Originally posted by twhitehead
To say that a book talks about something is common usage of english and therefore correct english.
Common usage is often incorrect, especially when it offends the ear, as "talks about" most often will. The most common usage is frequently the most egregious offense, and incorrect. Consider the way most people use personal pronouns, for example. Now find one respectable serial publication that permits such usage in its pages.
Of course, in time, certain expressions become so common that our notions of grammar and even spelling must change, as when certain dictionaries have dropped the a from caramel (carmel) because few pronounce it correctly, or added an r to sherbet (sherbert) for the same reason.
As RB's offenses against the language and common sense go, this one is minor. But it offends no less.
Originally posted by RBHILL
Just like when someone says what does your watch say. LOL
I wouldn't say this. I ask the time, except more often people ask me.
"Wulebgr, what does your watch say?"
"Tick, tick, tick."
"Okay, ass**l*, what time is it?"
"Seven seventeen."