shvetsov2005
Joined: 30 Nov 2005
Posts: 115
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 Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:22 am Post subject: Superlative degree. |
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Sharp fluctuations in demand or the short lead times required by some products would make production in China inordinately expensive and, in some cases,utterly impossible.
I am confused with this last "utterly impossible". Could you explain how do you understand that?
impossible is something ultimate and can not be placed with a word in Superlative degree.
Alexander. |
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CP
Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California
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| Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:42 am Post subject: |
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It is true that if something is impossible, it cannot be done, and it is impossible for it to be more impossible than it already is. Therefore, it is neither necessary nor correct to say "utterly impossible" or "completely impossible," etc.
Still, for emphasis, speakers and writers do say "utterly impossible" or "completely impossible," as if to grab the audience by the lapels and shout at them to be sure they know that it is really, absolutely, without a doubt impossible.
Yours impossibly truly, CP |
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