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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,290
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,290 |
Another sign that English is going to heck in a teapot.
1. A few items were left off the list.
a. Using a with a plural noun.
b. A plural noun that does not take -s: i.e., few.
c. A noun used as an adjective.
d. Also works with good many and great many.
e. In times past, used to use the partitive genitive with of.
f. I am sure grammar mavens are losing sleep over this, right now, somewhere.
Ceci n'est pas un seing.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Can you give us an example of e? I can't think of anything off hand. Maybe because partitive genitive leaves me bemused.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,290
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,290 |
A few of the items went missing.
The genitive is usually said to be a possessive case, but it has other uses.
Ceci n'est pas un seing.
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
You know, I don't think I ever knew that this was against the (grammar) law. But now that you mention it, I do recall sometimes reading some few; what would precede good many and great many, please?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,290
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,290 |
I was being sarcastic, Jackie. There's absolutely nothing wrong with saying or writing: "a great many grammar mavens are wrong" or "a few students disappeared during Spring Break". But, it's fun to get all prescriptive ad absurdum.
Ceci n'est pas un seing.
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Ah-HA---boy, nobody can say I can't catch on to things...once I've been hit upside the head a few times with a 2 X 4, anyway. I'm not an ignor, am i?
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