English Language - what "Does your head in" ??

[Cyril Haearn]

Been working with Americans again, learnt a new phrase, typically in a mail:
'Bryn, please *reach out* to soandso'

New one on me, what does it mean, where does it come from?

[cyclemad]

this may have been mentioned so apologies to those concerned.....but what really grinds my gears is the use of the word LIKE.....in every full / part sentence.......WHY ??????????????????

[Bmblbzzz]

Been working with Americans again, learnt a new phrase, typically in a mail:
'Bryn, please *reach out* to soandso'

New one on me, what does it mean, where does it come from?

Contact, communicate with, send an email to...

this may have been mentioned so apologies to those concerned.....but what really grinds my gears is the use of the word LIKE.....in every full / part sentence.......WHY ??????????????????

Because we're like not sure.

[Cyril Haearn]

I hate the phrase 'stick to the speed limit'
'Keep comfortably below the maximum speed limit' is the right phrase

When I used to drive I did the latter, Constable Sargent once spotted me going especially slowly, he followed me home for a few words
Quite proud of that
Or should I be ashamed that I took his time that could have been used dealing with speeding criminals?

[Audax67]

"Stick to" has been around for at least 150 years.

[DaveReading]

"Stick to" has been around for at least 150 years.

Quite so.

"Stick to" is a synonym for "adhere", one of whose meanings is "to continue to obey a rule or have a belief".

[Vorpal]

I think bryn's point was more along the lines that a speed limit is a maximum, rather than a target.

'stick to' the speed limit sounds like staying as close as possible.

[Cyril Haearn]

Sticking to the cliff edge might be worth a try if one is unsure what the word means

People understand words variously, one should try to use correct language when discussing speeding crime, just as one tries to avoid using sexist or racist language

[Cyril Haearn]

I do wish the moderators would correct wrong use of 'can' and 'may'

[pwa]

I do wish the moderators would correct wrong use of 'can' and 'may'

That distinction is now part of a world that has gone. It is an anachronism. You can try to defy it, but the tide of change will just wash over you.

[Oldjohnw]

Is this swearing?

Let's not split infinitives or end sentences with prepositions while we're at it.

And the use of grocer's' apostrophes should be a banning offence.

[Cyril Haearn]

I do wish the moderators would correct wrong use of 'can' and 'may'

That distinction is now part of a world that has gone. It is an anachronism. You can try to defy it, but the tide of change will just wash over you.

How may one now distinguish between things that are possible but not allowed, and things that are both allowed and possible?

How might one teach children about right and wrong?

What do others think?

One wonders whether traffic policepersons are trained to use can + may correctly

I shall continue, as a sort of language policeperson, to bleat and fight for correct use of these two words in particular

[Oldjohnw]

I do wish the moderators would correct wrong use of 'can' and 'may'

That distinction is now part of a world that has gone. It is an anachronism. You can try to defy it, but the tide of change will just wash over you.

How may one now distinguish between things that are possible but not allowed, and things that are both allowed and possible?

How might one teach children about right and wrong?

What do others think?

One wonders whether traffic policepersons are trained to use can + may correctly

I shall continue, as a sort of language policeperson, to bleat and fight for correct use of these two words in particular

Perhaps promote the correct use of "hate" and "ignore" at the same time.

I do actually agree about the often significant difference between can and may. I can kill someone with my bare hands. I may not.

[Cyril Haearn]

Hate is an emotion
Ignore is an action, or non-action

[Oldjohnw]

Hate is both an abstract noun and a verb. As a verb it has a subject and object.