30 November 2006

Glenloch temporary signage: pedants rejoice

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So this isn’t very riveting news, but the pedant in me thought it was amusing.

As we’ve all been told (and as was discussed in a previous thread I can’t find), the Glenloch Interchange is being closed for 15 months. We’re all to take Adelaide Avenue, Coppins Crossing Road and Lady Denman Drive instead, for the next year and a bit. As part of the lead-up to the closure of the interchange, traffic lights are being installed on Lady Denman Drive – presumably to take account of all the extra traffic that will want to turn onto that road from Parkes Way and from the Tuggeranong Parkway. Recently signs went up to alert people to this detour, proudly announcing “Glenloch Roadworks: Alternate Route”, and “Tuggeranong: Alternate Route”, and “Belconnen: Alternate Route”.

I thought to myself, I’m sure they mean “alternative” not “alternate”. Hardly a sacking offence, but just something that slightly jars.

Clearly I am not the only pedant who noticed this. Lo and behold, now, only a few days after the signs initially went up, they have been amended with new panels clearly covering the word “alternate” on the old signs, to say “Glenloch Roadworks: Alternative Route”.

I wonder how much this little lesson in the correct use of the word “alternative” cost?

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sexynotsmart10:16 pm 01 Dec 06

Reckon they should alternate alternative signs.

(That joke sucked. I so should have stayed at the pub tonight.)

Hmmm.

2. A substitute; one designated to take the place of another,
if necessary, in performing some duty.
[1913 Webster]

Sure 1913 is hardly modern english but perhaps the roadies were going for ye olde charm?

That is excellent. Misuse of Alternate (for Alternative) really pisses me orf! Why are there so many illiterate morons who are allowed to write things that are seen in public?

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