Sentences Feb 15

Question

Hi,Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?1. This function in MS Word serves the same duty as the border functions in MS Excel.2. This function in MS Word has the same function as the border functions in MS Excel.3. Did I sound all sleepy on the phone call?Thanks,MG.

Philip · Accepted Answer

I'm not fond of duty in the first sentence, but it's grammatically correct.

All is frequently used these days to mean very. I think it is a sloppy construction and would not use it in formal situations. [during the phone call, by the way]

CalifJim · Answer

Musicgold1. This function in MS Word serves the same duty as the border functions in MS Excel.
2. This function in MS Word has the same function as the border functions in MS Excel.

For this thought I'd go with the following:

This function in MS Word serves the same purpose as the border functions in MS Excel.

(That way you can avoid using "function" yet a third time in the same sentence, which is a little jarring.)
(duty is too personal. People have duties; software functions don't.)

Musicgold3. Did I sound all sleepy on the phone call?

OK in casual conversation, I'd say. Some uses of "all" border on slang.

_____________

Extra information:

In very casual speech, some young people use "be all" for "say"!!! (Extremely casual. Not recommended.)

Young woman, talking about her boyfriend:
So he was all, "Where are you going?" And I was all, "What's it to you?"

CJ

Musicgold · Answer

Thanks Philip.

CJ,
Thanks for the great explanation.

CalifJimSo he was all, "Where are you going?" And I was all, "What's it to you?"

Interesting !

BTW, is 'what is it to you' offensive ? Can I use it jokingly with my colleagues?

Sentences Feb 15

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