<<I don't know if I used the quotes the right way....>>
Don't sweat it, the distinction is often butchered or simply ignored even in technical discussions. Here I wouldn't worry about it in the least, but when folks are being careful in philosophy, logic, or linguistics it's very useful. It's related to, though different from, the so-called use-mention distinction. Words are sometimes used, sometimes mentioned. To use a word, just do it; to mention it, enclose it in single quotes. For example, in the sentence Fine me if I use the pronoun 'it' again., the first seven words are used, the eighth is mentioned, and the ninth is used. You are perhaps asking yourself why in the world this is important; that would take a while to explain. Trust me, it is. (NB:Now you can fine me.)
I liked that lesson, though Anaxagoras, thanks.
My pleasure. I come to this thread when I need to take my mind off of a weakening portfolio, so I'm not a regular. In fact, the last time I came over I got flayed alive (rightfully so) for making several careless mistakes. I never had a chance to respond, and now the discussion is buried, but I've learned to be wary when entering this den of experts. ;-)
And yes, Sowbug, 'adjectival' is indeed a word; ugly, but entirely cricket.
Hey- my portfolio is up! Time to run....
:-)
Anaxagoras |
