Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

nawee · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 400

Hello,

"to launch the world's largest satellite into orbit"

Can we substitute "launch" with "set afloat" or "initiate"?

I know that "launch" can be substitured by "initiate" when it means 'begin', but I'm not so sure about this case.

Thank you,

Nawee

Anuradha Chepur · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 933

I don't think 'initiate' would suit here. 'set afloat' might be used informally.

"launch" is the ideal though.

LucentShade · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 542 Location: Nebraska, USA

"set afloat" means to launch something into water, so it can't be used with a satellite.

Anuradha Chepur · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 933

Hi Lucent,

Atleast according to Oxford, 'afloat' means floating in water or air. I would still insist on allowing 'set afloat' (atleast informally) to be used with a satellite. Informally I have also seen this expression used in the context of launching a new company/a sister concern.

In any case, I thorougly enjoy visiting this forum. It gives me an opportunity to check out if my PhD is really worth it.

Regards,

KazAV · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 6:26 am Post subject:

Hi there. Allow me to interject.

As a native English speaker (and fully qualified English teacher), I would never say "set afloat" a satellite (even if "floating" can be in air or water or, indeed, in space) and I have never heard it being used in any context, informally or otherwise.

Incidentally, if we are using Oxford as a guide, it says afloat is floating in water, on board a ship or boat or out of debt and difficulty. It does not mention anything to do with air. Your version of Oxford must be different (and also erroneous) if it states that.

A satellite is launched.

asterix · Joined: 26 Jan 2003 Posts: 1654

It could be put into orbit.

Anuradha Chepur · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 933

Hello KazAV,

Honestly even I would never say 'set afloat a satellite', nor prior to this post I heard anyone say this. All I meant was if someone comes up with an expression as such, as Nawee did, I would allow it in the name of creativity. Language and creativity go hand in glove (atleast language allows you to play with words). I have always liked and enjoyed the creative usage of words in American and British novels.

I was referring to the printed version of Oxford Concise dictionary, which I have trusted all these years. I don't have it with me right now or I would've quoted verbatim, but let me check.

LucentShade · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 542 Location: Nebraska, USA

Anuradha Chepur · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 933

I appreciate the different views in this regard. But i also feel sorry for the reputed Oxford for having to bear the brunt of it.

In a lighter vein I also can't help adding that indirectly we have hyped 'setting afloat a satellite' so much, people might start using it!!!!!

KazAV · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 5:03 am Post subject:

I don't understand what you mean by Oxford having to bear the brunt of it. Surely that's what Oxford is for? And we are using what it says, which is not what you said. Isn't that the whole point of a dictionary?

asterix · Joined: 26 Jan 2003 Posts: 1654

OK - the Oxford does say: 2. intr. move with a liquid or current of air; drift ( the clouds floated high up).

I don't think it, or Anuradha are wrong.
You can float on air.

KazAV · Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:21 am Post subject:

That is the entry for float, yes? No-one is debating that you can or cannot float on water or air or in space, as a satellite would. What is being debated is the entry for "afloat" and whether it is correct and/or natural to say "set afloat" a satellite and it is neither correct nor natural to a native English speaker.

I think as teachers we are responsible for giving students what sounds natural and correct in English so that they can be confident in their use of the language. In this case, I would say that to use "set afloat" would make them look silly in a conversation. That's my point really.

asterix · Joined: 26 Jan 2003 Posts: 1654

Well, I think a little use of one's right brain might result in it being OK to set afloat anything that can float.
Logically, if things can float in air, space, or whatever, they can be set afloat.
Just because it sounds unusual doesn't mean it's incorrect.

anantha krishna · Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 13

Atleast, can we say 'Nawee set afloat a hot topic for discussion' ??
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N.V.ANANTHA KRISHNA
Hyderabad 500068-India

KazAV · Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:23 pm Post subject:

Certainly did Laughing

Maybe not incorrect but it does sound daft, don't you think?