LandaBlog: Recent Comments

Comment on Issues? No Problem.

Lane — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:19:18 GMT

It is an odd word--like so many others in English. Dictionary.com lists 35 definitions (including 3 idioms), all issuing from an old French word for exit. We've taken it in many directions since it entered Middle English in the 13th century. Thanks for a good comment—we take no issue with what you say.

Comment on Issues? No Problem.

John H — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:43:38 GMT

Although you "... have no issue with it", you seem to take issue with it. An odd word, isn't it?

Comment on Whose Affair?

Dave — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:13:45 GMT

Your version is more likely to be understood, but still leaves a reader unsure of who the "her" in "her very own student" refers to. Can you think of a way that might totally eliminate any possibility of ambiguity? We think it's very, very difficult. To be safe, you'd have to eliminate the pronoun: "one of Ginnie's students," or "one of that teacher's students." Both are awkward, but completely rewriting the sentence or passage is a challenge with words taken out of context.

Thanks for your response--we hope you visit again.

Comment on Whose Affair?

JayeKarynia Reynolds — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:41:00 GMT

"...was having an affair with one of her very own students."

Comment on Is This Clear to You?

Dave — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:57:56 GMT

Dennis--Good point. Most sentences are clear enough, some few are clumsy and confusing, and then there's the gray area in between, wherein live those sentences that seem perfectly clear to the writer, but may not be to the reader. This is the zone of greatest danger. We have to remember that old maxim "It isn't enough to write so you'll be understood--you must write so you can not be misunderstood."
Thanks for the comment.
Dave

Comment on Whom Again, Whom Again

Dave — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:40:56 GMT

Hello Dennis--
Thanks for your comment. These little pronouns do cause lots of trouble--even for intelligent, educated people. So I'm glad you found our explanation helpful, and I'll bet you will be able to remember.
Dave & Lane

Comment on Altruist or curmudgeon?

Dave — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:31:07 GMT

Hey Sally,

This looks good to me. It's clear, so you've gotten rid of the ambiguity.

Dave

Comment on A Thorny Question?

Dave — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:25:23 GMT

Hey Sally--Thanks, and thanks for the witty reply. Dave

Comment on Altruist or curmudgeon?

Sally — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:57:54 GMT

OK, I'll bite. Here's my rewrite:
"The suffering of others is difficult for me to bear."

Comment on A Thorny Question?

Saly — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:55:14 GMT

Dave, that "Ye" has been a thorn in my side for years! Thanks for the enlightenment. I love your blog!