Ideally

Question

What do you think about the word "ideally"?
Recently I was using it and the people I was talking to didn't like the word.
What's wrong with the following sentence:
"Ideally, it should be flat, but in real word it can be anything"

Thanks.

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]What do you think about the word "ideally"? Recently I was using it and the people I was talking to didn't like the word. What's wrong with the following sentence: "Ideally, it should be flat, but in real word it can be anything" Thanks.[/nq]
It's common enough, why do they have problems with it?

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]What do you think about the word "ideally"? Recently I was using it and the people I was talking to didn't like the word.[/nq]
I've never complained about it, but I've reacted quietly against the use of the word a few times. I'm not sure why, and I'd have to look up the definition to know why.
It could be because it's not used with the same meaning as in idealism, which might be living one's life according to one's moral and ethical, or believing that most others do, or even living one's life and career according to one's architectural values or artistic values, whatever sorts of work one does.
[nq:1]What's wrong with the following sentence: "Ideally, it should be flat, but in real word it can be anything"[/nq]
What does "it" refer to? That would help answer.
[nq:1]Thanks.[/nq]
s/ meirman If you are emailing me please
say if you are posting the same response.
Born west of Pittsburgh Pa. 10 years
Indianapolis, 7 years
Chicago, 6 years
Brooklyn NY 12 years
Baltimore 20 years

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]What does "it" refer to?[/nq]
"it" refers to a thin metal surface similar to foil, which should be flat but in practice it is almost always a little warped. The warpage is not desirable...
Is it better if I put it like this?
"In the perfect world, it should be flat, but in the real word it can be anything"
As I understand it, "ideally" is more suitable for abstract things, moral values, etc

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]What do you think about the word "ideally"? Recently I was using it and the people I was talking to didn't like the word. What's wrong with the following sentence: "Ideally, it should be flat, but in real word it can be anything" Thanks.[/nq]
Apart from a couple of typos ("in the real world" rather than "in real word"), it looks fine to me. I certainly don't see any problem with your use of "ideally".
My question would be the same as Raymond's: what problem did they have with your use of the word?

Cheers, Harvey
Ottawa/Toronto/Edmonton for 30 years;
Southern England for the past 22 years.
(for e-mail, change harvey to harvey.van)

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]What do you think about the word "ideally"? Recently I was using it and the people I was talking to didn't like the word. What's wrong with the following sentence: "Ideally, it should be flat, but in real word it can be anything"[/nq]
Perhaps "world" is misspelt?

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]What's wrong with the following sentence: "Ideally, it should be flat, but in real word it can be anything"[/nq]
Nothing, at least regarding your use of the word "ideally".

It would be ever so slightly easier to understand if you said something like, "Under ideal circumstances, it would be flat, but in the real world it can take any shape."

Michael DeBusk, Co-Conspirator to Make the World a Better Place Did he update http://home.earthlink.net/~debu4335/ yet?

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]What does "it" refer to?[/nq]
[nq:1]"it" refers to a thin metal surface similar to foil, which should be flat but in practice it is almost ... real word it can be anything" As I understand it, "ideally" is more suitable for abstract things, moral values, etc[/nq]
I agree here. While some conceive of the word as an expression of what is perfect or most nearly perfect, others also include the meaning as "an idea". An ideal world might be the most perfect conception of reality, or it might be a world or concept existing as an idea, and never made concrete.

In your sentence, you have clarified the "ideally" sufficiently. But I would disregard people who are unhappy with your use of "ideally", as I shrug off the conversation stoppers of people who must participate, but insist on taking the conversation along their own paths, in addition to indicating that the speaker being interrupted uses defective reasoning. The interrupters are using a debating technique, and aren't interested in learning and sharing, but in defeating other speakers.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]"it" refers to a thin metal surface similar to foil, ... it, "ideally" is more suitable for abstract things,moral values, etc[/nq]
[nq:1]I agree here. While some conceive of the word as an expression of whatis perfect or most nearly perfect, ... defective reasoning.The interrupters are using a debating technique, and aren't interested in learning and sharing, but in defeating other speakers.[/nq]
I have no problem using ideally as it was first stated n the original post The use of it solely in conjuntion with the abstract is too confining and not how it's done in the real world of speech. Most people I deal with would say ideally and not the longer 'in a perfect world'. Idon't expect the world to be ideal but ideally my Ring Dings aren't melted.

Ring Dings made by Drakes Cakes are the best little snack cakes, devils food, filled with "cream" filling and completely covered in dark choclate. They blow away Hostess,Little Debbie's, Dolly Madison or any other companies confections.

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