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| Subject:
Correct word usage "of" or "in"?
Category: Miscellaneous Asked by: bby-ga List Price: $2.00 |
Posted:
02 Mar 2004 08:28 PST
Expires: 01 Apr 2004 08:28 PST Question ID: 312643 |
Which is the correct usage "change in fortune" or "change of fortune"? And why? A google search shows hits on both phrases (less for "in")but seem to be in the same context. |
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| Subject:
Re: Correct word usage "of" or "in"?
From: probonopublico-ga on 02 Mar 2004 12:34 PST |
Fortunately, they are interchangeable. |
| Subject:
Re: Correct word usage "of" or "in"?
From: kriswrite-ga on 02 Mar 2004 12:58 PST |
I believe probonopublico is absolutely correct, although I could not find any sources to back up this idea. Kriswrite |
| Subject:
Re: Correct word usage "of" or "in"?
From: aht-ga on 02 Mar 2004 13:07 PST |
My two cents:
The former ("change in fortune") implies that 'fortune' is a malleable
concept within which change can be effected. The latter ("change of
fortune") implies that 'fortune' can be manifest in various distinct
types that are interchangeable.
Since no one has empirically measured 'fortune' to determine if it is
a single continuum (within which change can occur) or a set of
distinct versions (which are interchangeable), I'd say both are
conceptually, and grammatically, correct!
Regards,
aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher |
| Subject:
Re: Correct word usage "of" or "in"?
From: voila-ga on 02 Mar 2004 14:09 PST |
Only a hunch but it may be linked to the Greek Goddess, Tyche, and having to do with the abstraction 'of' the word 'fortune' rather than its actual concrete definition. http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Tyche.html You also have the common phrase 'reversal of fortune,' meaning a turnabout, disappointment, or a knock back. http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/meanings/220800.html |
| Subject:
Re: Correct word usage "of" or "in"?
From: probonopublico-ga on 02 Mar 2004 23:27 PST |
Put it this way: A Change of Fortune suggests that there are different type of Fortune, e.g. Good and Bad, etc. A Change in Fortune suggests that Fortune is a continuum and that it is possible to move along a scale. The first is, of course, Digital; the second Analogue. |
| Subject:
Re: Correct word usage "of" or "in"?
From: aht-ga on 02 Mar 2004 23:59 PST |
So perhaps it all comes down to which type of wristwatch you wear? Hmm... I wear an analog watch with a built-in digital readout. Now what?!? |
| Subject:
Re: Correct word usage "of" or "in"?
From: probonopublico-ga on 03 Mar 2004 01:09 PST |
Yes, Aht, You would have to screw things up ... Which I don't mind but, really, your spelling is atrocious. Analog indeed! Whatever your wristwatch says, it's time for some spelling lessons. |
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