Bush Lies

[madformac]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

The comparative of "severe" is "severer," to wit:

Main Entry: se·vere
Pronunciation: s&-'vir
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): se·ver·er; -est


http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/severe

If you still do not believe me, type "severer" in WordPerfect, Word, etc. and it will recognize it

I'm not disputing the legitimacy of the word, just the context in which it is used. I think it's just a difference in our interpretation of English. An "Americanism" if you will.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by madformac

I'm not disputing the legitimacy of the word, just the context in which it is used. I think it's just a difference in our interpretation of English. An "Americanism" if you will.

I am confused, if I am comparing the severity of W's actions Clinton's actions, wouldn't I use the comparative of severe in that context. I am asking, not being snarky

[madformac]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I am confused, if I am comparing the severity of W's actions Clinton's actions, wouldn't I use the comparative of severe in that context. I am asking, not being snarky

No, you are right, it's a perfectly legitimate use of the word "severer". But I would have been given a slap on the wrist and a verbal lecture by my English teacher in school (wayyyyy back ) if I had used it in that way.

There's nothing really technically wrong with it. It just doesn't sit very well in that context. I think it's just the way the English language is used in modern society. It's acceptable but the chaps at Oxford and Cambridge might wince a little. I remember reading a while back that there are over 400 versions of the English language and a third of them originate in the United States. So you could call "American" a collection of diversified English.

[strandinthewind]

I was arguing in front of this Federal Appellate court one time and used "severer" - one of the judges on the panel corrected me. When I replied "the comparative of 'severe' is 'severer'" - he stopped the timing clocks (the red and green lights) and made his clerk haul in the dictionary. Once he looked it up, he said, without comment, please continue counsellor I won the case BTW

[madformac]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I was arguing in front of this Federal Appellate court one time and used "severer" - one of the judges on the panel corrected me. When I replied "the comparative of 'severe' is 'severer'" - he stopped the timing clocks (the red and green lights) and made his clerk haul in the dictionary. Once he looked it up, he said, without comment, please continue counsellor I won the case BTW

Ah, so that's why you questioned me! lol.

I wonder whereabouts your judges studied English Language?

I would have probably let it go without consulting the dictionary. I might have frowned a little though!

I would like to go on record that I never stated it was incorrect, merely inappropriate.

p.s. well done on the win!

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by madformac

Ah, so that's why you questioned me! lol.

I wonder whereabouts your judges studied English Language?

I would have probably let it go without consulting the dictionary. I might have frowned a little though!

I would like to go on record that I never stated it was incorrect, merely inappropriate.

p.s. well done on the win!

are you a barrister or counselor or whatever they call it on YOUR side of the pond?

[madformac]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

are you a barrister or counselor or whatever they call it on YOUR side of the pond?

No.

Sorry if my post was a bit misleading.. I work in the financial sector these days for a large firm. Actually I might have enjoyed a legal career. There's nothing better than out thinking your opponent and arguing a good case!

But I can be a bit of a political creature at times. I like to watch world affairs and especially at the moment the way the current US administration keeps managing to rule it's own citizens though fear and the lack of understanding (or caring) about interests outside its own country. But I think a lot of people on here have a good grasp of things.