LL-L "Grammar" 2011.03.07 (01) [EN]

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L O W L A N D S - L - 28 February 2011 - Volume 02
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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Grammar



Dear Lowlanders,

I am intrigued by the frequent use of the structure [[numeral] different
[noun pl]] in English and the equivalent German structure [[numeral] *
verschiedene* [noun pl]].

The use of “different” (or *verschiedene*) with numerals seems justified if
it emphasized that the items are of different types (as opposed to being
identical); e.g.

* She baked three different cakes.
  (= She baked three different types of cakes.)

But in most cases the use of this structure seems ungrammatical; e.g.

* There are four different languages in Switzerland.

* I spoke with him on five different occasions.



Why do people insist on using this structure? Is it to emphasize the number?
What are your opinions on this?



Is this structure used in other Lowlands languages?

Thanks!

Reinhard/Ron
Seattle, USA



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