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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary
Just a query about the correct usage of "give off"
Hi everyone,
I have quite often come across this expression "give off the impression/appearance." I looked up its meaning in the dictionary, and it gives "emit" as the only meaning, which has left me wondering about the grammatical correctness of this usage.
Could it be that though this usage is not grammatically correct, it is idiomatically acceptable? Or should it be considered simply a corrupted form of "give the appearance/impression," which is deceptively similar but grammatically correct?
I would be grateful to anyone who could guide me to the path of grammatical rectitude!
Thanks,
Confused guy
I have quite often come across this expression "give off the impression/appearance." I looked up its meaning in the dictionary, and it gives "emit" as the only meaning, which has left me wondering about the grammatical correctness of this usage.
Could it be that though this usage is not grammatically correct, it is idiomatically acceptable? Or should it be considered simply a corrupted form of "give the appearance/impression," which is deceptively similar but grammatically correct?
I would be grateful to anyone who could guide me to the path of grammatical rectitude!
Thanks,
Confused guy
Top answer
It's "give ( indirect object possible) the impression", etc. The version with "off" is a mistake.
- It's "give ( indirect object possible) the impression", etc.
- The version with "off" is a mistake.
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2 Answers
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It's "give (indirect object possible) the impression", etc. The version with "off" is a mistake.
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I have quite often come across this expression "give off the impression/appearance." I looked up its meaning in the dictionary, and it gives "emit" as the only meaning, which has left me wondering about the grammatical correctness of this usage.
Could it be that though this usage is not grammatically correct, I wouldn't call it incorrect grammar, strictly spe
Could it be that though this usage is not grammatically correct, I wouldn't call it incorrect grammar, strictly spe
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