Comments on: Everything Before the BUT

By: Roger

Roger — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:59:47 +0000

Hi Gavin
Thanks for your thoughts on this subject. Pleased that the ‘and’ option works for you too !
Never heard the Behold the Underlying Truth acronym before. Sounds a bit sinister doesn’t it ? Like it

By: Gavin

Gavin — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:23:37 +0000

Good one Roger. Like you I have no problem with using “and” instead of bur, and have never had anybody respond badly to it. What is more important, correct grammer or correct understanding? Interestingly someone one told me two other was of looking at how the word “but” is interpreted.
B - Behold the
U Underlying
T Truth

Or alternatively everything before but is bull***t

By: Roger

Roger — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:56:09 +0000

Hi there Baldchemist
Thanks for your comments on the debate. I agree that inflexion and intonation are important here. When I use the sentences with AND in them, I tend to emphasise that word.

I also feel that the actual words are important too. There is a big difference in meaning to me between a sentence with ‘and’ in the middle and the same sentence with ‘but’.

Regarding your comments on the language itself, well I have to disagree. English is a rich language and it continues to evolve and develop in lots of different ways for different reasons and for different groups of people. I am all in favour of that as it shows that English is a living and dynamic language.

By: The Baldchemist

The Baldchemist — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:39:18 +0000

Well here is where inflexion and intonation play a big part. The ifs and and buts are irrelevant if the syntax, inflexion and intonation empathise with the meaning.
Unfortunately sms, computor speak and You Americans have crucified a great language.
But… on the other hand who am I to know/
Tha Baldchemist

By: Roger

Roger — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:25:03 +0000

Hi Christine and Rocky
Thanks to you both for your feedback.
Rocky - I’m intrigued that you think ‘and’ in the sentences makes them into improper grammar. I have to be honest and say I do talk in this way (at least some of the time) and would use ‘and’ in those sentences in place of ‘but’ !
Christine - does my proposed solution sounds a bit awkward to you too ? I’m reading that between the lines in your comment. I wonder if this type of phrasing sounds clumsy or wrong to American ears (I’m assuming you’re American too Rocky) and maybe it’s OK to British ears. Or is it just my ears ??
Anyway, I hope we can all agree that Christine’s suggestion of phrasing works well for all of us whichever version of English we speak.
Thanks again for your comments
Roger

By: Christine O'Kelly

Christine O'Kelly — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 17:58:37 +0000

I don’t think that he is saying you should replace the word ‘but’ with ‘and’ in all of these examples. He’s saying “How often do we use sentences with BUT in the middle?”

The challenge is in rewording so that you don’t say the word ‘but.’ For example, ‘It’s great that you have tidied up your room. I’ll bet it would look even better if you were to make your bed too.’

The second way sounds less condescending and more empowering.

My 2 cents ~

Christine

By: Rocky

Rocky — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:55:27 +0000

Good point, poor solution. What you are suggesting is improper grammar. Believe me, I’m not grammar wonk, but if someone said “and” to me in some of those sentences I would think they were an idiot.

By: Christine O'Kelly

Christine O'Kelly — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:05:58 +0000

This is wonderful Roger! I’ve never thought of this with quite some much depth before. I’m fascinated by the way that words define our manner of thinking. This is a wonderful post and I will certainly take your challenge of working to purge it from my vocabulary!

Christine