This is the place to post questions and discussions on usage and style. The members of the Wordwizard Clubhouse will also often be able to help you to formulate that difficult letter.
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Stevenloan
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by Stevenloan » Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:09 am
- Mediocre, bland boring, poor management...nice employees.
- Hi guys! This is an inn review from a native speaker. An online dictionary says "bland" means "not interesting, exciting, or original, and therefore boring". Is it redundant to use "bland" next to "boring" in this case?
Thanks a lot!
StevenLoan
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Erik_Kowal
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- Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2004 9:28 pm
- Country: United Kingdom
- First Name: Erik
- Last Name: Kowal
- Location: UK; lived many years in USA
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by Erik_Kowal » Mon Apr 13, 2020 4:12 pm
To my mind, bland refers to the characteristics of the inn being described.
Boring describes the effect of this blandness on the mood of its perceiver.
So there is a difference, albeit a subtle one.
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Bobinwales
- Posts: 4446
- Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:34 am
- Country: United Kingdom
- First Name: Bob
- Last Name: Williams
- Location: Pontardawe
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by Bobinwales » Mon Apr 13, 2020 9:23 pm
Try drinking flour mixed with cold water. That flavour is bland... nothing. In other words, it has nothing going for it whatsoever apart from the fact that it is a liquid and will satisfy a thirst. Although it does it without giving pleasure. The pub sells beer, but there is no atmosphere in the place.
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Signature: All those years gone to waist!Bob in Wales
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Stevenloan
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by Stevenloan » Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:47 am
Erik and Bob : Thank you both so much for your answers.
StevenLoan
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