Gransnet forums

Pedants' corner

Page 8 of 8 | First | Previous | Next | Last
| Flip | Customise |

Going forward!

(179 Posts)
Add comment | Report
Riverwalk Tue 21-Jan-14 10:29:51

Most of these phrases are American - soon we'll have news reporters saying "We tried to reach out to so and so ....." instead of, we tried to contact.

I heard so much of this reaching out business in the US recently!

Some US phrases are very useful - what did we say before 'sleepover' ?grin

Add comment | Report
Lilygran Tue 21-Jan-14 10:22:56

Jane I think there is an element of the idea of progress but quite often you can't find it!

Add comment | Report
janeainsworth Tue 21-Jan-14 10:19:26

Lily would you agree that 'going forward' is synonymous with 'moving on', or is there a nuance of difference?
I think these things spread, partly because of the way we learn language by imitation. This view is perhaps informed by the fact that I'm staying with my DGS (2.5 years old) and am fascinated by how rapidly his vocabulary increases and his usage improves.
The expression I am trying to stop myself from using at the moment is 'Back in the day'.
Wherever did that one come from?

Add comment | Report
Lilygran Tue 21-Jan-14 10:10:24

This expression was used three times in quick succession on Today this morning. Once it meant 'in future' (so why didn't he say that?). Twice it meant nothing at all. The other meaningless expression around at the moment is 'to be fair'. Sometimes it seems to mean 'to be honest'. Where do these expressions come from? And why do they spread so quickly?

Page 8 of 8 | First | Previous | Next | Last
| Flip | Customise |