Categories: Quotes

Opportunities for misreadings in English

In a language as idiomatically stressed as English, opportunities for misreadings are bound to arise. By a mere backward movement of stress, a verb can become a noun, an act a thing. To refuse, to insist on saying no to what you believe is wrong, becomes at a stroke refuse, an insurmountable pile of garbage.”
Ian McEwan, Amsterdam

Share

Recent Posts

Faggots—and there’s spotted dick for afters

Chief Inspector Japp. After staying with you for a whole week, Poirot, the least I…

2 years ago

They shared all the characteristics of humans, with the sole exception of a soul.

The human race is divided into beings animate and beings inanimate. Up to this very…

2 years ago

One potential remedy for human stupidity is a dose of humility

One potential remedy for human stupidity is a dose of humility. National, religious and cultural…

3 years ago

Culturally induced ignorance and how it affects your mind

A must see for anyone who wants to know how science and public opinion is…

3 years ago

In Britain you never have to explain why you drink

In Britain you never have to explain why you drink. You do have to explain…

3 years ago

The fate of a nation depends on the way that they eat

La destinée des nations dépend de la manière dont elles se nourrissent (The fate of…

3 years ago