 Against dictionary?
Most of the dictionaries say the verb "matter" is an intransitive verb. But when you say "That does not matter anything." or "That matters nothing.", do you feel that "matter" is intrarnsitive?
Certain dictionaries say "anything" or "nothing" can be used as adverbs. Well, maybe. But isn't it strange even for you native speakers that "anything", "nothing" in the sentences above can be categorized as adverbs?
Don't you have the feeling that grammatically the verb "matter" in "That does not matter anything." is the same as the verb, for example, "affect" in "That does not affect anything."? Doesn't it feel like they are both transitive verbs, and "anything"s are nouns, not adverbs?
At least to me, thay are completely the same. There is no difference at all.
I just don't get it... |