Evil passive voice

[Doug Harris]

Exerpt from AMZ's Language Log contribution:


Very. Avoid this lukewarm, unspecific adverb. I'm very happy that you
elected me chairman of the Society for People with Super Sensitive Feet. Is
very happy happier than just happy?  [Note rhetorical question, conveying
that very happy is not in fact happier than happy.]  Why not overjoyed or:
I'm tickled to be the new chairman of the Society for People with Super
Sensitive Feet.

--
Moments after reading that I encountered
this in the Oneonta NY Daily Star, in an
article reporting on a local farmer's
encounter with a bolt of lightning:

Doring was "very, very, very sore," Huyck said,
adding that he'll need some follow-up medical
attention and tests.

The lesson is, of course, that while 'very'
on its own isn't very impressive, verily,
very, very very is.
(the other) doug

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