Monday, November 24, 2008

Nobody lost service yet

I just received this alert from the DC Emergency Management Agency:
WASA reports a 16" water main break at Manor Pl, NW in Georgetown. Water was gushing into the street, now shut off. Nobody lost service yet;low water pressure in area. Roads are ok but muddy. No ETA yet on repair.
I have to say, use of the word "nobody" jumped out at me. While I might say "nobody was home" or "nobody answered the phone" when speaking informally, I can't remember the last time I've used it or seen it used in the written word. The consensus seems to be that although "nobody" and "no one" have the same meaning and can be used interchangibly, no one is more formal.

I also appreciate the optimism - nobody has lost service yet.

No comments: