h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

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Actually, it would probably just be called the Elephant Thread.


az

You do realise this thread is liable to be firebombed by a bunch of drunken louts who will be heard to loudly complain about how it "shouldn't be allowed" and that the internet is the cause of the spread of pedantry in society today don't you?

Though it's a good way of identifying all those who feel that the spread of pedantry should be actively encouraged.

>>to loudly complain<< Split infinitive, anyone?

Ooh yes, painful. Now - do pedants use smileys? I would say not. (Or should that be : I would say "not"?

My first reaction to smileys that they are unnecessary because words are sufficient to express all we need to say. Using a smiley means you're to lazy to think up the right word. Now, however, I find them useful, though not indispensable.

Or, too lazy even . . .


az

*subscribes but is too afraid to post anything*

Shouldn't that be *something*?

Don't worry. That's what gives this thread it's appeal. None of us are perfect.

Be afraid, kea, be *very* afraid . . .


az

Is a split infinitive still considered something about which we need to be pedantic? I thought that, these days, the majority opinion is that it is perfectly acceptable to split an infinitive in English?

Yes, I've read that. Especially when you consider how stupid "I'm going really to try" sounds.

Majority opinion, yes.

Pedants' opinion, hell no!

I meant the majority of pedants. Why didn't I say so? Because this is a thread for and about pedants so it is implicit in the conversation.
Am I allowed to start a sentance with 'because'? I seem to recall being told off for doing that at school.

Starting a sentence with 'because' is something up with which we shall not put.

Starting a sentence with 'because' is a natural informal reply to any sort of 'why?' question.

Split infinitives seem more about style than grammar. Yes, they can work and often work quite well.

However, pedro (!!! ) it seems one does have to follow the rule/non-rule about where we place pronouns within phrasal verbs.

az

I knew that phrase would turn up sooner or later!

It doesn't sound quite so stupid if one were to say it as Captain Kirk might. "I'm going [2] really [2] to try."

Oi! You try teaching phrasal verbs to Spanish people for twelve years! It's pretty much impossible. Some go like this, others go like that . . .

az

*subscribes to pick up tips for conversing with her pedantic son*