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Shuhak
Randy D
Discussion » Questions » Human Behavior » Is " I am my brother's keeper" and "he's not heavy he's my brother" left behind as we get less PC? Anyone out there dare to say those words?

Is " I am my brother's keeper" and "he's not heavy he's my brother" left behind as we get less PC? Anyone out there dare to say those words?

Would you mean them? Aren't you afraid you would be ridiculed for the sentiment stated therein? After all aren't we living in a world where we are on our own all alone and expected to fend for ourselves since helping others shows weakness? SIGH.

Posted - July 5, 2017

Responses


  • 53509
    If you cite two subjects, the verb should be Are as opposed to Is
    __
      July 5, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
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  • 7280
    I can make a case for the right of the person composing this question to use is instead of are---doing so requires me to consider each element of the compound subject individually---an appropriate requirement since the compound subject consists entirely of quotes.
      July 5, 2017 12:24 PM MDT
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  • 53509


    Grasping at straws doesn't change the fact that two items were mentioned rather than one, necessitating that the verb form be plural.  Go ahead and make your case, and if it is correct, you're right.  If it merely follows or repeats Rosie's example, well, happy straws!
    ~
      July 5, 2017 11:25 PM MDT
    0

  • 7280

    Take a Valium or a Xanax and chill Randy D.

    Words---and when they are written words---grammar both serve speech, not the other way around.

    And no writer, especially me,  serves you when I am trying to get a point across.

    Grammar and syntax are legitimately used by the writer in any way necessary to force you to "hear" properly what he or she is saying.

    Grammar and syntax are tools of the writer---and at his disposal, not the other way around.


      July 6, 2017 1:12 PM MDT
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  • 53509

    None of your words absolve the fact that she erred in what she wrote, Tom.
    ~


      July 6, 2017 9:47 PM MDT
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  • 113301

     I see that you and I, thee and me, we are on the same wavelength tom. I was an English major. I am quite well aware of the rules. HOWEVER I also think language is used to communicate. It is not dead/rigid/petrified. It is lively and colorful and meant to be played with so I play away all day.  I have my way with words because it pleases me. I don't use words to impress others. I use them to delight me. Along the way I encounter folks who have fun with words too and join in. Those who don't get it are unable to appreciate it. You get it and I thank you for speaking up and out and not backing down. An internet social site is not a school or a publishing firm or an ad agency.  Word usage/spelling is not the point if  we understand one another. If someone doesn't understand all he/she has to do is ask. Welcome to the world of freedom of expression which has no boundaries or limits or rules. How a word is spelled is irrelevant if it communicates the message the user wishes to get across.  Once again Happy Friday m'dear! :)

      July 7, 2017 2:09 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    Thank you for your contribution tom and Happy Thursday! :)
      July 6, 2017 2:28 AM MDT
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  • 46117

    Picture courtesy of Old School
      July 5, 2017 12:43 PM MDT
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  • 113301
    I've seen this graphic before Shar when OS was on Answerbag and then Answermug. Thanks for contributing it. For an off-the-wall picture it sure seems to apply to a lot of things these days. :)
      July 6, 2017 2:28 AM MDT
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  • 46117
    Rosie, HE posted that, I didn't.    He wrote that.
      July 6, 2017 10:10 PM MDT
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  • 113301
    He posted under your moniker? Because? Thank you for the clairifcation  Shar and Happy Friday! :)
      July 7, 2017 1:57 AM MDT
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  • 7280
    I'm having a difficult time stopping my chuckling. at this.
      July 6, 2017 1:14 PM MDT
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  • 46117
    Well that is my friend and Rosie's, Old School.   Every now and then he says HI on here.

      July 6, 2017 10:11 PM MDT
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  • 113301
    Really? I have not received one single Hi. Why?
      July 7, 2017 2:10 AM MDT
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  • 22891
    i dont think people are like that as much now
      July 5, 2017 1:46 PM MDT
    1