Seriously Forgetful [was Re: Terrified of [was Re: Regret the error]]

K. Edgcombe wrote:
Wood Avens wrote:
Maria Conlon wrote:

"Terrified of" or "terrified by"? I would say the latter, but
wonder if this is a pondian thing.

My instinctive response is that the two mean slightly different
things. I'm having a hard time putting my finger on the precise
difference, though.

"Terrified by ..." suggests that you go pale and run if a lawyer
comes into the room, perhaps, whereas "of" is more a fear of having
to become involved with one in any way.

I would have said that "terrified of" means permanently afraid of all
lawyers, whatever they do or don't do; "terrified by" means terrified
on some particular occasion (or perhaps on regular occasions) as a
consequence of some
particular action by a lawyer or lawyers.

"Terrified of spiders" is standard arachnophobia; "terrified by
spiders" is what happens in a horror film.

I've now got this straight, thanks to the two Katys and others who replied.

This business of certain phrases (and words, too) sounding odd to me is rather new and sort of scary -- maybe even terrifying. (I'm not referring, by the way, to usages that are strictly regional. Not being familiar with those usages is understandable.)

(Just now, it was necessary for me to look for synonyms of "area" that begin with "r." I could remember the "r" but not "regional.")

I've been a reader ever since I was four or so; I've been the type who reads dictionaries (as well as other types of books) just for the fun of discovery. So, there are all sorts of common usages that should not sound odd to me. And yet they do, and with increasing frequency.

Anyone else dealing with this? Any hints for improvement? You know -- drink carrot juice, or go into trances, or sleep more....?

--
Maria Conlon




.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Seriously Forgetful [was Re: Terrified of [was Re: Regret the error]]
    ... particular action by a lawyer or lawyers. ... This business of certain phrases sounding odd to me is rather new and sort of scary -- maybe even terrifying. ... (I'm not referring, by the way, to usages that are strictly regional. ...
    (alt.usage.english)
  • Re: Terrifying future phrases
    ... so apparently not that terrifying ... The result of more rationing of the sort seen during the Great War, ... for bootleg alcohol?) ... Well-intentioned substitutions for alcohol ...
    (rec.arts.sf.written)
  • Re: God I want a cigaertte so damn bad!!
    ... I do seem to have led a somewhat unusual and eventful - and ... sometimes terrifying - sort of life. ... sort of way, readers have expressed doubt about the truthfulness of it. ...
    (alt.support.stop-smoking)