|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124
member
|
OP
member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124 |
A while back, y'all had a nice discussion on incentivize (the ugly little word). That was pretty straightforward.
This one is more difficult, as it is an established word - just one I have a problem with.
I'd like your thoughts: why is "utilize" ever needed when "use" would do? I think it is way over utilized and drives me crazy (admittedly, a short trip...)!!
While I doubt we can actually do anything about it, I would like your thoughts.
R
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124
member
|
|
OP
member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
Rainman, here's a little trick some of us have learned over the years: go back and chop off your link like below and it'll still point to the same place, plus it won't widen the screen:
http://wordsmith.org/board/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=words&Number=147144
I think utilize goes a little farther, it implies using something to its fullest extent?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124
member
|
|
OP
member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124 |
Rainmaker please, that darned movie ruined the other one for me...
And thanks for the tip - I have much to learn from the masters.
I think your point is the popular one, and why it is overused (overutilized?). I did find one discussion on this in my old and tattered American Heritage:
"A number of critics have remarked that utilize is an unneccessary substitute for use...but utilize can mean 'to find a profitable or practical use for.' Thus the sentence The teachers were unable to use the computers might mean the teachers were unable to turn them on, whereas The teachers were unable to utilize the computers suggests the teachers could not find a use for them."
I don't buy it, but at least using utilize this way would decrease its usage. I would prefer saying the teachers could not find a use for the computers...
Thanks again!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757 |
yeahbut if there was one task they could use them for but another for which the machines would be inutile, it would be more accurately nuanced to say "the teachers could not utilise the computers for the second task..."
In other words, the difference for me is the suggestion of fitness for purpose, whereas use merely says something about an action undertaken or not. I know what you mean about some of the over-usage, but I think it can yield a useful extra level of utility compared with the mundane use ;)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065 |
In reply to:
Rainmaker please, that darned movie ruined the other one for me...
Another film:
http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/film/30973.html
Apparently it's just won the award for best Asian producer at the Shanghai Film Festival. (Actually, a more literal translation of the title would be "Dry Season Dream")
Bingley
Bingley
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
a little trick some of us have learned over the years
You can practice this little tip right here in this very thread. Go
back to your opening post and click on the little icon next to the
Reply icon. You'll see this icon only on your own posts. This will
put you in Edit mode and you can lop off the unnecessary part of the
long url that is making this thread such a pain in the scroll for many
of us.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124
member
|
|
OP
member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124 |
Once again, thank you for the info - if this was posted in FAQ then I just missed it...
Done.
Keep those cards and letters coming!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,400
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,400 |
the FAQ is a good place to start, but there are several thread in I & A with links to a collection of tips..
most of us set our profile to be able to view 99 post at atime.. (it load faster if you use dial up) --most of don't still use dial up..BUT
it also make it easier to look up old threads.. (since often page 2 or 3 of an old topic won't load.)
so it follows, we don't go past 99 or 100 (because these post would be on page 2 if your preferences are set to view 99 posts..)
Some people think we are being arbitary with ending thread at 100 (they are often continued in a new thread!--so its not as if we close down the topic) we just make it easier for us (and every one who joins) to be able to read/find/refer to old topics, if needed.
None of the 'tricks' we use are rocket science--but there is also no reason for you to have to re-invent the wheel--you can read the collective hints and tricks and use any that you want..
you can learn how to do ligitures, and type Ęsop--or you can type Aesop.
we have fun with characters, and white text.. and other stuff. but we don't keep our tricks a secret!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124
member
|
|
OP
member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124 |
Helen,
A native NY's (sans the accent) with the looks to start a war...
Wow. We gotta meet!
I am off to read the 'tricks and hints'. I'm a fast study - watch out!
Again, thanks to all for such a great site - wish I had known years ago...
Rm (LR)
PS: cable modem for me (old beta tester).
|
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics13,913
Posts229,614
Members9,187
| |
Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
|
|
|
0 members (),
283
guests, and
1
robot. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
