'Heard on the train' was mildly popular for a while. I think it's time we talk about a new feature and I've noticed some energy around grammar policing. I'll start!
#1. Improper use of adjectives as adverbs. Don't you hate that?? "The dog ran quicker than the cat"... The dog is quicker, but if you want to describe how he does something, you have to use the adverb. He runs quickly.. He is loud, but barks loudly.
#2. Improper use of the phrase "begs the question". It does NOT mean to raise or suggest a question as in "the appearance of a new Benz in the driveway begged the question: where was he getting the money?" That is wrong!!! Begging the question refers to a logical fallacy. If you beg the question, you are presenting as true something that requires proof. If I argue that you're a bunch of heathens with no taste because you hate my cookies and use as my evidence the fact that my cookies are excellent... I am begging the question. The excellence of my cookies is precisely the issue that is being questioned and yet here I am, using it as a proof; a conclusion that has been taken for granted in the argument.
Your turn! I'll leave improper use of reflexive pronouns to EvilTini. I know that's a personal favourite.
1 comment:
Well, begging the question about the cookies is more of an error in logic, especially since we haven't seen (or tasted) any evidence for quite some time now..
My example isn't so much an example of improper grammar, but the English is nevertheless questionable..
While discussing the fact that many people experience classical music for the first time during cartoon episodes, someone was heard to sing "Kill the wabbit, kill the wabbit" ...
Very funny, but I guess you had to be there..
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