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Old 03-Nov-2004, 01:18
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piggy386
Talking Rarely and Umpteenth

Rarely did Chris beam with delight as much as now. That Gabby indeed brought him umpteenth sweet memories.

Is this okay to write the first sentence like this?
And I'm not quite sure whether I should use umpteenth or umpteen.
Can anyone clarify me the differences between these two words?
Thanks.
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Old 03-Nov-2004, 07:15
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Default Re: Rarely and Umpteenth

(1) Yes, that's a good place for an adverb, as long as you don't overuse the form.

(2) 'umpteen' is the cardinal number, which is required here, with the plural 'memories'; 'umpteenth' is the ordinal adjective, specifying a single memory in that numerical position.

'He has seventeen girlfriends; his seventeenth girlfriend has jilted him.'
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Old 03-Nov-2004, 22:05
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piggy386
Thumbs up Re: Rarely and Umpteenth

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister Micawber
(1) Yes, that's a good place for an adverb, as long as you don't overuse the form.

(2) 'umpteen' is the cardinal number, which is required here, with the plural 'memories'; 'umpteenth' is the ordinal adjective, specifying a single memory in that numerical position.

'He has seventeen girlfriends; his seventeenth girlfriend has jilted him.'
Thanks for your explanation
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