Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,
Yesterday was Pearl Harbor Day, a day of remembrance that most people probably no longer observe.
I confess that years after hearing Roosevelt's speech, I finally realize that he said "a date which will live in infamy," while I always thought it was "a day."
Of course, Penelope knew it was date.
My word choice question, however, concerns which or that.
If I wrote the speech, I would use "a date that will live in infamy." But my grammar texts tell me that, although many writers prefer that, which is acceptable.
Do you prefer which or that?
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
In that case I would have used which - but often struggle deciding which is the 'right' one.
ReplyDeleteI learned in high school and college that that is correct--probably the reason I wouldn't use which.
DeleteIt's the date that was supposed to live in infamy, though, frankly, is hasn't. Nowadays it's a different date which lives in infamy-- September 11, 2001.
ReplyDeleteTrue, Mirka, but do you think a lot of people no longer pay much attention to 9/11? We have such short attention spans.
DeleteLook up restrictive vs.non restrictive clause in a grammar book. I taught college English for years. No need for me to give you a lesson. More fun to figure it out. I once won an English contest for correctly diagramming a 92 word sentence in 8th grade. My nun taught me the beauty of the English language with its infinite intricacies. i taught creative writing for many years as well as journalism. Hopefully or woefully, texting is not a college course.
ReplyDeleteI majored in English and also know my restrictive and non-restrictive clauses. Go, Nuns!
DeleteI love this. I believe Chicago style used to say which should be preceded by a comma. But apparently not in England. I don't know if that's still the case, but that's the way I write it. "A lot is not a word" takes me back to my 6th-grade teacher who loved to say that. I plan to tell that story on my blog. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteYes, which should be preceded by a comma in my world, but acceptable grammar changes all the time.
DeleteWell, I made it!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just don't know, it's a lot of thinking, but that does roll off my tongue better for some reason. And those memes cracked me the hell up!!!! That airplane one!!!! Thanks for stopping in today too. Your words were much kind dear Junebug.
What a nice comment, Mistress Maddie. It's clear to me that you are much-loved for good reasons.
Deletewhich. former proofreader here. english has been SO dumbed down for teh stoopids/texters; pisses me right off!
ReplyDeletethat. no which. no that. yeah, dose stoopids need to go away.
DeleteI understand "which" being grammatically correct, but it does sounds weird. Love your grammar police suggestions! LOL
ReplyDeleteI display my badge with great pride.
DeleteI use "that" the majority of time, but sometimes "which" just sounds better. So then I use "which." Love those memes, LOL!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the memes. Grammar requires a light side.
DeleteWhich or that depends on whether I am writing formally or echoing thoughts like I actually informally speak.
ReplyDeleteMy speaking is pretty much the same as my writing.
DeleteThey both read correctly to me and sound fine, but if I was saying it I would automatically use that. I tend to save which for questions concerning choices--LOL! ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the memes.
Thanks for weighing in, Rita.
DeleteI would say "that," definitely. But I'm not gonna second-guess Roosevelt!
ReplyDeleteRoosevelt was elected four times for good reasons.
DeleteI would say "that" as well. Thanks for clarifying day vs. date. We do indeed remember the date.
ReplyDeleteWe probably remember it because we're older folks.
DeleteI would use that also. Though, it's a word I try to use sparingly.
ReplyDeleteI try not to use that as often as I did in the past, but it seems to add clarity to a lot of sentences.
DeleteI struggle with knowing which word is the right one to use then or than really confuse me
ReplyDeleteOur world is filled with confusion.
DeleteIn this case I would use "that" because it sounds better (to me). Really had a hearty laugh with the memes. Thanks for the smile!
ReplyDeleteYou are great, Martha. If I didn't like you so much, I'd hope you would move to the U.S. to be my neighbor.
Delete