Ask Grandstander

[skrable]

Part of me is Jewish. Does that count?

[jtur88]

What is the rule about whether you add -ly or -ally to an adjective ending with -ic to make it an adverb? Why is it "basically", but "publicly"? Can you think of another word (besides 'publicly') that ends with -icly?

[perfectstormhits]

.

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by skrable

Part of me is Jewish. Does that count?

I think that all of your parts count.

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by jtur88

What is the rule about whether you add -ly or -ally to an adjective ending with -ic to make it an adverb? Why is it "basically", but "publicly"? Can you think of another word (besides 'publicly') that ends with -icly?

The rule is.....whichever way you wind up guessing, it's the other way.

The "why" behind all such irregularities is that language evolves, it isn't designed. (Esperanto excepted.) English is a mutt, a slow fusion of elements from Celts, Romans and the assorted German and Scandanavian tribes which invaded and were absorbed. There was no central plan to make sure that it was consistent and made sense. The consequence is a language which is inconsistent and riddled with exceptions to the "rules."

[baidaho]

How well do you agree with the above paragraph if you replaced the word language with religion and the word English with Christianity?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by baidaho

How well do you agree with the above paragraph if you replaced the word language with religion and the word English with Christianity?

There is partial congruency. Paul did a lot of regional borrowing and modification of doctrine to suit his immediate needs. When Charlemagne converted Central Europe at swordpoint, the Christianity embraced was fused with elements of existing local religions. In those respects, there is commonality of the "mutt" aspect.

On the other hand, language has been less subject to any sort of centralized agenda where you had a group of people who very strongly desired that it turn out this way rather than that. Christianity had a core central organization attempting to control the evolutionary aspects, curbing some elements, encouraging others. Language development did not.

[JoseA]

If you were a wrestler, what would be your finishing move?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by JoseA

If you were a wrestler, what would be your finishing move?

I'd be known as The Negotiator and my finishing move would be tricking my opponent into an extremely one sided deal where he forfeits the match to me in exchange for nothing of any real value.

[jtur88]

Do you cringe in sympathetic mortification every time some poor soul is imposed upon to sing (sic) "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at Wrigley Field?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by jtur88

Do you cringe in sympathetic mortification every time some poor soul is imposed upon to sing (sic) "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at Wrigley Field?

In terms of singing, I favor a complete meritocracy. Those that can, should. Those that cannot, should not make others listening to them trying.

Consequently, I am in opposition to all such demonstrations, whether voluntary or coerced. I have no patience for cute but bad kiddie singers, I do not find heartwarming grandma's high spirited but god awful offering...any situation where the singer is expected to be judged on the basis of something other than the singing. My judgment will always rest 100 & on the talent shown, thus I must at best feign enthusiasm in situations where to not do so would give offense.

[jtur88]

Assuming for a moment that you care, what would be your recommendation for the method of selection of the lineups and rosters for the MLB All-Star game?

[skrable]

Why do things happen "twice on Sunday"?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by jtur88

Assuming for a moment that you care, what would be your recommendation for the method of selection of the lineups and rosters for the MLB All-Star game?

It would be that I get to pick everyone for both teams and no one gets to question my selections.

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by skrable

Why do things happen "twice on Sunday"?

Because things happen twice on any day of the week and Sunday is one of the days of the week.