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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065
Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065 |
Something I came across for the first time, but is apparently widespread in commercial circles: non-reflexive uses of avail as a verb.
For example, instead of 'Avail yourself of this opportunity', they might say 'Avail of this opportunity'.
I find this clunky. There's a thud of silence after the avail.
Bingley
Bingley
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,692
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,692 |
If the writer is trying to save space then why not use common English and say simply: "Take this opportunity."?
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,027
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,027 |
According to the OED, this form was already used by Shakespeare.. Shakes. Meas. for M. iii. i. 243 But how of this can shee auaile?I don't know if the "commercial circles" found it there 
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
Just a slightly ugly ellipsis?
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624 |
You'll gotta remember that Shakespeare took major liberties with the language. Some of them stuck. This one didn't!
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,154
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,154 |
You also have to remember that advertising is responsible for "Kwik Kopy"  I'd rather have Shakespearian liberties stick than Madisonian.
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
> advertising is responsible for "Kwik Kopy"
well, that and the fact that they couldn't register(®) "Quick Copy".
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