Words that annoy me for no particular reason.

[All uphill]

I completely agree with you. Using 'the below' seems to be a very recent thing. I have had this argument at work. The trouble is, I can't explain why "I agree with the above" is perfectly acceptable and "I agree with the below" sounds wrong.

Same with "The above people should attend the meeting" and "the below people should attend the meeting". One is fine, one is not, and I don't know why.

It seems to me that reference to "the above" is comfortable because we probably have already read that material.

Reference to "the below" is linking to material we have not yet read, and therefore leaves us bemused.

 

[mistyoptic]

I completely agree with you. Using 'the below' seems to be a very recent thing. I have had this argument at work. The trouble is, I can't explain why "I agree with the above" is perfectly acceptable and "I agree with the below" sounds wrong.

Same with "The above people should attend the meeting" and "the below people should attend the meeting". One is fine, one is not, and I don't know why.

and yet, if we re-arrange it to "the people below", that seems much better

 

[Juan Kog]

"Our next station stop is..."

Grrr!

Why , the next stop maybe a signal between stations, so next station stop is correct. Ok I confess I’m both a pedant and a retired train driver.

 

[winjim]

View attachment 557783

 

[matticus]

Why , the next stop maybe a signal between stations, so next station stop is correct. Ok I confess I’m both a pedant and a retired train driver.

but how often do they announce a NON-station stop (such as a signal stop)? And if there were a signal stop coming-up, then announcing the next station would be doubly irritating; everyone would stand up expecting a station, only to find darkness outside the windows.

 

[MichaelW2]

It doesn't need a plural, any more than sheep needs a plural. You have a pile of Lego or a flock of sheep

Animal plurals are a minefield. Farmers will farm chicken and count chickens. Hunters will observe elephants and lions but hunt elephant and lion.

 

[RichardB]

I think the possessive is for eve or day, as-in happy new year's eve & happy new year's day. without the eve or day, I agree, a simple happy new year is definitely more appropriate

Understood. However, it's not the possessive use I am talking about. I have no problem with people saying New Year's Day or whatever. But people have started to talk about visiting someone for New Year's when they mean a period of several days around the New Year. I think it's a US usage which is gaining ground over here.

Incidentally, why is it ALWAYS Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and NEVER the other way round? Can't I have a happy Christmas and have a surplus of drink in the New Year?

 

[RichardB]

and yet, if we re-arrange it to "the people below", that seems much better

I think you're right. The adverbial use with an 'understood' verb is hardly controversial ("the people [listed] below"). It's only when it's used as an adjective ("the below people") that it becomes awkward.

 

[DCBassman]

Why , the next stop maybe a signal between stations, so next station stop is correct. Ok I confess I’m both a pedant and a retired train driver.

but how often do they announce a NON-station stop (such as a signal stop)? And if there were a signal stop coming-up, then announcing the next station would be doubly irritating; everyone would stand up expecting a station, only to find darkness outside the windows.

Exactly. Signal stops are usually announced during the unplanned stop...

 

[DCBassman]

PIN number.
VIN number.
Please RSVP.
Etc.

PAT testing. But you either have to say that, or the whole 'portableappliance testing'. Just 'pat' can be a bit context-free sometimes...

 

[rockyroller]

Understood. However, it's not the possessive use I am talking about. I have no problem with people saying New Year's Day or whatever. But people have started to talk about visiting someone for New Year's when they mean a period of several days around the New Year. I think it's a US usage which is gaining ground over here.Incidentally, why is it ALWAYS Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and NEVER the other way round? Can't I have a happy Christmas and have a surplus of drink in the New Year?

lol thanks for the chuckle, needed that!

 

[Juan Kog]

but how often do they announce a NON-station stop (such as a signal stop)? And if there were a signal stop coming-up, then announcing the next station would be doubly irritating; everyone would stand up expecting a station, only to find darkness outside the windows.

Exactly. Signal stops are usually announced during the unplanned stop...

OK OK I give up ( waves white flag) I recognise your superior pedantry.

 

[DCBassman]

OK OK I give up ( waves white flag) I recognise your superior pedantry.

Good man!

 

[All uphill]

Animal plurals are a minefield. Farmers will farm chicken and count chickens. Hunters will observe elephants and lions but hunt elephant and lion.

I understand many chicken producers refer to growing chicken!

 

[DaveReading]

I think the possessive is for eve or day, as-in happy new year's eve & happy new year's day. without the eve or day, I agree, a simple happy new year is definitely more appropriate

Depending on whether you are wishing someone happiness that lasts a whole year, or just for a day.