CajunCenturion
Programmer
Which of the following are correct (and why)?
A. Seasons Greetings
B. Season's Greetings
C. Seasons' Greetings
A. Seasons Greetings
B. Season's Greetings
C. Seasons' Greetings
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A Holiday Quiz 1
- Thread starter CajunCenturion
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I weigh in for choice B for the reasons already elucidated herein!
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It is better to have honor than a good reputation.
(Reputation is what other people think about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.)
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It is better to have honor than a good reputation.
(Reputation is what other people think about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.)
- Thread starter
- #22
CajunCenturion
Programmer
Mr3Putt - That is an interesting point, but I'm not too clear on one thing. Do you think that "Seasons' Greetings" is not considered the better politically correct alternative? or that grammarians are not entitled to an official opinion one way or the other because it is outside their purview?
Do you consider semantics to be within the purview of grammarians?
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Do you consider semantics to be within the purview of grammarians?
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CajunCenturion: I have no opinion on whether or not "Seasons' Greetings" is considered the better politically correct alternative. It is of no consequence to me. I prefer "Season's" based on, to me, clear and correct reasoning.
Grammarians are entitled to any opinion they wish to have, within their purview or not, and they are free to express that opinion in any fora they may choose. Most grammarians, however, cannot be spoken for, as most of them are not here. Without a clear accounting of grammarians' preferences, I do not know what they think, nor would I venture to guess.
In any case, political rectitude is not a topic for which I should consult a grammarian. A social engineer of some ilk would, I suppose, be a better source for that type of information.
The argument made suggested that grammarians had a reasonable cause to bear upon this particular use of the apostrophe. While a particular grammarian may make a very valid argument for their choice (as you have, CC), the choice cannot be made at a grammatic level. It is made based on personal perference.
That's all I'm sayin'.
[red]Note:[/red] [gray]The above comments are the opinionated ravings of Mr3Putt. As such, Mr3Putt accepts no responsibility for damages, real or contrived, resulting from acceptance of his opinions as fact.[/gray]
Grammarians are entitled to any opinion they wish to have, within their purview or not, and they are free to express that opinion in any fora they may choose. Most grammarians, however, cannot be spoken for, as most of them are not here. Without a clear accounting of grammarians' preferences, I do not know what they think, nor would I venture to guess.
In any case, political rectitude is not a topic for which I should consult a grammarian. A social engineer of some ilk would, I suppose, be a better source for that type of information.
The argument made suggested that grammarians had a reasonable cause to bear upon this particular use of the apostrophe. While a particular grammarian may make a very valid argument for their choice (as you have, CC), the choice cannot be made at a grammatic level. It is made based on personal perference.
That's all I'm sayin'.
[red]Note:[/red] [gray]The above comments are the opinionated ravings of Mr3Putt. As such, Mr3Putt accepts no responsibility for damages, real or contrived, resulting from acceptance of his opinions as fact.[/gray]
- Thread starter
- #24
CajunCenturion
Programmer
I can understand where you're coming from, and I can appreciate why you object to the word "most". You certainly cannot be expected to know what other circles people travel in, nor understand how groups of other people with whom you're not associated with feel.
You are correct that political correctness is not a topic that grammarians want to be involved with, and if it weren't for their exposure in the classroom, wouldn't be involved with. It is unfortunate, but political correctness cannot be separated from the classroom in today's world. It is from that perspective that the need for a consensus among associates is a cause forced upon the faculty.
Good Luck
--------------
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
You are correct that political correctness is not a topic that grammarians want to be involved with, and if it weren't for their exposure in the classroom, wouldn't be involved with. It is unfortunate, but political correctness cannot be separated from the classroom in today's world. It is from that perspective that the need for a consensus among associates is a cause forced upon the faculty.
Good Luck
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To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
BillyRayPreachersSon
Programmer
mscallisto said:
Given that it really is the thought that counts, does it matter if your cards are 100% perfect or not? I'm sure no-one will send their card back in disgust for a simple apostrophe faux pas.
Dan
Oh no, Dan, it'll be a complete Capostrophe! :-D
[red]Note:[/red] [gray]The above comments are the opinionated ravings of Mr3Putt. As such, Mr3Putt accepts no responsibility for damages, real or contrived, resulting from acceptance of his opinions as fact.[/gray]
[red]Note:[/red] [gray]The above comments are the opinionated ravings of Mr3Putt. As such, Mr3Putt accepts no responsibility for damages, real or contrived, resulting from acceptance of his opinions as fact.[/gray]
BillyRayPreachersSon
Programmer
That's all right then - as long as it isn't only half of one!
![[hammer]](/data/assets/smilies/hammer.gif "[hammer] [hammer]")
Mr3Putt,
May I refer you to the thread Avoiding Gender Bias, particularly the second post? Its content may assist you in your apparent desire for grammatical correctness not subservient to political correctness.
There is no facetiousness in my words, whatsoever.
E²
-------------------------------------
It is better to have honor than a good reputation.
(Reputation is what other people think about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.)
May I refer you to the thread Avoiding Gender Bias, particularly the second post? Its content may assist you in your apparent desire for grammatical correctness not subservient to political correctness.
There is no facetiousness in my words, whatsoever.
E²
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It is better to have honor than a good reputation.
(Reputation is what other people think about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.)
KenCunningham
Technical User
Crikey, this one rather took off didn't it? On balance, weighing up all the arguments and taking into account the fact that I was right all along, I claim the right to open today's Advent calendar door. Or is Advent too restrictive in these PC-gone-mad days?
I am however bummed out that Mr3Putt will only permit me one season. It is truly going to be difficult to choose.
Traditionally I attempt to celebrate a few different holidays... it broadens my perspective and often makes me feel connected to history in a very real sense. I can imagine people throughout the ages standing around a burning yule log or lighting candles or fasting. My children have joined in on some of these and while not Jewish, they know who the Macabees are. While not Christian, they know the nativity story. While not Pagans, they enjoy a good motorcycle. oops scratch that. They understand harvest time and Saturnalia as well as how the Solstice impacts the length of days.
And now to have only one. Guess I'll have to break the news to my neighbors, the McMurphy-Shorensteins lightly. Maybe I'll just send a card
~Thadeus
Traditionally I attempt to celebrate a few different holidays... it broadens my perspective and often makes me feel connected to history in a very real sense. I can imagine people throughout the ages standing around a burning yule log or lighting candles or fasting. My children have joined in on some of these and while not Jewish, they know who the Macabees are. While not Christian, they know the nativity story. While not Pagans, they enjoy a good motorcycle. oops scratch that. They understand harvest time and Saturnalia as well as how the Solstice impacts the length of days.
And now to have only one. Guess I'll have to break the news to my neighbors, the McMurphy-Shorensteins lightly. Maybe I'll just send a card
~Thadeus
If you were to turn it round and write
By the way I would, I hope, never write a phrase as awkward as 'Greetings of the season' except to illustrate a point!
Columb Healy
then it is apparent that the season is singular - hence answer 'B'. To me the phrase
doesn't sound like it refers to now, but to all times of year.
By the way I would, I hope, never write a phrase as awkward as 'Greetings of the season' except to illustrate a point!
Columb Healy
- Thread starter
- #35
CajunCenturion
Programmer
The Grammar Lady
Good Luck
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To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
Good Luck
--------------
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
AnotherHiggins
Technical User
Darn you, CC! I just read wuneyej's post and thought, "Well, there you go".
Then you had to go and show that even experts can't agree.
I'm quitting English and making up my own language! Who's coming with me?
John Urg
Then you had to go and show that even experts can't agree.
I'm quitting English and making up my own language! Who's coming with me?
Well, it looks like it's a never-ending debate, even amongst experts.
I certainly don't proclaim myself to be a grammarian or language expert. But I have to say that the Grammar Lady's logic, im my far-from-expert opinion, totally contradicts itself.
Maybe I'll just stick to Happy Holidays[i/]
I certainly don't proclaim myself to be a grammarian or language expert. But I have to say that the Grammar Lady's logic, im my far-from-expert opinion, totally contradicts itself.
Maybe I'll just stick to Happy Holidays[i/]
Working in a multicultural environment, I've just celebrated Diwali (Hindu Festival of Lights), Eid (Muslim end of Ramadan) and am working up to Christmas.
All of these seem to involve food, and all my colleagues celebrate each with enthusiasm - my Muslim colleague was last seen heading off to look for tinsel, as she felt we were under-supplied.
I guess we go with Season's Greetings, the more seasons, the merrier.
And, on a serious note, it has opened up some interesting discussions on different beliefs and customs, educational for all.
Rosie
"Never express yourself more clearly than you think" (Niels Bohr)
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