Grammar Question

lifesaver · #1 02-14-2005, 07:19 PM

I need someone to settle a debate I am having with a friend.

Whats the proper useage of the words historic and historical? I do not believe they are interchangeable. I am not sure what the proper use of each is, but I dont think they are interchangeable.

Help is appreciated.

Rudey · #2 02-14-2005, 07:41 PM

"Historic and historical have different usages, though their senses overlap. Historic refers to what is important in history: the historic first voyage to the moon. It is also used of what is famous or interesting because of its association with persons or events in history: a historic house. Historical refers to whatever existed in the past, whether regarded as important or not: a minor historical character. Historical also refers to anything concerned with history or the study of the past: a historical novel; historical discoveries. While these distinctions are useful, these words are often used interchangeably, as in historic times or historical times."

-Rudey

sugar and spice · #3 02-15-2005, 02:24 AM

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/historic.html

Senusret I · #4 02-15-2005, 07:29 AM

I learned something new today.

DeltAlum · #5 02-15-2005, 04:16 PM

Pretty good explaination, Rudey.

Never really gave that any thought.

Tom Earp · #6 02-15-2005, 07:48 PM

Oh My, Rudey, You can be amazing when You want to Be!

lifesaver at least you said Historical instead of Hysterical!!!!

Thanks R for the update!!!!!

Am I of Historical or Hysterical proportations!

AKA_Monet · #7 02-15-2005, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rudey
"Historic and historical have different usages, though their senses overlap. Historic refers to what is important in history: the historic first voyage to the moon. It is also used of what is famous or interesting because of its association with persons or events in history: a historic house. Historical refers to whatever existed in the past, whether regarded as important or not: a minor historical character. Historical also refers to anything concerned with history or the study of the past: a historical novel; historical discoveries. While these distinctions are useful, these words are often used interchangeably, as in historic times or historical times."

-Rudey

WOW

Rudey,

You amaze me with your talents!!!

And Phrat Senusret I... I just learned something new today, too...

Munchkin03 · #8 02-15-2005, 08:26 PM

Now I have a grammar-based reason to want to throttle people when they talk about "historical preservation."

lifesaver · #9 02-16-2005, 03:26 AM

I asked because someone spoke of the chartering this past weekend as "you will long remember this historical event." And it really caught my attention as the incorrect usage of the word. I didnt know exactly how it was wrong, I just know it didnt sound right.

Now I know why. The chartering ceremony wasnt historical because it wasnt being studied and it wasnt in the past. It was historic because it is important in the context of the orgs. history.

I think...