Grammar goblins

Unmasking the imps that toy with our culture
in the guerilla war on our language

We see mistakes in the Herald every day, but this morning there’s an inglorious language blunder from a sports reporter:

If the browbeaten All Blacks were expecting an easier time of it in the World Cup bronze match against Wales on Friday, they have another thing coming.

Of course, the expression is along this wise:

If they think [x, y or z], they have another think coming!

There’s not another thing in it. I hope someone tells him.

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3 Thoughts on “Grammar goblins

  1. Andy on 30/10/2019 at 11:14 am said:

    Think is a verb. Thing is a noun.

  2. Richard Treadgold on 01/11/2019 at 11:00 am said:

    How very true, Andy. But are you suggesting that these many years I’ve been wrong about the expression? I’ve seen it written in all manner of material, high and low, and not once has it said ‘thing’. I’ve always had the impression that it comically turns the verb into a noun. So I like it. I see you still carry your deliciously incorrect golliwog.

  3. Andy on 01/11/2019 at 11:49 am said:

    My avatar represents diversity in the bear cupboard.

    Actually I have always said “another thing coming” but maybe I’m wrong too. My father used to refer to “tooth combs”, which is something that you search for something with (it has to be a fine one though. As in “I searched for it with a fine toothcomb”

    I never really got into combing my teeth

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