Home » Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

Discussion Forum (Archived)

Please consider registering
Guest
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Min search length: 3 characters / Max search length: 84 characters
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_TopicIcon
"right away" and "right off"
Guest
1
2017/02/07 - 2:25am

The phrases "right away" and "right off" both mean "without delay". And the word "right" is just to emphasize the word after it. The problem is "away" and "off". If we see "away" and "off" in a literally way, there's nothing to do with "without delay or immediately". Does anyone know why the two phrase collocate in this way? What are the origins of them? Thanks!

Robert
553 Posts
(Offline)
2
2017/02/07 - 10:47pm

Your analysis fits the syntax.  But it is possible that  "right" is the element that comes first to mind.  It looks round for something punchy to finish off with.  And lo, what's better than of, away, on, out, up, in ?

Forum Timezone: UTC -7
Show Stats
Administrators:
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Moderators:
Grant Barrett
Top Posters:
Newest Members:
A Conversation with Dr Astein Osei
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 1
Topics: 3647
Posts: 18912

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 618
Members: 1268
Moderators: 1
Admins: 2
Most Users Ever Online: 1147
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 27
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)

Recent posts