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Subject:Re: "Architecting" verbs from nouns From:DIGEST Bruce Byfield <byfield -at- DIRECT -dot- CA> Date:Sat, 31 Aug 1996 17:42:43 +0800
Bruce Nevin wrote:
>For the same reason that we brush our teeth, table a bill, park a car, etc.
>etc. The process of making verbs out of nouns is as old as English. Indeed,
>it appears to be as old as language.
>Fasten your seat belt. It's been a bumpy ride for the past few millennia,
>and shows no sign of stopping.
The problem isn't that verbs shouldn't be made out of nouns. If
the resulting verb fills a gap in the language, only the pedantic can
object to it. However, when I see a verb which is either:
a.) unnecessary
or
b.) ugly-sounding
I do everything I can to discourage its use.
I don't believe that you can stop language from changing. In fact, English's
flexibility is one of its strengths. However, with a little effort, you can
often direct the change a little.
For example:
"Architecting?" I might say when someone uses the word, and frown a little.
"Oh, you mean 'designing,'" I'll add, smiling brightly. The point is made without
offending anyone, and, nine times out of ten, the person never uses the new
word again.
-------------------------------------
Bruce Byfield (byfield -at- direct -dot- ca)
What we wanted was: sheet lightning,
What we wanted was: eight miles high,
What we wanted was: free-fall
And our turn to fly.
--Oyster Band, "All That Way for This"
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