• rekabis@lemmy.ca
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    19 hours ago

    Nineteen people died on the ground.

    Technically 260 people died on the ground. Because that is where the plane crashed.

    However, nineteen people on the ground died.

    There is a critical difference in that word order. The former includes everyone who had reached the ground by the time they died, the latter only includes those who were on the ground to begin with, and not those who were on the plane.

    Or in other words, the first phrasing highlights destination, the second highlights source. Everyone died on the ground after the plane impacted it, but only 19 were already on the ground when the impact killed them.

    The placement of the word “died” is what makes all the difference.

    Isn’t English fun?

    • Obinice@lemmy.world
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      10 hours ago

      While I generally support the proper usage of my Nation’s language, as well as making linguistic education available and fun for all, pedantry on the wording surrounding the horrific deaths of hundreds of innocent men, women, and children is uncouth.

      There is a time and a place for everything, and this wasn’t it. I’m sorry to be blunt.

      • neons@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        13 hours ago

        didn’t you hear? u/waterSticksToMyBalls@lemmy.world wants you to delete your account!