0
Philip Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Natives' sense of "since"
Last Christmas I received far few greeting cards than I sent; [since then I have altered my card list / I have since altered my card list].
I know the meaning is the same, but do you all think that the second choice sounds "unduly stuffy", as a friend of mine accused me of being?
I know the meaning is the same, but do you all think that the second choice sounds "unduly stuffy", as a friend of mine accused me of being?
Top answer
" Perhaps the use of an extraordinary word implies an extraordinary motive. But I personally never go out of my way to avoid being stuffy. - A.
- " Perhaps the use of an extraordinary word implies an extraordinary motive.
- But I personally never go out of my way to avoid being stuffy.
- - A.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
To my ear, "altered" sounds higher register than, say, "modified," and "modified" higher than "corrected," or "changed."
Perhaps the use of an extraordinary word implies an extraordinary motive.
But I personally never go out of my way to avoid being stuffy.
- A.
Perhaps the use of an extraordinary word implies an extraordinary motive.
But I personally never go out of my way to avoid being stuffy.
- A. 
00
Philipdo you all think that the second choice sounds "unduly stuffy"I don't. It's only slightly higher register than the "since then" formulation.
But to get down to the nitty-gritty of the situation. Be careful, or your list will shrink to zero! I always feel a success when I receive fewer cards than I send. I think, in some small way, it humilia
00
Sorry, Philip, I read you post carelessly. I agree with CJ.
Your friend has a discerning ear, but the difference is slight.
Perhaps he feels you should be very humble when discussing such matters.
Your friend has a discerning ear, but the difference is slight.
Perhaps he feels you should be very humble when discussing such matters.
0
Related Questions