|
Post by whollygoats on Oct 10, 2023 1:08:55 GMT
Discussing English usage here in the US, a friend noted that she grates at hearing a speaker use the phrase, "It was not a big deal, it happened on accident." She claims she had never heard that 'on accident' usage, and asks where that came from. It seems to me that other speakers of English, in the Dominion, do use that form.
Can any of the pedants here confirm or deny?
|
|
|
Post by Moose on Oct 10, 2023 1:46:21 GMT
I do not know where it comes from but I'd definitely not use it .. always it would be 'an accident.'
|
|
|
Post by Kye on Oct 10, 2023 2:18:13 GMT
I would say "It happened by accident".
|
|
|
Post by Moose on Oct 10, 2023 5:15:54 GMT
My bad yes .. I misread. I would also say 'by.'
|
|
|
Post by JoeP on Oct 10, 2023 9:56:53 GMT
I have heard people say "on accident". Just like I've heard people say "I would of done something."
It's wrong.
|
|
|
Post by whollygoats on Oct 10, 2023 15:16:52 GMT
So...It is 'on purpose', but 'by accident'?
With intent, it is more 'on the mark'. Without intent, it only hits near...by. Accuracy is the issue?
Accidental, or purposeful?
|
|
|
Post by JoeP on Oct 10, 2023 22:07:48 GMT
It is, indeed, 'on purpose', but 'by accident'.
Your reasoning seems good ... but I would caution against trying to understand specifics reasons for it ... that way madness lies.
|
|
|
Post by Moose on Oct 10, 2023 23:32:55 GMT
'Should of' is one of those things that really drives me mad.
|
|
|
Post by Kye on Oct 11, 2023 1:26:39 GMT
Me too! And using less instead of fewer "There were less people at the event than last year" Aaaaauuuuugggghhhh!!
|
|
|
Post by tangent on Oct 11, 2023 13:08:55 GMT
'Should of' is one of those things that really drives me mad. Especially when it's included in a note from your son's teacher at school
|
|
|
Post by Moose on Oct 11, 2023 23:44:30 GMT
!!
|
|