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MarvinTheMartian Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
give in to one's instinct, etc.
Hi,
I know what some of you will say: I shouldn't let Google results undermine my confidence in my language skills. However, when I come up with a phrase or sentence and get few or no results for it, I can't help but get a little panicky... Take a look at the following examples:
"Whenever I walk into a store, I have to be very careful not to give in to my instinct to buy everything that attracts my eye." (Google returned only 8 results for "in to my instinct".)
"The movie was so predictable. Am I the only one the ending left with a feeling of 'deja vu'" (Only 1 result relevant to my example for "am I the only one * left with".)
"My new statuette looks great among / amid my other ornaments." (9 pages of results for "looks great among" and only 2 for "looks great amid.)
There must be something seriously wrong with me because I can definitely see myself using the above sentences in everyday conversation or correspondence. Could it be that my brain's language centers are "defective" again?
I know what some of you will say: I shouldn't let Google results undermine my confidence in my language skills. However, when I come up with a phrase or sentence and get few or no results for it, I can't help but get a little panicky... Take a look at the following examples:
"Whenever I walk into a store, I have to be very careful not to give in to my instinct to buy everything that attracts my eye." (Google returned only 8 results for "in to my instinct".)
"The movie was so predictable. Am I the only one the ending left with a feeling of 'deja vu'" (Only 1 result relevant to my example for "am I the only one * left with".)
"My new statuette looks great among / amid my other ornaments." (9 pages of results for "looks great among" and only 2 for "looks great amid.)
There must be something seriously wrong with me because I can definitely see myself using the above sentences in everyday conversation or correspondence. Could it be that my brain's language centers are "defective" again?
Top answer
I wouldn't use the "amid" one. The others are fine. Now, write this 100 times: I will not rely on Google to check my grammar.
- I wouldn't use the "amid" one.
- The others are fine.
- Now, write this 100 times: I will not rely on Google to check my grammar.
- I will not rely on Google to ...
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4 Answers
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I wouldn't use the "amid" one.
The others are fine.
Now, write this 100 times: I will not rely on Google to check my grammar. I will not rely on Google to ...
The others are fine.
Now, write this 100 times: I will not rely on Google to check my grammar. I will not rely on Google to ...
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Just remember: The more words you search for, the fewer responses you get, especially with a particular personal pronoun or adjective: I, you, me, my, our, us, etc.
The amid result doesn't surprise me. I don't hear that much.
CJ
The amid result doesn't surprise me. I don't hear that much.
CJ
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Thanks for the tip, CalifJim. Good one, Grammar Geek. As much as I would like to comply, there are times when I have no choice but to rely on Google to check my grammar. I'd rather not have to bother you guys every time I start doubting my proficiency... Why, I'd be bombarding you with questions day in and day out! I figure it's best for everyone if I try and find the answers by myself before res
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Perhaps a better word than "instinct" is "impulse". Here are the definitions:
Impulse:
1. the influence of a particular feeling, mental state, etc.: to act under a generous impulse; to strike out at someone from an angry impulse.
2. sudden, involuntary inclination prompting to action: to be swayed by impulse.
3. an instance of this.
4. a psychic drive or instinctual urge
Impulse:
1. the influence of a particular feeling, mental state, etc.: to act under a generous impulse; to strike out at someone from an angry impulse.
2. sudden, involuntary inclination prompting to action: to be swayed by impulse.
3. an instance of this.
4. a psychic drive or instinctual urge
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