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Here's another one. Impact as a substitute for Affect. As in "That impacted our planning."
And, of course, we all know about the difference between Affect and Effect.
Well, with affect and effect, at least part of the problem is that we teach the differences between them in ways that are, at best, ineffective, and at worst and more often, just wrong.
"Affect is a verb, effect is a noun.
Except, of course, affect can be a noun and effect can be a verb.
Perhaps if we can effect a change in how they are taught, our affect about the state of the language will improve!
My question was sincere. I wondered whether you felt my use of the word was appropriate. The sentiment I expressed in my sample sentence was also sincere - both as directed at others and directed at myself. And my sense that irony is one part of the family of incongruity was sincere, as well. Not everything that is incongruous is ironic, but everything that is ironic (under definition 3, at least) is incongruous.
Finally, my sample sentence, while sincere, was chosen for being snide, given that this thread's origins and much of its critical content find fault with others, while often erring in the very sentences in which the complaints are made. (And my parenthetical closing was intended to note that I, too, am guilty of such things. I am both pointing out the incongruity (or irony), and pleading guilty to the same.)
Ah. Sorry about that. This thread had gotten so hostile (Over grammar, no less), that I misinterpreted.
Back to the interesting discussion we're having. I tend to reject the substitute of ironic for incongruous, because it's a more recent construction. It's also not very precise.
Well, with affect and effect, at least part of the problem is that we teach the differences between them in ways that are, at best, ineffective, and at worst and more often, just wrong.
"Affect is a verb, effect is a noun.
Except, of course, affect can be a noun and effect can be a verb.
Perhaps if we can effect a change in how they are taught, our affect about the state of the language will improve!
Of course, the ultimate irony here is that the use of effect as a verb is really affected. The fact that the usage in question seems to be mostly that of social scientists and politicians should tell you everything you need to know.
Oh, let's take Oceania's lead and reduce the language to 1,000 words.
Ah. Sorry about that. This thread had gotten so hostile (Over grammar, no less), that I misinterpreted.
Back to the interesting discussion we're having. I tend to reject the substitute of ironic for incongruous, because it's a more recent construction. It's also not very precise.
I am less sure of the recentness of the construction than you are, and if you have a source for that, I would love to see it! (Conversely, if I find either one that affirms your sense or disproves it, I will share.)
I am, personally, very fond of Fowler's breakdown of terms of humor from 1926's Modern English Usage" Online Etymology Dictionary
You don't need to be paid to speak correctly not to mention average joe using an addition to the above words the F word in between every other word also.
More of a bad habit over taking time to think about your choice of words that are not needed to fill the conversation anyway.
You would probably freak if I told you not every job requires a person to speak well and many jobs require very abbreviated speaking and writing.
Of course, the ultimate irony here is that the use of effect as a verb is really affected. The fact that the usage in question seems to be mostly that of social scientists and politicians should tell you everything you need to know.
Oh, let's take Oceania's lead and reduce the language to 1,000 words.
*smiles*
Only if I get to choose the 1,000!
That could be a fun exercise for students, though. Hmm... I'm teaching a science fiction class this fall! I wonder if I can sneak it into that as an exercise.
Get this thread back on topic and drop the hostility or it will be closed
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