english grammar

[idunno]

sorry if this sounds off topic but is it grammatically wrong to say:« im trying to optimize my english», meaning «improve my english»?

thanks

[fagin]

To optimize would be to make the best use of what you already have so not quite the same meaning, but nothing to do with grammar.

[Lothian]

sorry if this sounds off topic but is it grammatically wrong to say:« im trying to optimize my english», meaning «improve my english»?

thanksYes it is wrong. It should be 'I'm trying to optimize my English.'

[Gravy]

It's wrong if you use that capitalization and punctuation! :) Edit: damn Lothian!

"I'm trying to optimize my English" is an ugly phrase, IMO. "Improve" is much better.

[fagin]

Optimize and improve mean different things.

op·ti·mize (http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/obreve.gifphttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gifthttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/schwa.gif-mhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/imacr.gifzhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/lprime.gif)
tr.v. op·ti·mized, op·ti·miz·ing, op·ti·miz·es 1. To make as perfect or effective as possible.
2. Computer Science To increase the computing speed and efficiency of (a program), as by rewriting instructions.
3. To make the most of.

im·prove (http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/ibreve.gifm-prhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/oomacr.gifvhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gif) v. im·proved, im·prov·ing, im·proves
v.tr. 1. To raise to a more desirable or more excellent quality or condition; make better.
2. To increase the productivity or value of (land or property).
3. To put to good use; use profitably.

v.intr. 1. To become better.
2. To make beneficial additions or changes:


To make the most of does not mean to improve

[Modified]

sorry if this sounds off topic but is it grammatically wrong to say:« im trying to optimize my english», meaning «improve my english»?

It's not grammatically wrong, but as fagin pointed out, it doesn't mean "improve". Even if you really did mean "optimize", that would be an odd use, since "optimize" is not usually applied to such a general skill or ability.

[Foolmewunz]

As mentioned, other than the spelling and punctuation, the sentence is fine, gramatically. You could use it, but if you're around native speakers be prepared to be thought of as a pompous yuppie poseur.

Connotation is very important in English. Since the language has so many words and is rather complex, the thought of optimizing it (and thus using that verb) is just short of absurd.

[fagin]

As mentioned, other than the spelling and punctuation, the sentence is fine, gramatically. You could use it, but if you're around native speakers be prepared to be thought of as a pompous yuppie poseur.

Connotation is very important in English. Since the language has so many words and is rather complex, the thought of optimizing it (and thus using that verb) is just short of absurd.

Isn't optimized English called American?

[Furi]

since when is there a Z in optimise? ;)

Embiggen is also a good word to use, I would interpret optimise as in to make more efficient use of English, double plus good if you belly feel newspeak.

[Hokulele]

To be proper English, the sentence should read, "I, idunno, wish to facilitate a paradigm shift in my interpersonal communication by optimizing my vocabulary, broadening my bandwidth, and utilizing my full range of optional choices as envisioned by the pioneers of the English language."

[MetalPig]

You forgot 'quantum'.

[TX50]

Brap! NVM.

[Tricky]

You forgot 'quantum'.
"I'm trying to quantumize my English."

:confused:

[Tricky]

To be proper English, the sentence should read, "I, idunno, wish to facilitate a paradigm shift in my interpersonal communication by optimizing my vocabulary, broadening my bandwidth, and utilizing my full range of optional choices as envisioned by the pioneers of the English language."

There's another new word that I have problems with. Frikking bandwith has been applied to almost anything referring to size. As a child of the 60s, it makes no sense to me in most contexts. I cannot hear it without thinking of how when I played trombone in high school, our rows had to squeeze closer to each other when going down a narrow street during a parade.

[Foolmewunz]

There's another new word that I have problems with. Frikking bandwith has been applied to almost anything referring to size. As a child of the 60s, it makes no sense to me in most contexts. I cannot hear it without thinking of how when I played trombone in high school, our rows had to squeeze closer to each other when going down a narrow street during a parade.

I think that squeezing led to an intimacy later affectionately referred to as "the boys in the band".

But I could be mistaken.

[Gene L]

I think it's a clumsy use of the word "optimize." Otimize means "make the best use of" in a general sense.

Better to simply say "I'm improving my English," if you mean your grammar or writing ability. If you mean the spoken language, you might try "I'm trying to improve my diction."

I don't know if it's grammatically incorrect, but it sounds a bit pretentious. It's like Pentagon-speak of the 1970s..."terminate with extreme prejudice," etc. English is best when it's clear and precise, and the sentence given is neither.

[Gord_in_Toronto]

At one point in my life I worked in an office next to a guy who translated meteorological works from Russian into English. He was pretty good at this but would sometimes ask me about a phrase in English. Many times I could only say, "That is English but this sounds better". I can only thank fate that I am a native born English speaker -- I don't think I am clever enough to have to learn the damn language. :covereyes