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I can't believe this has generated so much response -- must be the heat
;-). And I wasn't going to weigh in on this, even though my former
English teacher self wanted to immediately jump into the fray. However,
I can't let this go by.
An ADVERB (Bob's emphasis) modifies a verb (an "action word" as we were
taught in elementary school). What verb, pray tell, is modified here?
"See"? "Wish"? "Follow"? No, gentle Techwhirlers, in this sentence,
"below" is an adjective (a word that modifies a noun), and the noun
being modified is "directions". If you do not believe me, go to Bob's
reference in Merriam Webster: Go to their Web site and look up "below".
Choose the fourth definition (adjective) and choose the "Go To" button
and you will see. To wit: written or discussed lower on the same page or
on a following page.
No applause, just send money.
-- John
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Johnson [mailto:bob -dot- johnson -at- CELERITYSOLUTIONS -dot- COM]
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 1998 12:17 PM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: Directions below, etc.
Gina Hertel wrote:
>Which one is it?
>If you wish to see a listing of all Destinations and their properties,
>follow the *below directions*.
>If you wish to see a listing of all Destinations and their properties,
>follow the *directions below*.
>I thought we weren't supposed to end sentences with a preposition, yet
I've
>had two co-workers opt for the latter. Any ideas?
In this case, your coworkers are correct. They are not, in fact, ending
a sentence with a preposition. In this case, "below" is an ADVERB.
Check the online Merriam Websters if you doubt me. (I did to confirm my
initial suspicion.)
Therefore, grammatically, or otherwise, I see no problem with "follow
(ing) the directions below."
Besides, "the below directions" is grating just to think about!
Bob Johnson
Documentation and QA Specialist
Celerity Solutions
Dedham, MA
