Edmond, actually I dislike the word "whatever" for the reason you mention: it dismisses a topic or debate. I do understand, though, that many here are involved/interested in the debate over noun-ness. But I am weary of the topic. I have been reading/following it for weeks now--I think it's been going on for weeks. Last week, I asked what people do in the first day of class, which for me is today. No one responded. I would like to have heard from others, for, I believe, the first class sets the tone for much of the semester. I'm returning to my warm, dark, damp lurker hole. Christine -----Original Message----- From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Edmond Wright Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 7:03 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Defining Traditional Grammar > Dear Christine, Interesting that you use the word 'Whatever' to express your dismissal of the debate, for 'whatever' suggests a complete disinterest in joining in the game of distinguishing one entity from another. Edmond Whatever . . . > > Christine > > -----Original Message----- > From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Edmond Wright > Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 5:27 AM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: Defining Traditional Grammar > To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/ To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/