Re: e-mail symbols

["Van E. Neie" <ven@physics.purdue.edu>]

> > for one with a high degree of success. He only
> > applies to first class places and has made two short

If you are going to be "s___ disturber," you have to pay attention to
your own writing.  Your statement above reflects a common error in
English usage, namely, the incorrect placement of the modifier "only."
The sense of the sentence, as written, is that he only _applies_ to
these places, as opposed to having casual conversations with them.  I think
what you mean is that he "applies only to first class places." 

If you object to this as being picky, it points out that "pickiness" is in the
eye of the beholder.  I use non-standard English myself on occasion because it
sounds awkward and silly to do it correctly, as when I call my wife on the
phone and say, "Hi, it's me!"  Somehow, "Hi, it's I" doesn't quite cut it!
I still agree with your main point, however, and I suspect I'll be lumped
with you on occasion as a "s--- disturber."

Peace.

Van

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Van E. Neie                                      ven@physics.purdue.edu
Purdue University                                
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