Now that you mention it..

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lemlem - 15 Jan 2004 20:32 GMT

I wrote two sentences below that I think mean the same thing. Could anyone
tell me if you think they are all right to use in casual conversation. I
would also appreciate suggestions of more idiomatic ways to express the idea.

"I've always wanted to see that film, but your mentioning it makes me want to
see it even more."

"I've always wanted to see that film, but now that you mention it, I want to
see it even more."

lemlem

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John Dean - 15 Jan 2004 23:30 GMT

> I wrote two sentences below that I think mean the same thing. Could
> anyone tell me if you think they are all right to use in casual
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> lemlem

To me they mean different things. The first one is 'I've always wanted to
see X but the fact that you are talking about it increases my desire to do
so.' (Implication - I value your input)

The second doesn't really mean much, but it's on the lines of 'I've always
wanted to see X but as you raise the topic in discussion, I can tell you my
desire to do so is even greater'
--
John Dean
Oxford
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lemlem - 16 Jan 2004 05:51 GMT

> > I wrote two sentences below that I think mean the same thing. Could
> > anyone tell me if you think they are all right to use in casual
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> see X but the fact that you are talking about it increases my desire to do
> so.' (Implication - I value your input)

That's what I meant. Does the first sentence mean natural enough in
conversations between friends? In particular, I suspect the subject
"your mentioning it" might sound a little stilted.

> The second doesn't really mean much, but it's on the lines of 'I've always
> wanted to see X but as you raise the topic in discussion, I can tell you my
> desire to do so is even greater'

I have looked into a couple of dozen examples of "now that you mention
it" on the web and now I think I *finally* understand what it means.
And yes, the second does sound a bit off. Thanks a lot for the input!

lemlem

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meirman - 16 Jan 2004 09:06 GMT

In alt.english.usage on 15 Jan 2004 21:51:58 -0800
lemmings95@hotmail.com (lemlem) posted:

>> > I wrote two sentences below that I think mean the same thing. Could
>> > anyone tell me if you think they are all right to use in casual
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>> > "I've always wanted to see that film, but your mentioning it makes me
>> > want to see it even more."

John is right on, regarding both sentences. This is clear.

>> > "I've always wanted to see that film, but now that you mention it, I
>> > want to see it even more."

This might be used to mean what the previous one means, but it might
mean something else. It might be fully explained by another sentence
however.

>> > lemlem
>>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>That's what I meant. Does the first sentence mean natural enough in
>conversations between friends?

Yeah, it's fine. At least with *my* friends.

> In particular, I suspect the subject
>"your mentioning it" might sound a little stilted.

your bringing it up, since you (seem to have) enjoyed it. But your
version is ok too.

>> The second doesn't really mean much, but it's on the lines of 'I've always
>> wanted to see X but as you raise the topic in discussion, I can tell you my
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
>lemlem

s/ meirman If you are emailing me please
say if you are posting the same response.

Born west of Pittsburgh Pa. 10 years
Indianapolis, 7 years
Chicago, 6 years
Brooklyn NY 12 years
Baltimore 20 years

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2004

Now that you mention it..