Write or Wrong?

I do move from first person to second person in this post. I intentionally write this way in blogs to make it feel more conversational – focusing on my impressions and then extending attention onto my readers.

ChapLynne is correct that “digressive tangent” is redundant. Additionally, the sentence that follows is redundant “soon forgotten” is the same (relatively) as saying “Whatever you were about to say is lost.” In editing, I’m not sure I would remove the former as my intent was to explain what I meant by “lost.” In hindsight, I would have adjusted the sentence to read: “Whatever you were about to say is soon forgotten,” and leave it at that!

For those who voted that digressive tangent is underscored for emphasis – that is not necessarily wrong. In this case, however, I underscored them strictly to draw your attention to those words for the purpose of the quiz.

Digressive tangent is not an oxymoron. An oxymoron is when two, neighboring words contradict one another. A common oxymoron that is frequently joked about is “jumbo shrimp”! Can you think of other, humorous oxymorons? Write about them here. It might be fun!

“How the heck should I know,” is a perfectly valid response that is free from judgment on my part!

“Digressive” and ”tangent” may be considered impressively big words, but that is subjective. In fact, the issue of word selection in various applications will be addressed in a future page on this blog. Sometimes it is better to keep it simple! We shall see!

Finally, I am working on a page that delves into the impact of spelling issues when it comes to writing differences between people from foreign lands. It will focus upon postcolonialism’s role in language rules. Stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by!

chaplynne Says:
July 4, 2009 at 1:28 am | Reply   edit

Immediately after the ‘digressive tangent’ the writing changes from first person to second person–indeed, a consequence of interruptions.

Digressive tangent have different and similar (redundant) meanings: different in that one is an adjective and the other a noun, similar in their meaning despite the different part of speech. Digressive indicates a sidetracked (adj) idea that is rambling in nature, while tangent suggests a sidetrack (n) that is a straight course. However, the words, while not exactly redundant because they are not the same part of speech, they do convey a similar meaning, i.e. sidetrack(ed). It is repetitive all over again.

Digressive and tangent are underlined for emphasis, since the point about digression and tangents as a result of interruptions is shown by example immediately following the words emphasized.

(I know this, because I so frequently make this mistake when I am interrupted.)

IMHO
ChapLynne

From Rose:  EXCELLENT! You picked up on something I overlooked.  You are a smart one, girl!  I will comment later tonight or tomorrow since I have July 4th festivities to attend.  I look forward to sharing with everyone!

Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted. ~Jules Renard, Journal, 10 April 1895

I hate it when I am interrupted in conversations.  It is rude.  I lose my train of thought.  Let’s face it.  I have very important things to say!  Seriously, it is very frustrating for me.  Writing affords a wonderful opportunity to process thoughts.  Verbal interruptions, more often than not, lead to a digressive tangent.  Whatever you were about to say is lost — and soon forgotten.

When you write, however, it affords you all the time you need to express yourself!  Readers cannot stop you in mid-sentence to add their two cents, which often happens in casual conversation.  So, speak write your mind.  Stand up and be heard read.

I underscored “digressive tangent” in this post.  Why? 

[polldaddy poll=1737121]

After you vote, I invite you to explain your answer and/or ask questions about this.  Can you find anything else wrong with this post?  Challenge me in the “Comments” section!  Do not worry.  I will not judge you, and I promise you will not be interrupted!