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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 618
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 618 |
Elsewhere, in response to Cogito ergo sumo -- Just thinking about food makes me gain weight, a certain bike-riding marine creature responded with Yeah, but you're on great form today! EA
I've always said in great form. What do the rest of you say?
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 742
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 742 |
Definitely in form, as in, "the in form Warriors have made the NRL Grand Final"
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Posts: 1,981
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Mar 2000
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For me, more likely "on good/great form" but "in good/great shape", although thinking about it, I'd more likely say that "Max is on good form at the moment", refering to their wit, whereas in great form might be more of a sporting reference as in "Arsenal are in great form at the moment".
It could be a cross pond-ism. I think that it is one of those expressions that is hard to pin down, the more I think about it, the more confused it gets.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,636
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,636 |
In great form is the only way I've ever heard it, I think.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Likewise in great form. I b'lieve that's the USn standard. Canadaers?
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296 |
Always "in great form..."
But I like the ring of "on great form" and will begin using it promptly.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,146
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,146 |
Contrary view time - it's my lunchtime, so I can afford to be contrary - there are two separate expressions here:
1. Someone is on form.
This usage is quite normal in Britspeak parts of the world.
2. Someone is in great form.
This usage means something completely different from 1. but is semantically correct within its own context.
3. You wouldn't, however, claim that someone is on great form, just on form.
The idiot also known as Capfka ...
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296 |
So, CapKi, does "on form" meaning something like "on top of a task"?... And "in great form" means something slightly different with more emphasis on the manner of execution of the task?
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,146
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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The idiot also known as Capfka ...
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,346
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,346 |
"on good/great form" but "in good/great shape"That's very close to my reading/writing, Jo. By saying TEd was "on great form" I was talking primarily about wit/performance rather than physique. If I'd said just "on form" I would have been talking about performance in a sport or competition. Less about wit, though it might (just) be a mental challenge at which TEd was excelling. Of course TEd, being a true Renaissance Man, may also be "in great shape" physically. Starting with the "in" seems to be enough to imply fitness, though, even if you end up with "form". Quick rule of thumb then - "on" = wit, "in" = physique Everybody clear now? 
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