty little message-board isn't it but what on earth is a 'marquee' ?

What you're getting here,all this chat,is a rebound.I was trying to write a book review - I've never written one before - and it just wasn't happening.I threw down my scribbles in disgust and picked up the paper and there,in Tuesday's edition of Davao Sun.Star,was your column which I'd never seen before.So I logged on.

Handsomer and handsomest - Just  because it's in the dictionary doesn't mean it has to be used.A quote from the extremely thin Strunk and White which I've mislaid and CAN'T FIND.

Old age creeps on.

3

Use and Misuse / Re: handsomer and handsomest

« on: July 07, 2010, 08:38:03 AM »

"We got the handsomest offer on our beach property" (See above) really is awful English isn't it ?

"We received a more than handsome offer." or simply "We received a handsome offer"

Handsomer and handsomest are both dreadful words and should not be used.

Oh,and handsome also means 'in a careful and attentive manner'.

"Pull up the anchor lads;handsomely now !"

4

Use and Misuse / Re: Words I love to hate

« on: July 07, 2010, 08:27:14 AM »

Hello Mr. Carillo and thanks for your reply -

The phrase 'marching orders' is making the rounds down here (In Davao) at the moment which is taken to mean 'the way to proceed'.

To a Brit,someone who's received their marching orders has been given the sack !

As to dictionaries,you have the edge.The Oxford Pocket English is my sole companion largely because I can never remember how to spell occasion or occurrence.

5

Use and Misuse / Words I love to hate

« on: July 06, 2010, 09:26:13 AM »

I might as well wade in here - English English speakers never use the word signage or signages.Plain old sign or signs does well enough.