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Thread: Why use "assert", not "asserts"?

  1. 20-Jun-2012, 17:19 #1
    NewHopeR
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    Default Why use "assert", not "asserts"?

    Context:

    President Obama is claiming executive privilege in refusing to give certain documents to Congress concerning the "Fast and Furious" operation.
    The Justice Department requested that Obama assert the privilege regarding documents concerning the botched gun-smuggling operation.

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  2. 20-Jun-2012, 17:19 #2
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    Default Re: Why use "assert", not "asserts"?

    It's a subjunctive form.
    Context is important. Please provide enough for us to be able to deal effectively with your question.
    Your thread title should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.
    If you just want to know the meaning of a word, try OneLook Dictionary Search first.

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  3. 21-Jun-2012, 02:17 #3
    NewHopeR
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    Default Re: Why use "assert", not "asserts"?

    Quote Originally Posted by 5jj View Post
    It's a subjunctive form.
    Does assert here mean maintain?
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  4. 21-Jun-2012, 02:31 #4
    SoothingDave
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    Default Re: Why use "assert", not "asserts"?

    Assert | Define Assert at Dictionary.com

    In this case, definition 3. He is claiming such a privilege exists. Or more exactly, he is claiming that the privilege that does exist applies to this particular case.
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