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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: nzmusclemonster on February 08, 2013, 01:09:18 PM

Title: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: nzmusclemonster on February 08, 2013, 01:09:18 PM
This is causing heated debate at my workplace......
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: dr.chimps on February 08, 2013, 01:11:59 PM
Usually 'worse to worst' because of the obvious progression. The thing with English is that it is a bastard language and is always changing. 
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: Tapeworm on February 08, 2013, 01:16:44 PM
Uh oh.  This doesn't sound good.  Curiouser and curiouser.
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: nzmusclemonster on February 08, 2013, 01:17:52 PM
Usually 'worse to worst' because of the obvious progression. The thing with English is that it is a bastard language and is always changing. 

To me that is the obvious answer, but some people are coming up with all kinds of things.
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: dr.chimps on February 08, 2013, 01:18:04 PM
Uh oh.  This doesn't sound good.  Curiouser and curiouser.
Hi Alice. What's shaking?
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: Palpatine Q on February 08, 2013, 01:19:17 PM
Isn't the common saying "from bad to worse" ?

I never hear people say "from worse to worst"

Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: MikMaq on February 08, 2013, 01:20:11 PM
I prefer to say from worst to worser I hope that helps.
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: Tapeworm on February 08, 2013, 01:21:29 PM
Hi Alice. What's shaking?

The fourth cup of coffee like a hummingbird's tits.
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: dr.chimps on February 08, 2013, 01:22:47 PM
To me that is the obvious answer, but some people are coming up with all kinds of things.
The OED people are still looking for first uses/examples and William Safire used to print columns on getting usage wrong, so don't sweat it. Depends on what, or how the word/s are being used - ie. academic paper, fiction, orally. In a bar, and trying to settle a bet? Good luck - just order another round and change the subject.  ;D
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: nzmusclemonster on February 08, 2013, 01:33:51 PM
The OED people are still looking for first uses/examples and William Safire used to print columns on getting usage wrong, so don't sweat it. Depends on what, or how the word/s are being used - ie. academic paper, fiction, orally. In a bar, and trying to settle a bet? Good luck - just order another round and change the subject.  ;D

I was emailing someone and asked a colleague what he would use. Oh boy did I open a can of worms!
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: nzmusclemonster on February 08, 2013, 01:36:35 PM
Isn't the common saying "from bad to worse" ?

I never hear people say "from worse to worst"



Bad to worse is more used in past tense I would suggest. Such as, "Things have gone from bad to worse"

worse to worst would be speaking about potential for a future event, eg "if worse comes to worst tbombz will suck off 12 Ugandan sailors..."
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: El Diablo Blanco on February 08, 2013, 01:41:34 PM
I misremembered which one.
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: MikMaq on February 08, 2013, 01:44:44 PM
Bad to worse is more used in past tense I would suggest. Such as, "Things have gone from bad to worse"

worse to worst would be speaking about potential for a future event, eg "if worse comes to worst tbombz will suck off 12 Ugandan sailors..."
So you totally fucked up the phrasing of a the question good job fuck nuts.

Ordinarily I couldn`t give a fuck about phrasing, but when you ask for the correct way to do something, and it`s something that makes no sense eat shit.
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: arce1988 on February 08, 2013, 01:47:50 PM
  it got worse... now it is the worst
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: Tapeworm on February 08, 2013, 02:03:58 PM
I am literally going from strength to strength.  It's a win/win.
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: Palpatine Q on February 08, 2013, 02:12:09 PM
Bad to worse is more used in past tense I would suggest. Such as, "Things have gone from bad to worse"

worse to worst would be speaking about potential for a future event, eg "if worse comes to worst tbombz will suck off 12 Ugandan sailors..."

gotcha. yeah I say "worse comes to worse".....it's just a saying, not to be taken literal IMO

eg......."worse comes to worse, Wiggs can photoshop his head onto a good physique and trick girls on POF if he keeps striking out"
Title: Re: Linguistic professors - worse to worst or worst to worst etc
Post by: littledumbells on February 08, 2013, 03:18:29 PM
I go with bad to worse. "Worst" has to much finality to it. Someone somewhere is always able to take things to a new low. "Worse" leaves things open ended for the inevitable new "worst"