On Fri, Oct 24, 2003 at 02:21:45PM -0700, Tom wrote: > On Fri, Oct 24, 2003 at 10:54:26PM +0200, David Jardine wrote: > > On Fri, Oct 24, 2003 at 12:11:49PM -0700, Erik Steffl wrote: > > > > > > english is like lego, yes there are some pieces that change shape > > > etc. but it consists mostly of bricks and brick like pieces. german (and > > > lot of other languages) is more like putty - you mold things together. > > > the lego-like structure of english makes it easier to create a computer > > > language... > > > > > > > But what the hell is English about the syntax of, for example, > > > > if(isRed(the_fork)) ? > > > > It sounds more like Italian to me. > > > > I think the "the" is throwing you: > > I would say isRed(fork) contains an implied [it] and [a]: > > [it] | is | fork > -----|----|---------- > | | \ \ > \a \red > > fork is a "predicate noun", red is an adjective
No, I want to hand them a fork and ask them if the fork (subject) is red. I know it's a fork. > > But fork.isRed would be: > > fork | is \ red > -----|-----\---- > | > > fork is the subject, red is "a predicate adjective" Exactly. So I really want to say "If the fork is red.." and, as Monique points out, you have to go object oriented to represent reality. > > i'm just guessing, haven't diagrammed sentences since 6th grade > > I don't even think they teach this anymore > > > -- > To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] > -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]