José Goris
Professor Profissional
Misuse I came across the word 'Misuse' (meaning 'improper use') in an English text. Is this a correct English word? The full text is: 'Misuse may attract a penalty' written underneath the emergency brake in Dutch trains. We have never heard of the word 'misuse'. Neither of the combination 'may attract a penalty'. Something attracts a penalty or not, or am I mistaken?
10 de dez de 2015 11:13
Respostas · 4
2
This is an example of "official" English which summarises the legal consequences of using the emergency brake for an improper reason. Because ultimately a court of law will decide if any "penalty' is appropriate, not the train operator, the word "may" is used. A court may find that misuse has occurred but may choose not to impose a penalty. The language is formal because it paraphrases the terms of legislation which is of course written in a formal style.
10 de dezembro de 2015
1
misuse just means used improperly. Example: The word was misused and his friend thought he was in trouble, when he wasn't. My kids misuse the kitchen by thinking it is a all you can eat walk through buffet.
10 de dezembro de 2015
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