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Mr. Tom Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Sometimes it's alright to bend the norms of what's right and...

Hi

Do you find the following sentence natural? If not, could you please edit it?

Sometimes it's alright to bend the norms of what's right and what's wrong.

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

" Norms are statements of fact. You can bend the rules but you can't bend the norms.

— Avangi

  • " Norms are statements of fact.
  • You can bend the rules but you can't bend the norms.
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5 Answers
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There's a big difference between "rules" and "norms." Norms are statements of fact.

You can bend the rules but you can't bend the norms.
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Thanks, Avangi. Is this OK now?

Sometimes it's alright to bend the rules of what is right and what is wrong.

Thanks again,

Tom
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Yes, it's fine by me.

I suppose it's true that some people use "norms" in place of "rules," but I believe it's wrong to do so. I'll take a look and double check.
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Definition 1 from my Am Htg is arguably bendable, but 2 is not.

"1. A standard, model, or pattern regarded as typical for a specific group"

You could probably argue as to which came first, the chicken or the egg.
During its formative stages, a "group" may not be well-defined. A "norm" may not exist.
But once it does exist, is it understood to be a strict rule for allowi
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Hi Tom

I'd also be happier with the word "rules" in your sentence.
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