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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to discreetly mention that 'discreet' has a discrete meaning from 'discrete'?

146 replies

IHeartKingThistle · 30/01/2013 22:52

The one you want for breastfeeding is 'discreet.'

'Discrete' means 'separate from'.

As you were. Except for, you know, the discrete thing.

No wish to offend!

OP posts:
Hesterton · 31/01/2013 06:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Hesterton · 31/01/2013 06:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RustyBear · 31/01/2013 07:12

Can I add the one I saw on a sticker on some pyjamas in M&S?

'3 for 2 on selective items'

Unless they have some very clever clothes, it's 'selected'

Smudging · 31/01/2013 07:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Branleuse · 31/01/2013 07:20

i didn't know this, thankyou!

Bluestocking · 31/01/2013 07:30

Discreet fist bump to OP! This drives me mad. Now let's tackle lose/loose.

MrsHelsBels74 · 31/01/2013 07:41

Can someone give me a tip for remembering dependent/dependant as I can never remember which is which.

ZillionChocolate · 31/01/2013 07:46

My name's Zillion and I struggle with affect/effect and which/that. Any suggestions?

IHeartKingThistle · 31/01/2013 08:57

Sashh that was me too! [Grin]

OP posts:
IHeartKingThistle · 31/01/2013 08:58
Grin
OP posts:
HoratiaWinwood · 31/01/2013 09:34

Zillion

affect almost always means "cause something" or "have an impact on something".

effect almost always means "the result of something".

The acid hail affected her profoundly. For a start, it had caused dints in her scalp, and a disturbing dip dye effect on her hair.

The verb "effect" sort of means "enable, cause" but is quite rare. It normally turns up in the phrase "effect change" which is the politicians' favourite. If in doubt, avoid.

There is also a noun "affect" which is even rarer. Avoid.

In conclusion, if it's a verb (so likely to get -ing or -ed on the end) use "affect" and if it is a noun (attracting adjectives like serious, or articles such an or the) use "effect".

HoratiaWinwood · 31/01/2013 09:37

Dependent is the word 99% of the time.

Dependant is only used to refer to people who rely on you financially.

If in doubt, dependent is probably right.

I remember it that dependant is a legal term, as is defendant which is also -ant.

HoratiaWinwood · 31/01/2013 09:39

learned isn't a present participle. Present participles end in -ing.

verylittlecarrot · 31/01/2013 10:46

YABU.
But only because I detest the odious pressure for breastfeeding to be 'discreet'. Angry

Otherwise, YADNBU.Grin
As you were.

LunaticFringe · 31/01/2013 11:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

gimmecakeandcandy · 31/01/2013 11:32

No... No space... No...

gimmecakeandcandy · 31/01/2013 11:34

Ellipsis points can also indicate a pause in speaking or an incomplete or trailing thought by either the writer or the speaker. (A dash can also serve this function.) When an ellipsis falls at the end of a sentence and indicates an incomplete or trailing thought, do not insert a space before the ellipsis points. Doing so could result in a bad line break, with the ellipsis points appearing on the next line by themselves.
Examples
You know what they say: If you can?t take the heat?
Backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, hiking boots, more...

SageBush · 31/01/2013 11:45

Thank you, OP! The discreet/ discrete problem is my bete noire, with 'lose/ loose' a close second.

I also hate people saying 'nucular' for 'nuclear'.

cumfy · 31/01/2013 12:13

Can I just stand around smiling benignly at all the lovely pedants?
No... No space... No...

gimmecakeandcandyGrinGrinGrinGrin

No room for non-pedants here ..... move along, move along.

RattyRoland · 31/01/2013 13:27

Thanks, learn a new thing every day.

BumpingFuglies · 31/01/2013 13:40

Saw this yesterday:

XYZ TRANSPORT - STRICKLY MONDAY TO FRIDAY

From the County Council Shock

13Iggis · 31/01/2013 14:20

Loving this thread Grin

LunaticFringe · 31/01/2013 18:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Quejica · 31/01/2013 18:18

Can I mention practice and practise. In the UK practice is a noun and practise is a verb.
If in doubt try substituting advice and advise in the sentence then use the ce or se ending.

Grin