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I simply cannot be the only pedant who winces at the use of 'recommend me'

14 replies

Twiglett · 09/03/2008 21:23

can I?

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Wordsmith · 09/03/2008 21:23

In what context?

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satine · 09/03/2008 21:24

Oh no, Twiglett, you're definitely not alone.
I also hate 'borrow me'.
And as for 'learn me', well, words just fail me.

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littlelapin · 09/03/2008 21:25

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Twiglett · 09/03/2008 21:29

wordsmith - in absolutely every single context, it is never right IMHO

thank you satine .. pedantry loves company

you don't think anyone has ever said what to you rabbit? the former or the latter?

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Twiglett · 09/03/2008 21:30

although potentially 'recommend me for a job' is ok

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littlelapin · 09/03/2008 21:33

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Wordsmith · 09/03/2008 21:34

But would it not be correct to say, "Could you recommend me for the job?"

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Wordsmith · 09/03/2008 21:35

You just answered my question!

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UnquietDad · 09/03/2008 21:37

It's a tricky one. "Can you recommend me a good book to read?" No, I don't wince at that and I'm an ueber-pedant.

I think it's OK because the "me" being used is the indirect object form. (An implied "to me".) English has this: a dative form of "I" which is the same as the accusative form. viz.:

"Could you pass me that plate?"
"Can you give me that cup?"
"Will you find me the Radio Times?"

It's not in the same category as "borrow me" and "learn me", which are just ignorant and illiterate.

So, in summary, "Can you recommend me a book?" and "Can you recommend me for this job?" are both OK - they just have a "me" which means different things.

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Twiglett · 09/03/2008 21:37

I'm psychic pedant

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Twiglett · 09/03/2008 21:39

OK the use of the final 'to read' in that sentence makes it sit better with me UD

but what about "Can you recommend me a book" ..

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stuffitllama · 09/03/2008 21:40

It's a usage that impacts me greatly.

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UnquietDad · 09/03/2008 21:41

I'm not sure I get it. "Can you recommend me a book?" doesn't make me wince as it's the dative "me".

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Botbot · 10/03/2008 13:40

I think it's fine. Don't see the problem.

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