Latest "whom" gaffe

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Skitt - 13 May 2009 01:51 GMT

From http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090512/ap_on_go_ot/us_afghanistan_general

By LARA JAKES, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The parents of slain Army Ranger and NFL star Pat Tillman
voiced concerns Tuesday that the general who played a role in
mischaracterizing his death could be put in charge of military operations in
Afghanistan.

[...]

Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Defense Secretary Robert Gates has
complete confidence in McChrystal, whom he hopes can be confirmed by the
Senate before month's end.

[...]

Signature

Skitt (AmE)
whom doesn't like it -- not a tall.

Reply to this Message

Maria Conlon - 13 May 2009 19:25 GMT

> From
> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090512/ap_on_go_ot/us_afghanistan_general
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> Skitt (AmE)
> whom doesn't like it -- not a tall.

It sounds almost right, though. And that makes it a losing battle. Don't
we encounter -- daily -- usages that make us cringe? What's worse, said
usages become acceptable alternatives or variations as time goes by.

Just yesterday, I heard: "If you believe that thing*, then you've got
another thing coming.

*Referring to a story or a statement. Not exactly a think/thing thing,
but....

Not wishing to start another think/thing thread, but knowing in her very
soul which is actually correct and logical,

Maria Conlon

Reply to this Message

Skitt - 13 May 2009 20:31 GMT

>> From
>> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090512/ap_on_go_ot/us_afghanistan_general
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> worse, said usages become acceptable alternatives or variations as
> time goes by.

Yes, it made me cringe, and that says that it didn't come close to sounding
"almost right". Just wrong, wrong, wrongitty wrong! AP should offer their
writers some English lessons.

Signature

Skitt (AmE)

Reply to this Message

Discussion Groups / English Usage / May 2009

Latest "whom" gaffe