About the adjective "well-read"
Hi there,
I have a question about the form of "well-read." Why don't we say "well-reading" instead? We people read, but not are read. There are many examples of "people are well read" online, but I wonder whether it comes from. Another phrase is "short-lived" love. Why do you say that? Is there a way to explain these two phrases in the term of grammar? Thanks in advance.
Gloria
Top answer
The past participle is used very often as a descriptor, and the prefix (well) has a good connotation. There are many words made from the combination well- + past participle. A person who is well-read has read many books of different varieties and types.
- The past participle is used very often as a descriptor, and the prefix (well) has a good connotation.
- There are many words made from the combination well- + past participle.
- A person who is well-read has read many books of different varieties and types.
- They generally can converse about many different topics.
- Note that "read" has meant "having knowledge gained by reading" in the past and survives in this expression.
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The past participle is used very often as a descriptor, and the prefix (well) has a good connotation. There are many words made from the combination well- + past participle.
A person who is well-read has read many books of different varieties and types. They generally can converse about many different topics. Note that "read" has meant "having knowledge gained by reading" in the
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