Subject: Re: No Subject
From: Jim Rovira (jrovira@drew.edu)
Date: Thu May 02 2002 - 21:08:23 GMT
"To better educate" is also a split infinitive. It is argued, of
course, whether or not split infinitives are incorrect English, but many
people consider them bad form. But I agree -- "better" seems redundant
here.
I also agree that Ally's statement was taken a bit too seriously. It
didn't occur to me that she was quoting Salinger but, you know, that's
possible.
I remember once, sometime back, when another listmember inadvertently
sent private e-mail to the list. She described list members as
"geeky-freaky," which, it eventually came out, in the private language
shared between her and her sister was a compliment. I wouldn't be so
sure a slur was being sent out without more context...
Jim
Scottie Bowman wrote:
> Be it from. Ah, be it from me. Oh God, be it from me ...
>
> But. Is it possible Ally3409 was, as requested, simply
> offering his/her favourite Salinger quote? It certainly
> has that authentic, polished Salinger ring to it.
>
> And while we're in the field of correct usage, what about
> that 'to better educate'? A teensh tautological, Cec,
> not to say dysphonic?
>
> Since educate derives from 'e[x]': out & 'duco': I lead,
> educate already has the sense, '[to] lead out, lead forth'
> - & so hardly requires the further adornment of 'better'.
> One could scarcely 'bring forth' in a negative way. Thar,
> presumably, would be to lead backwards, i.e. 'retro ducere'
> or ... but you doubtless grasp my drift.
>
> Scottie B.
>
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