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Treble without a cause?
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Microsoft launches new phone software
The market for phones is set to treble or quadruple in the next few years, Ballmer said, and Microsoft is ready to challenge other phone makers for market share.
The following quote: “The market for phones is set to treble or quadruple in the next few years, Ballmer said, and Microsoft is ready to challenge other phone makers for market share.” was on your site today.
While I do have trouble getting decent bass on my cellphone, the treble is quite good.
T.A.
Ballmer used the word correctly. You may wish to check a dictionary:
Treble: verb (used with object), verb (used without object) to make or become three times as much or as many; triple. GBU Editor
Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation Steve Ballmer gestures during a news conference in Munich, October 7, 2009. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle
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I think you’re kind of sleazing. It’s chiefly British. When was the last time you saw a skilled American writer use it?
Dictionary.com says nothing about it being chiefly British. And since when is that sleazing, anyway?
Using a Britishism isn’t sleazing. Using an invalid pretext to defend inappropriate action is. Merriam-Webster’s 11th does accept it without calling it archaic or British. By the rules, you’ve got me, but when was the last time you saw a skilled American writer say “treble” rather than “triple?” I’m not sure Ballmer is a good authority. However, if your quote was accurate, and I would assume it was, the eccentricity was Ballmer’s and none of yours.
Thanks Pete, I’m sure you’ll get me next time…