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"It is a happy talent to know how to play."

Not to Nitpick, But "Try" Takes the Infinitive (Or a Gerund), Not a Conjunction.

8/9/2017

25 Comments

 
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"Hey! You want to try and see the meteor shower this weekend?"

​Umm, no. But I'll try to see it. Or, maybe, I'll even try seeing it. 

It's not that I'm a grammar nazi. Sure, I've literally never used the wrong its/it's/they're/their/there/who's/whose/etc. Sure, I definitely use "who" and "whom" correctly. 

But I love ending sentences with prepositions. I love slang and neologisms. And! I, like, totally have no problem with people using "literally" to mean "figuratively" (though that's not how I used it just now -- I literally literally never make pronoun mistakes). 

It's just... I have a Classical Diploma. I studied Latin and Greek. I also studied psychology and psycholinguistics. That is to say, I know things. 
​
​I know that the word vagina literally translates to sheath, as in: a place for a man to stick his sword. That's kind of gross. 

I know that "positive reinforcement" probably means the opposite of what you think it does.

And I know that it's not re-diculous. It's ridiculous. After all, do you redicule people with bad grammar?

No. 

You ridicule them.
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​Just like a little, tiny, silent part of me ridicules people who "try and" do something. 

Because, look. You don't try and. You try to.

Or. perhaps you try doing something.

Why? 

Because "try" takes either the infinitive ("to verb") or the gerund ("verbing" as a noun), depending on your meaning. 

If you're trying to do something that is difficult or impossible, you try to do it. 

For example:

Let's try to take Highgarden.

Let's try to stop the Night Walkers. 

Let's try to cure greyscale.


If you're trying to do something that is... you know. Easy. Experimental. Worth trying. Then you try doing it. For example:

Let's try taking the Kingsroad.

Let's try praying to the Red God. 

Let's try building a wheelchair. 


The only time you would really try and something would be in a situation like this:

Let's try and see what happens.

Except, when you look at this sentence, you'll see that "and" still functions as a conjunction, and that "try" is actually taking an understood infinitive or gerund. 

Let's try (praying to the Red God) and see what happens.

Let's try (to take Highgarden) and see what happens.
​
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And, yes. Language changes and evolves rapidly over time. That's why I'm only the slightest bit judgey when people "try and" get it wrong. We've probably gotten to the point where most experts would accept "try and" as a correct usage. 

But, personally, I don't like it. Doesn't it just sound better when you try doing it correctly?

​*** 

​I leave you with these delightful "Latin Student Problems" memes:
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​And, of course, this "If The Happy Talent Used Latin Sayings as Titles" list:

Vincit qui se vincit. (He conquers who conquers himself.)

Gladiator in arena consilium capit. (The gladiator is making his plans in the arena.)

Fabas indulcet fames. (Hunger sweetens the beans)

Aqua vitae. (Water of life.)

Non sibi. (Not for oneself.)

Vitanda est improba siren desidia. (One must avoid that wicked temptress, Laziness.)

Disiecti membra poetae. (Limbs of a dismembered poet.)

Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo. (If I cannot bend the will of Heaven, I will move hell.)

Vestis virum reddit. (The clothing makes the man.)

Estne volumen in toga, an solum tibi libet me videre? (Is that a scroll in your toga, or are you just happy to see me?)

Enjoy! 
25 Comments
Jadzia
8/13/2017 02:53:01 am

The phrase "Not to nitpick," does not cancel out the nitpicking that follows. It's a bit like saying "I'm not racist but..." before saying something racist. You like to nitpick because you care a lot about good writing, you don't need to apologise for it.

Reply
Eva Glasrud link
8/15/2017 11:37:01 am

Fair enough - it's definitely kind of nitpicky, because I obviously understand that someone who says "try and" REALLY means "try to". But... it just doesn't sound good to me!

I guess it's like Mark Twain said:

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."

Reply
Amin Riyadh
8/15/2017 06:10:33 am

[[ "It's just... I have a Classical Diploma. I studied Latin and Greek. I also studied psychology and psycholinguistics. That is to say, I know things.
​
​I know that the word vagina literally translates to sheath, as in: a place for a man to stick his sword. That's kind of gross. " ]]

Perhaps all this "ego" is for satirical purposes. Let us say, you are making fun of yourself.

My word, that is self-obsessed and egotistical screed! And no it is not called confidence. A confident person shouldn't need to rely on the above... as that is the sort of the opposite of being confident.

- -

PS - I came to your site, originally, through a Google search. However, I have now bookmarked it and read it for the sheer display of ego. I have never come across someone who writes like you!

Reply
Eva Glasrud link
8/15/2017 11:30:59 am

Yes, you picked up on the satire. Great job on the reading comprehension skills, and thanks for bookmarking.

Reply
Amin Riyadh
8/15/2017 12:15:14 pm

Oh, I just love the way how you are heroine of all your stories... even dishing it out to "friends". I mean, even dear Jesus wasn't that perfect! A gentile woman once did manage to teach him a lesson or two...

Hey, you go girl!

Eva Glasrud link
8/15/2017 01:02:30 pm

Would you prefer it if I just rehashed other people's stories? Why create, when you can just reiterate, right? Haha. You crack me up.

The thing (well, one of many things) I love about my friends is that we don't have to dance on eggshells around each other. Maybe you prefer surface relationships where "tact" matters more than honesty. Not me, though. I like real relationships where people have enough confidence in themselves to survive a bit of developmental feedback.

It's very bizarre to me that someone I don't even know cares SO SO much about what I think about myself and my friends that they, like, "hate read" all of my blog posts -- but I do appreciate the traffic, etc. I hope you also take the time to share my posts on your social media. :)

Amin Riyadh
8/15/2017 01:47:54 pm

" Would you prefer it if I just rehashed other people's stories? Why create, when you can just reiterate, right? Haha. You crack me up."

What? So there are no stories in which you were in 'not so glorious' light and they became such profound lessons for you?

How come you are always the one wearing a halo?

- -

"I love about my friends is that we don't have to dance on eggshells around each other."

And others are always the ones cast in such low light.

- -

"Maybe you prefer surface relationships where "tact" matters more than honesty."

This is an idiotic thing to say... employing tact does not equal to a "surface relationship".

- -

"It's very bizarre to me that someone I don't even know cares SO SO much about what I think about myself"

It isn't really that bizarre at all... I have already explained, such an outlandish display of ego is fascinating. I have never quite read a blog such as this. I will, of course, in due time get bored of this...

However, contrapositively, one can ask, what do you get out such voyeuristic display of your self? You can always write a private journal...

- -

"hate read" all of my blog posts

Tut, tut! How dare you employ such leftie, SJW vocabulary, I am just OUTRAGED.

I like how your ego couldn't take it that someone is not impressed by your repeatedly "telling" the world how wonderful you are...

Eva Glasrud link
8/15/2017 02:01:32 pm

"Private journals" don't pay the bills, honey. And there is a whole world of people who enjoy reading about my knowledge, expertise and experiences -- why wouldn't I want to share it?

Since you're so very intrigued by my confidence, here are a few posts you might enjoy (if you haven't already read and re-read them, which I suspect you have). You'll love them!


Here's How One Pretty Woman Deals With The "Constant Stares and Compliments" From Men - http://www.thehappytalent.com/blog/how-pretty-women-deal-with-constant-stares


"Experts" Are Saying Not To Call Your Child Beautiful. Here's Why They're TOTALLY Wrong - http://www.thehappytalent.com/blog/experts-are-saying-not-to-call-your-child-beautiful-heres-why-theyre-totally-wrong


A Pretty Girl Answers the Age-Old Question: "Don't You Ever Get Tired of Getting Hit On All The Time?" - http://www.thehappytalent.com/blog/a-pretty-girl-answers-the-age-old-question-dont-you-ever-get-tired-of-getting-hit-on-all-the-time


3 Things I Wish All Girls (And Women) Knew - http://www.thehappytalent.com/blog/3-things-i-wish-all-girls-and-women-knew


7 Reasons I Feel Sorry for People Who Call Me Ugly - http://www.thehappytalent.com/blog/7-reasons-i-feel-sorry-for-people-who-call-me-ugly

Advice for Asian Men, Black Women, and Other People "No One" Wants to Date - www.thehappytalent.com/blog/advice-for-asian-men-black-women-and-other-people-no-one-wants-to-date


Dove Wants Women to #ChooseBeautiful. Men Want Women to #ChooseAverage - http://www.thehappytalent.com/blog/dove-wants-women-to-choosebeautiful-men-want-women-to-chooseaverage


Saying You "Went to School in Boston" Isn't Modest. It's Condescending - http://www.thehappytalent.com/blog/saying-you-went-to-school-in-boston-isnt-modest-its-condescending

Amin Riyadh
8/15/2017 02:41:47 pm

This site isn't paying your bills.

"And there is a whole world of people who enjoy reading about my knowledge, expertise and experiences -- why wouldn't I want to share it? "

The point clearly wasn't about sharing knowledge or expertise or experiences. It was about your very egotistical nature of writing. I like how you quietly dodged the actual argument. If you are going to do that, then why bother to respond with something meaningless?

If for whatever reason you do not wish to continue an argument, it is best just not to respond - and walk away. Such responses just highlight that you are "unable" to counter-argue.

= =

Hey! If you are going to take it up:

[[ "It's just... I have a Classical Diploma. I studied Latin and Greek. I also studied psychology and psycholinguistics. That is to say, I know things.
​
​I know that the word vagina literally translates to sheath, as in: a place for a man to stick his sword. That's kind of gross. " ]]

This is not confidence. Why do you feel the need for it? People tend to put such biographical info in the "about" section and leave it at that.

If you are writing about a grammar point... why bring this up? Is it to fend off potential objections? Or you feel that you need to establish some "authority" first?

This is merely one example, where you go over the top talking about "yourself" rather than proceeding on to the actual subject.

- -

"It's fine to tell your kids they're beautiful -- and it's probably bad not to.

See, when I was a child, people frequently told me I was pretty/beautiful/gorgeous/whatever -- and I can't think of a single negative effect it had on me."

Ah...





Eva Glasrud link
8/15/2017 02:55:38 pm

"It was about your very egotistical nature of writing. I like how you quietly dodged the actual argument."

Your "argument" is that you don't like my style of writing. So... you want me to argue with you over something that's totally subjective?

In that case, what are your thoughts on pineapple on pizza? I am all for it -- I basically won't eat a pizza that DOESN'T have pineapples on it. Care to argue?

Amin Riyadh
8/15/2017 03:17:38 pm

"Your "argument" is that you don't like my style of writing."

Not, quiet no. This is an intentional misrepresentation of what I said... reduction by simplification.

It is not just the style but the "content" too.

What would be the point of my repeating the exact same thing for the third time? When I am quoting you passages and asking why such info is there, then this clearly isn't just about the style.

- -

"So... you want me to argue with you over something that's totally subjective?"

Huh? So if you can be objectively beautiful, then how come style is "totally subjective"? This is just absurd. I think you already know that there is no such thing as "totally subjective" style.

I gave you a pretty clear warning, if you do not wish to carry on an argument then walk away. Absurdities and fallacies aren't going to work. They do the opposite of what you think you are doing. It is like a kid who loses a physical fight and then moves to a safe distance to hurl petty insults...

Hardly pop psychology is needed to point out that this is just because of ego that cannot let go.

Eva Glasrud link
8/15/2017 04:12:06 pm

"I gave you a pretty clear warning"

Didn't realize we were at war... Are you, per chance, ESL? This is a strange word choice for a native speaker.

"Walk away"

It's my blog... If you don't like it, don't read it. If you have something worthwhile to say, which I suspect you don't, start your own blog. You'll be surprised how quickly you can start getting new followers and earning revenue.

Amin Riyadh
8/16/2017 02:01:12 am

"Didn't realize we were at war... Are you, per chance, ESL? This is a strange word choice for a native speaker."

What? Are you going for a victim complex now? Why is "to warn" a strange word choice? It clearly isn't:

"inform someone in advance of a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation."

"give someone cautionary advice about their actions or conduct."

There is nothing "violent" about the word. And it is quite clearly the right word.

Like I said, warned, if you don't want to take up the argument then fine, leave it. But if you continue to reply with meaningless nothings then you will end up looking like a fool. Just look at how foolish your last reply was…


- -

"It's my blog... If you don't like it, don't read it."

And? How is your ownership of the blog under question? Clearly, it isn't. There is hardly any point of replying out of sheer anger and frustration, is there?

- -

"If you have something worthwhile to say, which I suspect you don't,"

Written out of perceived enmity... immature hitting out in anger.

- -

"You'll be surprised how quickly you can start getting new followers and earning revenue."

You are not making a living out of this blog.

Eva Glasrud link
8/16/2017 10:38:09 am

Honey. If I have to explain why it was a strange word choice, I think it only proves my point.

I never claimed to make a full living off just my blog -- I also run a sweet business that I totally love. I probably spend less than three hours a week on blog stuff, and only if I'm not too busy with backpacking, scuba diving, songwriting, and other adventures. Nevertheless, I've done a great job monetizing. If you work hard and do your research, maybe you can, too. (Probably not -- but it's worth trying!)

Unless the only thing you have to write about is me. I think I've got the market cornered on that one. :P But go ahead and try!!

Amin Riyadh
8/16/2017 02:13:57 pm

"Honey. If I have to explain why it was a strange word choice, I think it only proves my point."

Quit the nonsense, eh. It doesn't work. It wasn't a strange word choice and you are unable to substantiate it. "Sugar Syrup", you were playing the victim card.

You only came out with it due to enmity and anger. And you don't want to talk about your narcissism.

- -

"I never claimed to make a full living off just my blog"

You do not make much money off this site, if any. And what makes you think I am all that interested...

= =

Let me refocus this for you:

I am here for your, rather obvious, narcissism.

You can run from that all you like...

Eva Glasrud link
8/16/2017 05:17:57 pm

I guess I complimented your reading comprehension skills a little too early. You seem to have confused bemusement with anger.

It's pretty clear that you don't understand how to write or monetize a blog -- that's fine! Not everyone has to be good at everything. I don't have the interest or charity to help you do either, and I doubt you can afford my hourly rate.

Your obsession is strange, but it's reassuring to know that there are many miles between me and Blackpool. I'm kind of over the whole psychostalker thing.

Amin Riyadh
8/17/2017 06:09:26 am

"I guess I complimented your reading comprehension skills a little too early."

Well, no. You didn't actually compliment me at all. Irony.

- -

"You seem to have confused bemusement with anger."

No. Bemusement does not impede rationality, as was the case with you. It is called anger.

- -

"It's pretty clear that you don't understand how to write or monetize a blog -- that's fine!"

Incorrect and presumptuous. A weebly blog with low traffic... you are kidding me, right?

https://problogger.com/

This person, for example, has spoken in detail how much he makes. Just compare his site to yours. Now I know how much he makes... the traffic he generates, the name that he is...

I guess I know a lot more about Internet about you do. Oh well...

- -

"Not everyone has to be good at everything. I don't have the interest or charity to help you do either, and I doubt you can afford my hourly rate."

Lol! No one asked you.

... I use WordPress [contributory developer] or ExpressionEngine. In the past, I have even used Drupal. Now, why would I need your help?

- -

"Your obsession is strange, but it's reassuring to know that there are many miles between me and Blackpool."

It isn't really... and I am not from "Blackpool" but Manchester, UK. You may look it up. IP address doesn't always resolve to the exact geographical location. Look up the difference between dynamic vs static ip addresses.

Why? What... you don't think...

This ain't a test of your paltry knowledge of Internet and Blogging. I mean come on! You are a "Weebly" blogger!

- -

"I'm kind of over the whole psychostalker thing."

Yes... a person who has posted a few comments! And which you could have easily ended! Hark! The angry one...

= =

Your "Narcissism" is truly amazing! Now you have shown another dimension to it.

I love how quickly you move from one faux pas to another!

Keep em coming, Sugar Syrup!

Eva Glasrud link
8/17/2017 11:20:55 am

You say Weebly like it's a bad thing, but I happily recommend it all the time. Wordpress is kinda lame and buggy. My choice of platform hasn't hurt my ability to make money in any way, shape, or form, though.

Now, if you want to pay for consulting, feel free to fill out a contact form. Otherwise... maybe find some other outlet for your obsession. You could build me a shrine or something.

Amin Riyadh
8/17/2017 12:28:58 pm

"You say Weebly like it's a bad thing, but I happily recommend it all the time."

It is. It is relatively poor. Recommendation of a general user. One who can just about handle bit of dragging and dropping.

- -

"Wordpress is kinda lame and buggy."

Powering over 15% of sites and with some mighty fine websites too... what would some dragger and dropper know?

- -

"My choice of platform hasn't hurt my ability to make money in any way, shape, or form, though."

Quit the lying, eh?

- -

"Now, if you want to pay for consulting, feel free to fill out a contact form."

How does it feel like after failing in another attempt? I like the way you assumed you were good at web after building a drag & drop site! I mean the ego and the sheer arrogance...

- -

"Otherwise... maybe find some other outlet for your obsession. You could build me a shrine or something."

Oh, a shrine would go well with your ego...

= = =

I feel sorry for you. Another "ego" attack that has spectacularly failed!

Oh dear... I laughing hard now. This is just way too funny.

Eva Glasrud link
8/17/2017 12:38:15 pm

Like I said: take your rage and obsession, and put it into a shrine. Or a song. Or even a collage, if that's your thing.

Have fun!

Amin Riyadh
8/17/2017 01:29:27 pm

Lol! Finally! But I even told you what the solution was... your idiotic replies out of sheer ego [narcissistic ego] are meaningless and not you are going to score the victory you think you are.

Eva Glasrud link
8/17/2017 01:37:15 pm

I thought I told you to run along! Well, since you've chosen to bombard me with nonsense yet again, here's another article I was just thinking about that you may find useful:

I'm Not Arrogant, I'm Just Right - The Trouble With Debating the Masses:

http://www.thehappytalent.com/blog/you-say-arrogant-i-say-right-the-problem-with-debating-the-masses

Amin Riyadh
8/17/2017 02:42:50 pm

Lol! This just gets worse for you...

" I'm Not Arrogant, I'm Just Right - The Trouble With Debating the Masses: "

So according to your own article... what exactly are you an expert on? Well, it clearly isn't "Web Development" or "Blogging". Yet you tried to pretend otherwise. So by your own criteria, you are arrogant.

Priceless!

- -

"since you've chosen to bombard me with nonsense yet again"

Yes... like how in every comment since my original you have desperately tried to avoid actual topic. Your narcissism.

The only person who prolongs this "nonsense" is you. So why do you bother?

Eva Glasrud link
8/23/2017 06:16:58 pm

Came back from vacation to find several really interesting comments on my blog... and then I saw this one. Thanks for the chuckle. :P

Amin Riyadh
8/25/2017 12:54:47 pm

"Came back from vacation to find several really interesting comments on my blog... and then I saw this one. Thanks for the chuckle. :P"


We all know this sort of thing doesn't work... it is a meaningless comment for the sake of that "ego".

The only person "laughing" is me... at your desperation now.




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