Monday, April 28, 2008
That Makes Me Ill
My brother Dan posted an interesting lessonette on how to conjugate "to lie" on his blog. I like little things like that.
I have a book titled “Common Errors in English Usage” that is full of cool stuff like that. It says that the word “nauseous” refers to the thing that is making someone feel nauseated. For example, “The odor from that trash can is nauseous.” You don’t say “I feel nauseous” unless you feel like you are making everyone around you ill. But that is from the traditionalist viewpoint. I hear things like “That makes me nauseous” quite frequently, including in the movie Madagascar this weekend. Perhaps the common usage is overpowering the traditional usage in this case.
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6 comments:
This strains my credulity, Dave.
How dare you insinuate that I should tolerate such diabolical deeds from a ninny as yourself. You are totally crass, and your insinuance has crushed my modesty.
(I don't remember the whole thing and I am sure that I botched what I wrote. Just someting else to put in the CRUD file!)
It was great to talk to you.
Pedro
I am fully aware that I am probably the hugest breaker of any such rules. I love that you and Dan are brainiacs that care about things like this. I am sure you are dying at the word braniac too. I'm not willing to unlearn my poor grammar. I'm actually quite fond of the dictionary according to Rachel. So what are some other rules? Let's hear em'!
Again, not directed at anyone in particular. I mean, I noticed this one because Kara says it a lot, but I noticed it again this weekend. But, usage is overpowering traditionalists so if you say this, you're good.
I never take offense but I am in generally someone who thinks every single general conference address is written for her. It's just my natre to see how this applies to me. Sorry. I don't mean to make you feel bad.
how about, "I am feeling nauseated as I lay me down to sleep."
I good with the nauseated, but Dan is the expert on lay/lie.
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