Collocation of the words spur and cruelty

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NL888

#473653 Thu, 07 Feb 08 02:53 AM

Is the collocation of the words spur and cruelty in the context below proper?

The author wanted to express the meaning that the cruelty in your nature would be enhanced if you went to see the bodies exhibition.

Context:
With your poor curiosity you buy a ticket to watch the bodies exhibition, it is most likely that the bodies spur more cruelty in you than improve knowledge.

NL888

Joined on Fri, Oct 5 2007

Full Member (374)

High mind turns the grace of the universe as the glory of your life.

CalifJim

#473661 Thu, 07 Feb 08 03:13 AM

As far as I know, it's not a common collocation. It strikes me as unusual. The example as a whole is really two sentences and should be punctuated as such. In general, it seems to have some subtle problems remaining idiomatic throughout.

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (18,293)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

NL888

#473703 Thu, 07 Feb 08 04:43 AM

Could anyone be so kind as to rewrtie it according to the actual meaning the author wanted to express?

My try:

With your poor curiosity you buy a ticket to watch the bodies exhibition, it is most likely that the bodies would weaken the bright side in your nature than enhance it by acquiring knowledge in the exhibit.

NL888

Clive

#473731 Thu, 07 Feb 08 05:48 AM

Hi,

Can you explain what you mean by a bodies exhibition? I don't understand.

Thanks, Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Veteran Member (23,116)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

NL888

#473742 Thu, 07 Feb 08 06:15 AM

The link regarding bodies exhibition is below. But before clicking, make sure that medical anatomy will not upset you:

http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/

NL888

Clive

#473877 Thu, 07 Feb 08 01:23 PM

Hi,

Is the collocation of the words spur and cruelty in the context below proper?

The author wanted to express the meaning that the cruelty in your nature would be enhanced if you went to see the bodies exhibition.

Context:
With your poor curiosity you buy a ticket to watch the bodies exhibition, it is most likely that the bodies spur more cruelty in you than improve knowledge.

A more common form of words and structure would be

If, out of curiosity, you buy a ticket to see the bodies exhibition, it is more likely that they will inspire cruelty in you rather than improve your knowledge.

Clive

NL888

#473899 Thu, 07 Feb 08 02:42 PM

Does "inspire" here mean "arouse?"

NL888

Clive

#473944 Thu, 07 Feb 08 04:50 PM

Hi,

Yes, that's the general idea. However, 'arouse' suggests that the cruelty was already in your nature, whereas 'inspire' suggests more that cruelty was not in your nature before.

Best wishes, Clive

Clive

Anonymous

#473947 Thu, 07 Feb 08 04:56 PM

Thank you!

Anonymous

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