| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
missdaredevil
Joined: 08 Dec 2004
Posts: 1670
Location: Ask me
|
 Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 6:52 pm Post subject: three questions |
 |
|
1. Most puzzlers, penciling in these letters, felt nothing more than mild satisfaction. But a small number knew enough to be outraged.
So they are mildy satisfied or not?
2.Even in the staid linguistic world of the Times, the puzzle has remained an oasis of *particular calm.*
Why is *calm* used as a noun in that case?
3. Can *English major* be a person whose major is English?
Thanks to you all for reading this post |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
CP
Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
1. I am guessing that the few who knew enough to be outraged recognized that the puzzle was too easy or somehow flawed. Most people didn't recognize that, and they were mildly satisfied at finishing the puzzle, or something like that.
2. Not sure. But it is good English. "Calmness" wouldn't work; that refers more to a person's state of mind. "Tranquility" would have been all right, too.
3. That is what an English major is, a person whose major subject is or was English. We also use "major" as a verb: "Ask Joe. He majored in philosophy."
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
