Comments on: literally doing the school run http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/ An English language grammar blog tracking abuse of the word "literally" Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:55:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: Fitz http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/#comment-36178 Fitz Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:02:43 +0000 http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/#comment-36178 BatmanAoD: we occasionally cover "correct" uses of literally - entries are classified as incorrect, unnecessary, or correct. BatmanAoD: we occasionally cover “correct” uses of literally - entries are classified as incorrect, unnecessary, or correct.

]]> By: BatmanAoD http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/#comment-36171 BatmanAoD Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:05:28 +0000 http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/#comment-36171 Bill Watterson knew when to quit--he retired at the top of his game, quite intentionally. I doubt that anyone will attempt to (officially) continue Calvin and Hobbes after he's dead, since he's made it quite clear that as far as he's concerned, the strip is permanently ended. Some strips, however, such as Frazz and possibly Sinfest, do carry out the legacy in a way, by borrowing many of the great elements from Calvin and Hobbes without altering Watterson's canon. As for the use of "literally" in this strip, I don't understand why it's wrong--they are literally running to school (although I guess you could make a case that the dog is in fact not running because he's a dog). If the issue is that there is no figurative meaning for "school run," Wikipedia says otherwise: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_run Bill Watterson knew when to quit–he retired at the top of his game, quite intentionally. I doubt that anyone will attempt to (officially) continue Calvin and Hobbes after he’s dead, since he’s made it quite clear that as far as he’s concerned, the strip is permanently ended.

Some strips, however, such as Frazz and possibly Sinfest, do carry out the legacy in a way, by borrowing many of the great elements from Calvin and Hobbes without altering Watterson’s canon.

As for the use of “literally” in this strip, I don’t understand why it’s wrong–they are literally running to school (although I guess you could make a case that the dog is in fact not running because he’s a dog). If the issue is that there is no figurative meaning for “school run,” Wikipedia says otherwise: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_run

]]> By: Fitz http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/#comment-36149 Fitz Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:43:02 +0000 http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/#comment-36149 According to the web site, "Fred Basset has amused readers for generations, and is still being produced under the watchful eyes of Alex Graham's family." So who knows, after Bill Watterson dies, perhaps we'll get more Calvin and Hobbes! According to the web site, “Fred Basset has amused readers for generations, and is still being produced under the watchful eyes of Alex Graham’s family.” So who knows, after Bill Watterson dies, perhaps we’ll get more Calvin and Hobbes!

]]> By: Chris http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/#comment-36146 Chris Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:24:35 +0000 http://literally.barelyfitz.com/2008/02/18/literally-doing-the-school-run-comic-fred-basset/#comment-36146 Why is Fred Basset still running and Calvin & Hobbes gone? Why is Fred Basset still running and Calvin & Hobbes gone?

]]>