Which is correct?

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L. Mohan Arun - 11 Jan 2009 10:46 GMT

Which among the following is grammatically correct?
A) DIY wedding invitations can sport variations in color, theme, and
design.
B) DIY wedding invitations can sport variations in colors, themes, and
designs.

I am not sure! Pls help.

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John O'Flaherty - 11 Jan 2009 11:04 GMT

>Which among the following is grammatically correct?
>A) DIY wedding invitations can sport variations in color, theme, and
>design.
>B) DIY wedding invitations can sport variations in colors, themes, and
>designs.

Both are grammatically correct. As to meaning, neither is clear. Are
there variations within each invitation, between invitations to the
same wedding, or from wedding to wedding? Does it really mean to say
that DIY wedding invitations allow the do-it-yourselfer to choose the
color, theme and design?

Signature

John

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L. Mohan Arun - 11 Jan 2009 11:09 GMT

> Both are grammatically correct. As to meaning, neither is clear. Are
> there variations within each invitation, between invitations to the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> --
> John

Thanks for the answer! What I mean to say is that DIY wedding
invitations for weddings can be customized based on color, theme, and
design. It can apply to any wedding or between invitations for the
same wedding. I settled with the plural variation.

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CDB - 11 Jan 2009 14:15 GMT

[>John O'Flaherty wrote:]

>> Both are grammatically correct. As to meaning, neither is clear.
>> Are there variations within each invitation, between invitations
>> to the same wedding, or from wedding to wedding? Does it really
>> mean to say that DIY wedding invitations allow the
>> do-it-yourselfer to choose the color, theme and design?

> Thanks for the answer! What I mean to say is that DIY wedding
> invitations for weddings can be customized based on color, theme,
> and design. It can apply to any wedding or between invitations for
> the same wedding. I settled with the plural variation.

But you used the singular in the paragraph above. I would prefer that
too, following the phrase "variations of". Another possibility, using
the plural, might be "various": "...can sport various colours, themes,
and designs". "Sport" is a somewhat unusual word in this context*,
and it seems more natural to speak of sporting colours, and so on,
than to speak of sporting variations, which might suggest an
unsuitably botanical meaning of "sport"**.

* Quick definition: wear or display in an ostentatious or proud
manner.
** To put forth as a "sport", or bud variation.

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Jim Karatassos - 11 Jan 2009 16:42 GMT

> [>John O'Flaherty wrote:]
> >> Both are grammatically correct. As to meaning, neither is clear.
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> manner.
> ** To put forth as a "sport", or bud variation.

I'm completely with CDB on this one.

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Adrian Bailey - 11 Jan 2009 16:54 GMT

> Which among the following is grammatically correct?
> A) DIY wedding invitations can sport variations in color, theme, and
> design.
> B) DIY wedding invitations can sport variations in colors, themes, and
> designs.

Both are correct, but I prefer the first.

(Some people may have a problem understanding the verb "sport".)

Adrian

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Chuck Riggs - 12 Jan 2009 14:39 GMT

>> Which among the following is grammatically correct?
>> A) DIY wedding invitations can sport variations in color, theme, and
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
>(Some people may have a problem understanding the verb "sport".)

I agree. "Support" would be an improvement and I think an improvement
could be made to that choice.

Signature

Regards,

Chuck Riggs
Near Dublin, Ireland

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Wood Avens - 12 Jan 2009 15:56 GMT

>>> Which among the following is grammatically correct?
>>> A) DIY wedding invitations can sport variations in color, theme, and
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>I agree. "Support" would be an improvement and I think an improvement
>could be made to that choice.

But it means something quite different.

Signature

Katy Jennison

spamtrap: remove the first two letters after the @

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2009

Which is correct?