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SuperESL Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
In the nature of things
The Oxford dictionary online defines the phase "in the nature of things" thus:
1inevitable: it is in the nature of things that the majority of music prizes get set up for performers rather than composers
2inevitably: in the nature of things, old people spend much more time indoors
I was wondering if "inevitable" or "inevitably" is too strong, too forceful an interpretation of the word. Perhaps "it is only natural that" or "it is not surprising that" would be an equally valid understanding of the meaning of phrase? What do you think?
Thank you.
1inevitable: it is in the nature of things that the majority of music prizes get set up for performers rather than composers
2inevitably: in the nature of things, old people spend much more time indoors
I was wondering if "inevitable" or "inevitably" is too strong, too forceful an interpretation of the word. Perhaps "it is only natural that" or "it is not surprising that" would be an equally valid understanding of the meaning of phrase? What do you think?
Thank you.
Top answer
Hi I agree. 'Inevitable' means 'unavoidable or certain' It doesn't seem certain to me that music prizes should be set up in that way. As you say, it may appear unsurprising to others - or no more than you might expect.
- Hi I agree.
- 'Inevitable' means 'unavoidable or certain' It doesn't seem certain to me that music prizes should be set up in that way.
- As you say, it may appear unsurprising to others - or no more than you might expect.
- But that's not the same as inevitable It doesn't seem inevitable or unavoidable that old people must spend most of their time indoors Possibly, there are better examples that have a more 'inevitable' meaning...
- - It's in the nature of things that, if buildings aren't looked after, they will start to fall down Regards, Dave
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1 Answers
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Hi
I agree. 'Inevitable' means 'unavoidable or certain'
It doesn't seem certain to me that music prizes should be set up in that way. As you say, it may appear unsurprising to others - or no more than you might expect. But that's not the same as inevitable
It doesn't seem inevitable or unavoidable that old people must spend most of their time indoors
Possibly
I agree. 'Inevitable' means 'unavoidable or certain'
It doesn't seem certain to me that music prizes should be set up in that way. As you say, it may appear unsurprising to others - or no more than you might expect. But that's not the same as inevitable
It doesn't seem inevitable or unavoidable that old people must spend most of their time indoors
Possibly
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