1. Spine.Cleaver

    Spine.Cleaver New Member

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    Another way to say this?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Spine.Cleaver, May 23, 2010.

    Hi guys,

    I want to know if there's another way to say 'stuck in the past'. It's sounds too cliche!

    -Spine Cleaver
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    There are many ways, some of whicjh are also cliches, such as "behind the times."

    Use your imagination. You could try something like:
     
  3. Spine.Cleaver

    Spine.Cleaver New Member

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    Not a bad idea. There are at times I don't know how to bring out the creative side in me. Perhaps a lack of experience?

    -Spine Cleaver
     
  4. Manav

    Manav New Member

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    I like Cogito's alternative.

    I think the best way to avoid it will be to 'show' it, assuming you want to use the phrase in a story.

    Also, sometimes it is okay to use a harmless cliché or two if back up by a strong storyline, plot and characters in a story. I say harmless because it won't sound forced unlike some clichés (or should I say most of the clichés). I mean, we are never tired of 'I love you' if used in a good story in the right place.
     
  5. SilverWolf0101

    SilverWolf0101 Active Member

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    Behind in the times, old school, stuck in the past, lost in days gone by, etc. There are many ways to say that someone is as you put it "stuck in the past" and really, there's nothing wrong with a little cliche if you know how to use it and at the right time. Try playing around with the words, and maybe a thesaurus or dictionary.

    As for the inexperience part, everyone has that lack of experience somewhere, it's what makes us human. If you want to fix it, then work on them, ask for advice, practice and get your hands on as much reading materials as possible. But there's nothing wrong with inexperience.
     
  6. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    should be just 'behind the times' to make good sense...
     
  7. System-Crashed

    System-Crashed New Member

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    Do you mean stuck in the past as in this person acts as if he is in the 1870's or do you mean stuck in the past like you want to go back to the future?
     
  8. joanna

    joanna Active Member

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    Hahaha what?

    I assumed it meant someone who dwells on the way things used to be.
     
  9. SilverWolf0101

    SilverWolf0101 Active Member

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    True, I just wrote it as I heard it growing up
     
  10. HorusEye

    HorusEye Contributor Contributor

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    "You know Joe? He hasn't flipped his calender for 30 years."

    Think I just made that up...
     
  11. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    unfortunately, a lot of what one hears when little either is not heard accurately, or is just plain poor grammar...
     
  12. SilverWolf0101

    SilverWolf0101 Active Member

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    I'm afriad it's poor grammer, out of my family I'm the only one who has a good concept on writing. After all, my family uses words that doesn't even sound like english even though they are.
     
  13. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    sadly, judging from your latest comment, you picked up their poor grammar [and spelling] more than you may realize... ;-(

    or did you make all those mistakes on purpose, in jest?
     
  14. SilverWolf0101

    SilverWolf0101 Active Member

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    I probably picked up on it, I'm no expert at grammer that's for sure. It's my weakest subject when it comes to english.
     
  15. Humour Whiffet

    Humour Whiffet Banned

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    Grammar! (Unless you mean Kelsey.)
     
  16. Fallen

    Fallen New Member

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    No body is perfect, and if they claim to be ask how many edits they go through with their work. ;)
     
  17. Humour Whiffet

    Humour Whiffet Banned

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    What has a writer’s physique got to do with his or her prose? :D
     
  18. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    [translation, if needed: 'no body' in that context should be a single word]
     
  19. thewordsmith

    thewordsmith Contributor Contributor

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    Y'know, that was my first thought, too.

    AHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
    Thanks for the graphic correction!
     
  20. Spine.Cleaver

    Spine.Cleaver New Member

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    Thanks for all the great suggestions folks!

    -Spine Cleaver
     
  21. SchalaofZeal

    SchalaofZeal New Member

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    I can't think of any short quips as of right now, but I can assure you that there are a plethora of ways to to explain the same thing. Euphemisms and alternative phrases can be found based on the characters in the text and people in real life. Anything associated with the characters past would be great. I know this isn't too great, but you can say "It isn't 1975 anymore!" or "She thinks Elvis is still around." Something like that -- though the examples I've provided are pretty cliche too. :p
     
  22. RobT

    RobT Active Member

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    Archaic, antiquated and old fashioned to name a few more.
     
  23. digitig

    digitig Contributor Contributor

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    Then don't tell it. Show it instead.
     

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