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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 21 to 45 of 120. Go back in thread:
Posted by JenStar on August 26, 2004, at 11:09:23
In reply to Re: affect/effect » Miss Honeychurch, posted by Larry Hoover on August 26, 2004, at 10:53:01
Posted by gardenergirl on August 26, 2004, at 20:31:39
In reply to Re: How funny and a question » Miss Honeychurch, posted by JenStar on August 26, 2004, at 11:08:37
> the troop thing gets me too! The news people blithely talk about "X troops were killed" and everytime I think: Did the army TELL them that soldiers are now "troops" or did they develop that fun little verbal gem all on the own? Where did this start?
>Perhaps it's a cost-cutting measure. Happens all the time in the corporate world. People now have to do the job of two or more. So now a soldier has to do the job of a troop?
;)
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on August 26, 2004, at 20:33:28
In reply to Re: Apostrophe Abuse » JenStar, posted by Miss Honeychurch on August 25, 2004, at 16:07:33
>
> Another gripe: VICA VERSA istead of VICE VERSADon't this really flustrate you? Makes I want to axe a pacific question. Ahh fergit it. Il'l go get somes pisghetti.
gg
Posted by AuntieMel on August 26, 2004, at 22:27:53
In reply to Re: affect/effect » Miss Honeychurch, posted by Larry Hoover on August 26, 2004, at 10:53:01
Posted by sb417 on August 26, 2004, at 23:53:49
In reply to Re: How funny and a question » AuntieMel, posted by JenStar on August 26, 2004, at 11:02:16
The word data is plural (i.e., data are), but what about media? I argued with someone about this. I thought media should be plural, but my friend thought it should be singular. I'm speaking of the mass media.
Posted by Larry Hoover on August 27, 2004, at 7:40:02
In reply to Plurals » JenStar, posted by sb417 on August 26, 2004, at 23:53:49
> The word data is plural (i.e., data are), but what about media? I argued with someone about this. I thought media should be plural, but my friend thought it should be singular. I'm speaking of the mass media.
The singular is medium. If you're referring to a single mode of communication, it is medium. Media is plural, and should take plural verb forms.
I suspect our incorrect usage will trump Latin, as fewer people study the latter any longer.
Bacterium/bacteria. Virus/viri. When's the last time you saw viri in print?
Lar
Posted by fallsfall on August 27, 2004, at 9:13:06
In reply to Re: affect/effect » Miss Honeychurch, posted by Larry Hoover on August 26, 2004, at 10:53:01
I'm still confused. My brain is a bit mushy, but I checked Webster's, too, and I don't quite get it.
I know that the noun "affect" refers to emotional display, and is used primarily in Psychology (so we should use the noun "affect" a bit on these boards...).
But I'm not clear on the difference between the verbs "affect" and "effect". These days, I tend to put in "effect" even when I want to put "affect" because I'm thinking that "affect" (the verb) has to refer to emotions, but I'm guessing (based on your post and the dictionary) that that is wrong.
Can you give me a couple of "effect" and "affect" (verb) examples?
These posts effect my affect. (is that right, or is it affect my affect?)
Posted by Larry Hoover on August 27, 2004, at 9:37:59
In reply to Re: affect/effect » Larry Hoover, posted by fallsfall on August 27, 2004, at 9:13:06
> I'm still confused. My brain is a bit mushy, but I checked Webster's, too, and I don't quite get it.
>
> I know that the noun "affect" refers to emotional display, and is used primarily in Psychology (so we should use the noun "affect" a bit on these boards...).
>
> But I'm not clear on the difference between the verbs "affect" and "effect". These days, I tend to put in "effect" even when I want to put "affect" because I'm thinking that "affect" (the verb) has to refer to emotions, but I'm guessing (based on your post and the dictionary) that that is wrong.One thing about English is how it sponges up (how's that for a new compound verb?) new meanings. Affect in psychology is used to describe the outcome of random stressors on the state of mind.
> Can you give me a couple of "effect" and "affect" (verb) examples?
The difference between the two is intent.
The high humidity affected the pretty curls she worked so hard to create, and her hair went limp. (The humidity didn't set out to make her hair limp, but it may be why it went limp.)
The presidential election may give the Democrats a chance to effect some new foreign policy initiatives. (Directed effort.)
> These posts effect my affect. (is that right, or is it affect my affect?)
Affect your affect would be appropriate, here.
The best clue is to consider the intent, and try to apply other verb derivatives, as a test. Was the action effective? Did it have the desired effect?
Affect is the more general case, including random associations.
Lar
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on August 27, 2004, at 13:41:52
In reply to Apostrophe Abuse, posted by Miss Honeychurch on August 25, 2004, at 12:54:46
I do this at meetings which I'm in a lot. I keep a tally sheet and am many times amazed. Listened to a half hour power point presentation yesterday where I counted 165 ums. I know I'm pathetic, don't need to tell me.
Am also noticing the increasing use of "and whatnot" and "make a long story short". SUch as
"I went home to cook dinner and whatnot...." or
"So I went home to cook dinner and whatnot, and , make a long story short..."
I think the reason I pay so much attention to language is that I am really good at it. I have no head for math whatsoever.
Posted by gardenergirl on August 27, 2004, at 18:34:41
In reply to Anyone count ums?, posted by Miss Honeychurch on August 27, 2004, at 13:41:52
My supervisor would routinely say, "and things like that", "basically", and "coming down the pike". I used to try my darnedest to come up with one sentence all the time that contained all of these...
gg
Posted by sb417 on August 28, 2004, at 0:49:50
In reply to Re: Plurals » sb417, posted by Larry Hoover on August 27, 2004, at 7:40:02
Posted by ron1953 on August 29, 2004, at 11:46:04
In reply to Apostrophe Abuse, posted by Miss Honeychurch on August 25, 2004, at 12:54:46
I, too appreciate good grammer, spelling, sentence structure, etc.. And I do notice the deficiencies so many have using the language. I see it everywhere. Even the so-called professionals, writing in newspapers and magazines often have a poor command of the language. The President of th United States can't even pronounce the word "nuclear" correctly!
BUT.....am I bugged by it? No. English is the most complicated language in the world. It's not reasonable to expect mastery from everybody. The purpose of language is to COMMUNICATE. Are you more interested in what a poster has to say or how they say it?
If this bothers you and the others that agree as much as it seems to, I'd hate to see your reaction to a real problem.
Posted by partlycloudy on August 29, 2004, at 12:50:37
In reply to Re: Apostrophe Abuse, posted by ron1953 on August 29, 2004, at 11:46:04
The astounding evolution of the English language commands comment - and that it all we are doing here.
Please mind your manners.
Posted by JenStar on August 29, 2004, at 14:09:33
In reply to Re: Apostrophe Abuse, posted by ron1953 on August 29, 2004, at 11:46:04
hi Ron, welcome to the board! I haven't seen you post here; are you new?
I believe you have misinterpreted the spirit of our posts. I'll speak for all of us now(hahaha...let me know if I shouldn't do that, folks....)
Most of us were very careful to say that we don't mind bad grammar & language in social or babble situations; it bothers us when we expect it (doctor, pro, published stuff) or when it's just horrendously wrong -- so wrong as to be funny.
We spend time here on babble b/c it's a great and helpful place; if you spend more time here yourself you'll see that no one ever critiques grammar/spelling/etc in a post- we look for the meaning behind the words and respond to that.
For me, it's one of those things that is FUN to gripe about just because it ISN'T a huge problem. I think it's also cool to find solidarity in a shared gripe here on babble!
Ron, I have to tell you that it hurts my feelings when I see that someone has made a blanket statement or assumption about me without asking any clarifying questions. I felt hurt when I read the statement
"I'd hate to see your reaction to a real problem."
I don't know if you were trying to be funny, or being sarcastic, or what...but I did feel hurt.
In the future, can I ask you to please refrain from making comments like that straight off; instead, ask me a question if you want to know something? thanks!
thanks,
JenStarPS - Of course, I have to point out: If I were a grammarian by trade, I would tell you that bad grammar IS a real problem! I think they believe that bad grammar will be the downfall of the nation... :)
Posted by Emme on August 29, 2004, at 14:15:41
In reply to Re: How funny and a question » AuntieMel, posted by JenStar on August 26, 2004, at 11:02:16
I know that language is a living thing, but certain things just grate on my nerves.
A friend's answering machine says "Neither Bob nor myself can come to the phone." Grrrrrr.
Incorrect grammar in rock songs. The Doors sing "...the stars fall from the sky for you and I." Or something like that. Grrrrrr.
The datum/data thing. And, just for kicks, you can tell someone that the main goal of a bacterium is to become bacteria.
Misuse of the apostrophe.
"Nucular". Makes me want to go supercritical.
Rate of speed. Speed already is a rate.
I'm not great with commas, though. And don't pay attention, so I can be awfully sloppy at times.
Posted by KaraS on August 29, 2004, at 14:42:45
In reply to Pet language peeves, posted by Emme on August 29, 2004, at 14:15:41
> I know that language is a living thing, but certain things just grate on my nerves.
>
> A friend's answering machine says "Neither Bob nor myself can come to the phone." Grrrrrr.
>
> Incorrect grammar in rock songs. The Doors sing "...the stars fall from the sky for you and I." Or something like that. Grrrrrr.
>
> The datum/data thing. And, just for kicks, you can tell someone that the main goal of a bacterium is to become bacteria.
>
> Misuse of the apostrophe.
>
> "Nucular". Makes me want to go supercritical.
>
> Rate of speed. Speed already is a rate.
>
> I'm not great with commas, though. And don't pay attention, so I can be awfully sloppy at times.
>
>My pet peeve is people not putting the "ly" on adverbs. In fact I rarely ever hear people use the "ly" anymore. I fear it might fade away altogether.
Posted by Catgirl on August 29, 2004, at 15:52:39
In reply to Pet language peeves, posted by Emme on August 29, 2004, at 14:15:41
My language pet peeve is people who spell separate seperate. One of my teachers told me to remember that "there's a rat in the middle."
Posted by Emme on August 29, 2004, at 17:17:02
In reply to Re: Pet language peeves » Emme, posted by KaraS on August 29, 2004, at 14:42:45
> > I know that language is a living thing, but certain things just grate on my nerves.
> >
> > A friend's answering machine says "Neither Bob nor myself can come to the phone." Grrrrrr.
> >
> > Incorrect grammar in rock songs. The Doors sing "...the stars fall from the sky for you and I." Or something like that. Grrrrrr.
> >
> > The datum/data thing. And, just for kicks, you can tell someone that the main goal of a bacterium is to become bacteria.
> >
> > Misuse of the apostrophe.
> >
> > "Nucular". Makes me want to go supercritical.
> >
> > Rate of speed. Speed already is a rate.
> >
> > I'm not great with commas, though. And don't pay attention, so I can be awfully sloppy at times.
> >
> >
>
> My pet peeve is people not putting the "ly" on adverbs. In fact I rarely ever hear people use the "ly" anymore. I fear it might fade away altogether.
>Oooh, good one. And how about "should have went"? I just love to complain about things that I have answers to. :) Unlike the rest of my life.
Posted by JenStar on August 29, 2004, at 18:42:32
In reply to Anyone count ums?, posted by Miss Honeychurch on August 27, 2004, at 13:41:52
that is, um, like, hilarious!
At my old company, the word "so" became the most-used word of all. A manager started it, and soon EVERYONE was "so-ing" all over the place. "SO" would precede every sentence -- literally. It got to where one of the new-hires printed up a bingo sheet with "So" on it and filled it out for one of the managers. It was really funny when we reviewed it later on...
I always found it fascinating how a really dorky phrase would come in to the workplace, pick up steam, and suddenly become de rigueur -- you weren't anybody if you weren't saying IT.
One example was bandwidth: "Hey, JenStar, do you have the BANDWIDTH to complete that project?"
Kind of like ValleyGirl talk -- pretty soon, everyone is saying it! I think language is fascinating that way -- how phrases originate, spread and die. Of course, fascination doesn't keep me from wincing every time I hear one of my "favorite" little gems! And of course I'm sure I said many things that made my OWN employees wince. Fair game, right?Jen (fellow um-disliker) Star
Posted by KaraS on August 29, 2004, at 20:24:54
In reply to Re: Pet language peeves, posted by Catgirl on August 29, 2004, at 15:52:39
> My language pet peeve is people who spell separate seperate. One of my teachers told me to remember that "there's a rat in the middle."
Yes, but the correct spelling and the often used incorrect one, both have a "rat" in the middle.
Posted by KaraS on August 29, 2004, at 20:28:57
In reply to Re: Pet language peeves » KaraS, posted by Emme on August 29, 2004, at 17:17:02
> > > I know that language is a living thing, but certain things just grate on my nerves.
> > >
> > > A friend's answering machine says "Neither Bob nor myself can come to the phone." Grrrrrr.
> > >
> > > Incorrect grammar in rock songs. The Doors sing "...the stars fall from the sky for you and I." Or something like that. Grrrrrr.
> > >
> > > The datum/data thing. And, just for kicks, you can tell someone that the main goal of a bacterium is to become bacteria.
> > >
> > > Misuse of the apostrophe.
> > >
> > > "Nucular". Makes me want to go supercritical.
> > >
> > > Rate of speed. Speed already is a rate.
> > >
> > > I'm not great with commas, though. And don't pay attention, so I can be awfully sloppy at times.
> > >
> > >
> >
> > My pet peeve is people not putting the "ly" on adverbs. In fact I rarely ever hear people use the "ly" anymore. I fear it might fade away altogether.
> >
>
> Oooh, good one. And how about "should have went"? I just love to complain about things that I have answers to. :) Unlike the rest of my life.
>
>"Should have went" sends chills down my spine!!
(Also, I agree re: complaining about things that have clear-cut answers. It's a lot easier to do that than it is to deal with the bigger issues we're all struggling with here.)
Posted by sexylexy on August 29, 2004, at 20:35:26
In reply to Pet language peeves, posted by Emme on August 29, 2004, at 14:15:41
When someone says "Where's it at?" It makes me want to vomit
lexy
Posted by Larry Hoover on August 29, 2004, at 20:36:58
In reply to Re: Pet language peeves » Catgirl, posted by KaraS on August 29, 2004, at 20:24:54
> > My language pet peeve is people who spell separate seperate. One of my teachers told me to remember that "there's a rat in the middle."
>
>
> Yes, but the correct spelling and the often used incorrect one, both have a "rat" in the middle.Yes, but only one has "a rat" in the middle. Ambiguous primary reference, methinks.
Lar
Posted by Catgirl on August 29, 2004, at 20:43:40
In reply to Re: Pet language peeves » Catgirl, posted by KaraS on August 29, 2004, at 20:24:54
> > My language pet peeve is people who spell separate seperate. One of my teachers told me to remember that "there's a rat in the middle."
>
>
> Yes, but the correct spelling and the often used incorrect one, both have a "rat" in the middle.She meant "a rat" in the middle. Maybe that tip is only helpful to me!
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on August 29, 2004, at 21:29:26
In reply to Re: Anyone count ums? » Miss Honeychurch, posted by JenStar on August 29, 2004, at 18:42:32
O I so hate so! People use it these days as some sort of ambiguous sentence ender like
"I came to work late this morning, so..." as if the so is implied. I notice this all the time. Glad I'm not the only one.
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