Can we really expect the unexpected?
Posted by: Roy in Uncategorized, blog, thought & opinions, tags: authority, bridge, building, English, expect, opinion, play, proper, unexpected, wordsNOPE! This is not a sequel to my July 18 Earthquake post, this is about some English words and phrases that I have encountered then and now. Somehow these words and phrases has made me think and ask. You may take this seriously, but I suggest you won’t as these are merely playing with words, from someone who is not really an English expert, but then again….
Some of these words and phrases are as follows:
Proper Authority - which makes me ask the question “is there an improper authority?” and if ever there is such a thing, would it still be considered to be an authority knowing that it is improper?
Expect the unexpected - if we are expecting it, is it still right to refer to it as the unexpected? Can we really expect the unexpected?
Point of no return - how did we know? Who told us? Is there someone who was able to return and tell the tale?
Best of the best - shouldn’t ‘best’ refer to the ultimate? so there should only be one, right? How come there are lots of best(s) to choose from?
Tucked out - as opposed to tucked-in… really now, if a shirt is hanging loosely outside your pants, would it still be considered tucked?
Better half - which we use to refer to our spouse… but then, if our spouse is the better half, what kind of half will that make of us? Are we the not-so-better-half?
I’ll cross the bridge when I get there - a very safe and convenient answer to a hypothetical question. Whoever coined the phrase must have thought of himself as clever. But ‘duh!’ of course you can’t cross the bridge until you’re there! That’s why it’s hypothetical! That answer only impress to me as someone who has no vision of what should happen when a situation occurs.
Anyways - what’s with the ‘s‘? I hear it almost everyday! From emcees, VJs, DJs, most smart-alec and from people who are supposed to be speaking English fluently. Was I really taught wrongly all along as a child? Enlighten me please… anyones?
Building - a structure or an edifice. But construction is already finished and the work is already done. But why is it still referred to as building? Shouldn’t it be called ‘Built‘?
In my humble opinion - as opposed to a proud opinion?
In my own opinion - would I state another person’s opinion?
Like I said, you may take them seriously or not. They are just a result of my playful thoughts.
They could even be nonsense…. or are they?
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Well, Roy that’s the English language for you - full of idioms, similes, metaphors and oxymorons - very colorful indeed.
I was smiling while reading your posts as your observations are correct.
What about our own language?
“Kung hindi mo makikita, makikita mo!” ( literally translated as - If you don’t see it, you’ll see?)
Language is a very colorful medium of communication. That is why you need non verbal communication too, to really understand the message.
A thought provoking post and funny too.
Keep posting.
By the way, I have also included your two widgets in my side bar ads at my campaign blog. Cheers.
Thanks Jena! You’ve been really very supportive. I’m sure you will be rewarded for all you kindness.
God bless!
Lol, have you ever checked out the annual Banished Words List from a little school in the Upper Penninsula in Michigan. http://www.lssu.edu. I went to school there and every year they would banish these societal words that were just useless. I still use them of course, but it’s a fun thing that makes national news every year. You should submit these to them.
http://www.peglegstarfish.com
Can we really banish words, hehe… will check them out sometime.
thanks for dropping by
You are so right on! I recently read a book (that came highly recommended) called “On Writing Well” by william zinsser. He makes this point clearly and focuses on reduction, reduction, reduction. Make it simple and if it is redundant, take it out. Have a gr8 weekend *huggies*
Will try to check that book sometime
Thanks for dropping by!