Referring to past times with “hence”
From Tor.com, an interesting use of the word hence:
Minutes ago, J.K. Rowling finally announced her plans behind Pottermore, the mysterious website that appeared a week hence with only a “Coming Soon” sign to warns readers and fans.
For me, the word hence can only be used to refer to times in the future, and the writer of the above quote should have used ago. However, hence is a pretty rare word, and it's possible that the past usage of hence is in fact standard, but I've never noticed it.
Is the past usage of hence sanctioned by any important authorities? Does it have a long tradition of usage? Or did the writer trip herself up trying to be fancy?
Update: The answers below all agree, but I'm looking for someone that can produce some actual evidence from usage or a respected authority. I've started a bounty with that in mind.
meaning-in-context adverbs tenses
asked Jun 23 '11 at 12:43
JSBձոգչJSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
add a comment |
From Tor.com, an interesting use of the word hence:
Minutes ago, J.K. Rowling finally announced her plans behind Pottermore, the mysterious website that appeared a week hence with only a “Coming Soon” sign to warns readers and fans.
For me, the word hence can only be used to refer to times in the future, and the writer of the above quote should have used ago. However, hence is a pretty rare word, and it's possible that the past usage of hence is in fact standard, but I've never noticed it.
Is the past usage of hence sanctioned by any important authorities? Does it have a long tradition of usage? Or did the writer trip herself up trying to be fancy?
Update: The answers below all agree, but I'm looking for someone that can produce some actual evidence from usage or a respected authority. I've started a bounty with that in mind.
meaning-in-context adverbs tenses
asked Jun 23 '11 at 12:43
JSBձոգչJSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
6
I think it was simply a solecism. The writer of the sentence thinks "hence" means in the past.
– Robusto
Jun 23 '11 at 14:22
1
Given that the sentence in question has a typo in warns, I suspect no such authority will be found.
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:53
1
It looked OK to me at first with "hence" being used like the less common "thence", but when reading the whole thing including the "ago" at the beginning, it's definitely just plain wrong.
– hippietrail
Jul 27 '11 at 11:30
add a comment |
From Tor.com, an interesting use of the word hence:
Minutes ago, J.K. Rowling finally announced her plans behind Pottermore, the mysterious website that appeared a week hence with only a “Coming Soon” sign to warns readers and fans.
For me, the word hence can only be used to refer to times in the future, and the writer of the above quote should have used ago. However, hence is a pretty rare word, and it's possible that the past usage of hence is in fact standard, but I've never noticed it.
Is the past usage of hence sanctioned by any important authorities? Does it have a long tradition of usage? Or did the writer trip herself up trying to be fancy?
Update: The answers below all agree, but I'm looking for someone that can produce some actual evidence from usage or a respected authority. I've started a bounty with that in mind.
meaning-in-context adverbs tenses
asked Jun 23 '11 at 12:43
JSBձոգչJSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
From Tor.com, an interesting use of the word hence:
Minutes ago, J.K. Rowling finally announced her plans behind Pottermore, the mysterious website that appeared a week hence with only a “Coming Soon” sign to warns readers and fans.
For me, the word hence can only be used to refer to times in the future, and the writer of the above quote should have used ago. However, hence is a pretty rare word, and it's possible that the past usage of hence is in fact standard, but I've never noticed it.
Is the past usage of hence sanctioned by any important authorities? Does it have a long tradition of usage? Or did the writer trip herself up trying to be fancy?
Update: The answers below all agree, but I'm looking for someone that can produce some actual evidence from usage or a respected authority. I've started a bounty with that in mind.
meaning-in-context adverbs tenses
meaning-in-context adverbs tenses
asked Jun 23 '11 at 12:43
JSBձոգչJSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
asked Jun 23 '11 at 12:43
JSBձոգչJSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
edited Jul 12 '11 at 13:34
JSBձոգչ
asked Jun 23 '11 at 12:43
JSBձոգչJSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
asked Jun 23 '11 at 12:43
JSBձոգչJSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
asked Jun 23 '11 at 12:43
JSBձոգչJSBձոգչ
48.1k13141199
48.1k13141199
6
I think it was simply a solecism. The writer of the sentence thinks "hence" means in the past.
– Robusto
Jun 23 '11 at 14:22
1
Given that the sentence in question has a typo in warns, I suspect no such authority will be found.
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:53
1
It looked OK to me at first with "hence" being used like the less common "thence", but when reading the whole thing including the "ago" at the beginning, it's definitely just plain wrong.
– hippietrail
Jul 27 '11 at 11:30
add a comment |
6
I think it was simply a solecism. The writer of the sentence thinks "hence" means in the past.
– Robusto
Jun 23 '11 at 14:22
1
Given that the sentence in question has a typo in warns, I suspect no such authority will be found.
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:53
1
It looked OK to me at first with "hence" being used like the less common "thence", but when reading the whole thing including the "ago" at the beginning, it's definitely just plain wrong.
– hippietrail
Jul 27 '11 at 11:30
6
6
I think it was simply a solecism. The writer of the sentence thinks "hence" means in the past.
– Robusto
Jun 23 '11 at 14:22
I think it was simply a solecism. The writer of the sentence thinks "hence" means in the past.
– Robusto
Jun 23 '11 at 14:22
1
1
Given that the sentence in question has a typo in warns, I suspect no such authority will be found.
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:53
Given that the sentence in question has a typo in warns, I suspect no such authority will be found.
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:53
1
1
It looked OK to me at first with "hence" being used like the less common "thence", but when reading the whole thing including the "ago" at the beginning, it's definitely just plain wrong.
– hippietrail
Jul 27 '11 at 11:30
It looked OK to me at first with "hence" being used like the less common "thence", but when reading the whole thing including the "ago" at the beginning, it's definitely just plain wrong.
– hippietrail
Jul 27 '11 at 11:30
add a comment |
9 Answers
9
active
oldest
votes
Evidence from dictionaries:
Hence, when applied to time, is defined as:
2. from this time; from now: They will leave a month hence.
There is not a shred of evidence in any dictionary or in common/traditional/standard usage that hence can be used to refer to the past. So, as it is unsanctioned by any important authorities, and unused, I would say this is a case of either misconception or mistake on the writer's part.
In the quote, ago is the proper word to replace hence with. It is possible that the writer confused hence with since, as since is sometimes used as a synonym of ago.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 15:06
DanielDaniel
47.1k59230353
There is also not a shred of evidence from that definition that it cannot be used to refer to the past. From now can go in either direction, temporally.
– Jon Purdy
Jul 15 '11 at 14:31
1
@Jon: There my argument rests on the fact that from now/from this time is never used for the past, either. Hence means from now, and neither hence nor from now are ever used for the past. I am making use of the strongest argument available to me when I argue from silence. The silence of dictionaries, and the silence of usage. It's always much easier to prove a positive than a negative.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:39
@drm65: I'll have to agree with @Jon, though rare. See what OED has to say, and the examples given therefrom. Hopefully @JSBangs will consider that actual evidence from usage or a respected authority.
– Spare Oom
Jul 18 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
The definition and etymology show hence is meant to be a "future time"
I think it could be a typo for thence
from that time; thenceforth
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:03
JoseKJoseK
6,76394763
1
Unfortunately thence doesn't work in same way as hence. "A week thence" is not a valid way of saying anything much.
– user1579
Jun 23 '11 at 15:34
3
@Rhodri: Yes, it is, it would mean 'from the announcement' rather than 'from the time of writing'. Pity that"minutes ago" proves that that's not what was meant.
– TimLymington
Jun 23 '11 at 20:46
2
@JoseK: Actually, though a week thence does make sense per se, it does not fit in this context. ...a week thence... - from what time?
– Daniel
Jul 13 '11 at 15:05
@drm: I agree it's a mistaken use of hence in the article, my guess was if thence was from that time when the initial news of Pottermore broke - which was a week prior to it's actual launch
– JoseK
Jul 13 '11 at 16:26
@JoseK: The only other mention of time in the quote was "Minutes ago..." With that as the only time antecedent, a week thence would only mean a week after minutes ago. There is no other way thence could possibly be used. I think it's obvious that the quote is saying that the mysterious website appeared a week ago, with only a "Coming Soon" message; and only minutes ago did Rowling announce her plans.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:26
add a comment |
Garner's Modern American Usage has the following entry on hence:
This adverb has several meanings, listed here in decreasing order of frequency:
- "for this reason;therefore" your premise is flawed; hence, your argument fails
"from this source" she grew up in Colorado: hence her interest in mountain climbing
"from this time; from now" our anniversary is just two weeks hence
"from this place; away" the park is three miles hence
It's clear, as others have noted, that the Tor.com writer mistakenly used hence in this third sense to describe something that occurred in the past. I wonder if the fourth use of hence might have led to this confusion. I assume that when hence is used spatially, as in the last example, that it can mean three miles in any direction and not imply a specific continued trajectory. If so, I can see someone applying this same logic temporally and referring to an incident as occurring a week away from this point in time in either direction, past or future—particularly if that person was a time traveller.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 18:00
CallithumpianCallithumpian
22.7k756146
add a comment |
I found this source, which cites the 1913 edition of Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary via The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48. Emphasis added by me.
`2. From this time; in the future; as, a week hence. "Half an
hour hence." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
This is the only source I've found that specifically states that the time is in the future. It seems even the source word was ambiguous, meaning only "away from here" without specifying any (other) sort of directionality that might give us a clue.
Edit: I also have a notion about the time direction that is likely unprovable. Hence can also be used to mean something like "therefore." For instance, I ate garlic this morning hence the bad breath. In this sense, hence introduces the condition that follows the past event, so hence is associated with future time. Perhaps more clearly, hence moves us away from a point in the past (eating garlic) toward the present/future (having bad breath). Thus the arrow points forward in time, not backward.
answered Jul 16 '11 at 2:46
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
23.4k1993180
add a comment |
The use of hence referring to past times is obscure and rare as mentioned in OED.
From OED via library online service (which I unfortunately can't link because it required my library card):
hence, adv.
II. Of time.
4.a. From this time onward, henceforward, henceforth. Also with from (†fro). arch. and poet.
but
4.†b. (At some time in the past reckoned) from now; in quot. 1393 = since, ago. Obs. rare.
1393 Langland Piers Plowman C. vi. 35 Whanne ich ȝong was‥meny ȝer hennes.
1610 Bp. J. Hall Common Apol. against Brownists xiii. 34 But you leape backe‥from hence to the Apostles times.
answered Jul 18 '11 at 0:51
Spare OomSpare Oom
1,29921125
add a comment |
I have never heard of it being used to indicate a time in the past and can't find any support for it. I also agree it's simply a mistake.
It's possible that "since" was meant; I can't say I'm certain that it's correct usage, but I have seen it used to mean "ago".
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:00
Sean OwenSean Owen
26825
2
"Since" meaning "ago" is alive and well in Yorkshire, but it is archaic in standard Englishes. I agree with Robusto that the author was looking for a word meaning a relative "ago" and thought that "hence" would do.
– Colin Fine
Jun 23 '11 at 17:11
@ColinFine: Hmm... is it really so rare outside Yorkshire? I think I've heard it occasionally. // Wherever I heard it, I think I interpreted it as "they buried her [and it's now] two weeks since [then]".
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 4:44
@Cerberus: I've no doubt it goes beyond Yorkshire, but I don't know how widely. I would regard it as archaic in general use (indeed, when W. S. Gilbert wrote in Ruddigore in the 1880's "He died ten years since" I believe it was deliberately archaic or rustic).
– Colin Fine
Jun 24 '11 at 15:13
@ColinFine: Yes it doesn't sound standard to me; I remember my confusion when I first heard it (it must have been long since). Rustic sounds appropriate (I'd never have guessed Yorkshire, but something provincial, yes).
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 16:10
@ColinFine et al., I have to disagree. A week since is perfectly standard English. At least here, on the East Coast of the US, I here it in practical if not frequent use. Ago is certainly preferred.
– Ryan Haber
Jul 14 '11 at 21:20
add a comment |
"Hence" has more usages than just "from this/that time"; it is also used to point to the source or origin of something.
E.g. "Bill issued hence" means "Bill came out from there", where there is pointing to an antecedent in a previous clause or statement.
If you want to be clear that the meaning is "from this/that time", use "henceforth", which has drifted into being used only for time (when it's used at all).
answered Jul 12 '11 at 17:07
Mark WallaceMark Wallace
1,361610
I think there's a confusion betwen hence and thence: hence means 'from here' (and extensions): thence is 'from there'.
– TimLymington
Jul 15 '11 at 21:13
add a comment |
Five hundred years ago I would have made all
England such an England as neither Dane, Saxon, nor
Norman should have conquered. Five hundred years
hence I should have been such a counsellor to Kings as
the world hath never dreamed of.
Kipling, Puck of Pooks's Hill.
Not exactly proof, but evidence that Kipling, at least, used hence for the future only (and meaning 'from here', not 'from some other point').
answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:57
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.5k875143
add a comment |
I would agree on the ago. the NGram Viewer seems to do as well - here is the usage by the way
NGRAM http://ngrams.googlelabs.com/chart?content=a%20week%20hence&corpus=0&smoothing=3&year_start=1800&year_end=2000
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:55
mplungjanmplungjan
27.5k471108
How does that NGram support any particular usage? Isn't it just tracking uses of "a week hence"? How would it know if that hence was for the future or not?
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:51
It does not. It shows that it is getting to be more and more archaic to use it, hence the danger of abusing it ;)
– mplungjan
Jul 17 '11 at 5:50
add a comment |
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9 Answers
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9 Answers
9
active
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Evidence from dictionaries:
Hence, when applied to time, is defined as:
2. from this time; from now: They will leave a month hence.
There is not a shred of evidence in any dictionary or in common/traditional/standard usage that hence can be used to refer to the past. So, as it is unsanctioned by any important authorities, and unused, I would say this is a case of either misconception or mistake on the writer's part.
In the quote, ago is the proper word to replace hence with. It is possible that the writer confused hence with since, as since is sometimes used as a synonym of ago.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 15:06
DanielDaniel
47.1k59230353
There is also not a shred of evidence from that definition that it cannot be used to refer to the past. From now can go in either direction, temporally.
– Jon Purdy
Jul 15 '11 at 14:31
1
@Jon: There my argument rests on the fact that from now/from this time is never used for the past, either. Hence means from now, and neither hence nor from now are ever used for the past. I am making use of the strongest argument available to me when I argue from silence. The silence of dictionaries, and the silence of usage. It's always much easier to prove a positive than a negative.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:39
@drm65: I'll have to agree with @Jon, though rare. See what OED has to say, and the examples given therefrom. Hopefully @JSBangs will consider that actual evidence from usage or a respected authority.
– Spare Oom
Jul 18 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
Evidence from dictionaries:
Hence, when applied to time, is defined as:
2. from this time; from now: They will leave a month hence.
There is not a shred of evidence in any dictionary or in common/traditional/standard usage that hence can be used to refer to the past. So, as it is unsanctioned by any important authorities, and unused, I would say this is a case of either misconception or mistake on the writer's part.
In the quote, ago is the proper word to replace hence with. It is possible that the writer confused hence with since, as since is sometimes used as a synonym of ago.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 15:06
DanielDaniel
47.1k59230353
There is also not a shred of evidence from that definition that it cannot be used to refer to the past. From now can go in either direction, temporally.
– Jon Purdy
Jul 15 '11 at 14:31
1
@Jon: There my argument rests on the fact that from now/from this time is never used for the past, either. Hence means from now, and neither hence nor from now are ever used for the past. I am making use of the strongest argument available to me when I argue from silence. The silence of dictionaries, and the silence of usage. It's always much easier to prove a positive than a negative.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:39
@drm65: I'll have to agree with @Jon, though rare. See what OED has to say, and the examples given therefrom. Hopefully @JSBangs will consider that actual evidence from usage or a respected authority.
– Spare Oom
Jul 18 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
Evidence from dictionaries:
Hence, when applied to time, is defined as:
2. from this time; from now: They will leave a month hence.
There is not a shred of evidence in any dictionary or in common/traditional/standard usage that hence can be used to refer to the past. So, as it is unsanctioned by any important authorities, and unused, I would say this is a case of either misconception or mistake on the writer's part.
In the quote, ago is the proper word to replace hence with. It is possible that the writer confused hence with since, as since is sometimes used as a synonym of ago.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 15:06
DanielDaniel
47.1k59230353
Evidence from dictionaries:
Hence, when applied to time, is defined as:
2. from this time; from now: They will leave a month hence.
There is not a shred of evidence in any dictionary or in common/traditional/standard usage that hence can be used to refer to the past. So, as it is unsanctioned by any important authorities, and unused, I would say this is a case of either misconception or mistake on the writer's part.
In the quote, ago is the proper word to replace hence with. It is possible that the writer confused hence with since, as since is sometimes used as a synonym of ago.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 15:06
DanielDaniel
47.1k59230353
edited Jul 15 '11 at 14:47
answered Jul 12 '11 at 15:06
DanielDaniel
47.1k59230353
answered Jul 12 '11 at 15:06
DanielDaniel
47.1k59230353
answered Jul 12 '11 at 15:06
DanielDaniel
47.1k59230353
47.1k59230353
There is also not a shred of evidence from that definition that it cannot be used to refer to the past. From now can go in either direction, temporally.
– Jon Purdy
Jul 15 '11 at 14:31
1
@Jon: There my argument rests on the fact that from now/from this time is never used for the past, either. Hence means from now, and neither hence nor from now are ever used for the past. I am making use of the strongest argument available to me when I argue from silence. The silence of dictionaries, and the silence of usage. It's always much easier to prove a positive than a negative.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:39
@drm65: I'll have to agree with @Jon, though rare. See what OED has to say, and the examples given therefrom. Hopefully @JSBangs will consider that actual evidence from usage or a respected authority.
– Spare Oom
Jul 18 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
There is also not a shred of evidence from that definition that it cannot be used to refer to the past. From now can go in either direction, temporally.
– Jon Purdy
Jul 15 '11 at 14:31
1
@Jon: There my argument rests on the fact that from now/from this time is never used for the past, either. Hence means from now, and neither hence nor from now are ever used for the past. I am making use of the strongest argument available to me when I argue from silence. The silence of dictionaries, and the silence of usage. It's always much easier to prove a positive than a negative.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:39
@drm65: I'll have to agree with @Jon, though rare. See what OED has to say, and the examples given therefrom. Hopefully @JSBangs will consider that actual evidence from usage or a respected authority.
– Spare Oom
Jul 18 '11 at 10:53
There is also not a shred of evidence from that definition that it cannot be used to refer to the past. From now can go in either direction, temporally.
– Jon Purdy
Jul 15 '11 at 14:31
There is also not a shred of evidence from that definition that it cannot be used to refer to the past. From now can go in either direction, temporally.
– Jon Purdy
Jul 15 '11 at 14:31
1
1
@Jon: There my argument rests on the fact that from now/from this time is never used for the past, either. Hence means from now, and neither hence nor from now are ever used for the past. I am making use of the strongest argument available to me when I argue from silence. The silence of dictionaries, and the silence of usage. It's always much easier to prove a positive than a negative.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:39
@Jon: There my argument rests on the fact that from now/from this time is never used for the past, either. Hence means from now, and neither hence nor from now are ever used for the past. I am making use of the strongest argument available to me when I argue from silence. The silence of dictionaries, and the silence of usage. It's always much easier to prove a positive than a negative.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:39
@drm65: I'll have to agree with @Jon, though rare. See what OED has to say, and the examples given therefrom. Hopefully @JSBangs will consider that actual evidence from usage or a respected authority.
– Spare Oom
Jul 18 '11 at 10:53
@drm65: I'll have to agree with @Jon, though rare. See what OED has to say, and the examples given therefrom. Hopefully @JSBangs will consider that actual evidence from usage or a respected authority.
– Spare Oom
Jul 18 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
The definition and etymology show hence is meant to be a "future time"
I think it could be a typo for thence
from that time; thenceforth
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:03
JoseKJoseK
6,76394763
1
Unfortunately thence doesn't work in same way as hence. "A week thence" is not a valid way of saying anything much.
– user1579
Jun 23 '11 at 15:34
3
@Rhodri: Yes, it is, it would mean 'from the announcement' rather than 'from the time of writing'. Pity that"minutes ago" proves that that's not what was meant.
– TimLymington
Jun 23 '11 at 20:46
2
@JoseK: Actually, though a week thence does make sense per se, it does not fit in this context. ...a week thence... - from what time?
– Daniel
Jul 13 '11 at 15:05
@drm: I agree it's a mistaken use of hence in the article, my guess was if thence was from that time when the initial news of Pottermore broke - which was a week prior to it's actual launch
– JoseK
Jul 13 '11 at 16:26
@JoseK: The only other mention of time in the quote was "Minutes ago..." With that as the only time antecedent, a week thence would only mean a week after minutes ago. There is no other way thence could possibly be used. I think it's obvious that the quote is saying that the mysterious website appeared a week ago, with only a "Coming Soon" message; and only minutes ago did Rowling announce her plans.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:26
add a comment |
The definition and etymology show hence is meant to be a "future time"
I think it could be a typo for thence
from that time; thenceforth
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:03
JoseKJoseK
6,76394763
1
Unfortunately thence doesn't work in same way as hence. "A week thence" is not a valid way of saying anything much.
– user1579
Jun 23 '11 at 15:34
3
@Rhodri: Yes, it is, it would mean 'from the announcement' rather than 'from the time of writing'. Pity that"minutes ago" proves that that's not what was meant.
– TimLymington
Jun 23 '11 at 20:46
2
@JoseK: Actually, though a week thence does make sense per se, it does not fit in this context. ...a week thence... - from what time?
– Daniel
Jul 13 '11 at 15:05
@drm: I agree it's a mistaken use of hence in the article, my guess was if thence was from that time when the initial news of Pottermore broke - which was a week prior to it's actual launch
– JoseK
Jul 13 '11 at 16:26
@JoseK: The only other mention of time in the quote was "Minutes ago..." With that as the only time antecedent, a week thence would only mean a week after minutes ago. There is no other way thence could possibly be used. I think it's obvious that the quote is saying that the mysterious website appeared a week ago, with only a "Coming Soon" message; and only minutes ago did Rowling announce her plans.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:26
add a comment |
The definition and etymology show hence is meant to be a "future time"
I think it could be a typo for thence
from that time; thenceforth
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:03
JoseKJoseK
6,76394763
The definition and etymology show hence is meant to be a "future time"
I think it could be a typo for thence
from that time; thenceforth
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:03
JoseKJoseK
6,76394763
edited Jun 23 '11 at 13:13
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:03
JoseKJoseK
6,76394763
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:03
JoseKJoseK
6,76394763
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:03
JoseKJoseK
6,76394763
6,76394763
1
Unfortunately thence doesn't work in same way as hence. "A week thence" is not a valid way of saying anything much.
– user1579
Jun 23 '11 at 15:34
3
@Rhodri: Yes, it is, it would mean 'from the announcement' rather than 'from the time of writing'. Pity that"minutes ago" proves that that's not what was meant.
– TimLymington
Jun 23 '11 at 20:46
2
@JoseK: Actually, though a week thence does make sense per se, it does not fit in this context. ...a week thence... - from what time?
– Daniel
Jul 13 '11 at 15:05
@drm: I agree it's a mistaken use of hence in the article, my guess was if thence was from that time when the initial news of Pottermore broke - which was a week prior to it's actual launch
– JoseK
Jul 13 '11 at 16:26
@JoseK: The only other mention of time in the quote was "Minutes ago..." With that as the only time antecedent, a week thence would only mean a week after minutes ago. There is no other way thence could possibly be used. I think it's obvious that the quote is saying that the mysterious website appeared a week ago, with only a "Coming Soon" message; and only minutes ago did Rowling announce her plans.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:26
add a comment |
1
Unfortunately thence doesn't work in same way as hence. "A week thence" is not a valid way of saying anything much.
– user1579
Jun 23 '11 at 15:34
3
@Rhodri: Yes, it is, it would mean 'from the announcement' rather than 'from the time of writing'. Pity that"minutes ago" proves that that's not what was meant.
– TimLymington
Jun 23 '11 at 20:46
2
@JoseK: Actually, though a week thence does make sense per se, it does not fit in this context. ...a week thence... - from what time?
– Daniel
Jul 13 '11 at 15:05
@drm: I agree it's a mistaken use of hence in the article, my guess was if thence was from that time when the initial news of Pottermore broke - which was a week prior to it's actual launch
– JoseK
Jul 13 '11 at 16:26
@JoseK: The only other mention of time in the quote was "Minutes ago..." With that as the only time antecedent, a week thence would only mean a week after minutes ago. There is no other way thence could possibly be used. I think it's obvious that the quote is saying that the mysterious website appeared a week ago, with only a "Coming Soon" message; and only minutes ago did Rowling announce her plans.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:26
1
1
Unfortunately thence doesn't work in same way as hence. "A week thence" is not a valid way of saying anything much.
– user1579
Jun 23 '11 at 15:34
Unfortunately thence doesn't work in same way as hence. "A week thence" is not a valid way of saying anything much.
– user1579
Jun 23 '11 at 15:34
3
3
@Rhodri: Yes, it is, it would mean 'from the announcement' rather than 'from the time of writing'. Pity that"minutes ago" proves that that's not what was meant.
– TimLymington
Jun 23 '11 at 20:46
@Rhodri: Yes, it is, it would mean 'from the announcement' rather than 'from the time of writing'. Pity that"minutes ago" proves that that's not what was meant.
– TimLymington
Jun 23 '11 at 20:46
2
2
@JoseK: Actually, though a week thence does make sense per se, it does not fit in this context. ...a week thence... - from what time?
– Daniel
Jul 13 '11 at 15:05
@JoseK: Actually, though a week thence does make sense per se, it does not fit in this context. ...a week thence... - from what time?
– Daniel
Jul 13 '11 at 15:05
@drm: I agree it's a mistaken use of hence in the article, my guess was if thence was from that time when the initial news of Pottermore broke - which was a week prior to it's actual launch
– JoseK
Jul 13 '11 at 16:26
@drm: I agree it's a mistaken use of hence in the article, my guess was if thence was from that time when the initial news of Pottermore broke - which was a week prior to it's actual launch
– JoseK
Jul 13 '11 at 16:26
@JoseK: The only other mention of time in the quote was "Minutes ago..." With that as the only time antecedent, a week thence would only mean a week after minutes ago. There is no other way thence could possibly be used. I think it's obvious that the quote is saying that the mysterious website appeared a week ago, with only a "Coming Soon" message; and only minutes ago did Rowling announce her plans.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:26
@JoseK: The only other mention of time in the quote was "Minutes ago..." With that as the only time antecedent, a week thence would only mean a week after minutes ago. There is no other way thence could possibly be used. I think it's obvious that the quote is saying that the mysterious website appeared a week ago, with only a "Coming Soon" message; and only minutes ago did Rowling announce her plans.
– Daniel
Jul 15 '11 at 14:26
add a comment |
Garner's Modern American Usage has the following entry on hence:
This adverb has several meanings, listed here in decreasing order of frequency:
- "for this reason;therefore" your premise is flawed; hence, your argument fails
"from this source" she grew up in Colorado: hence her interest in mountain climbing
"from this time; from now" our anniversary is just two weeks hence
"from this place; away" the park is three miles hence
It's clear, as others have noted, that the Tor.com writer mistakenly used hence in this third sense to describe something that occurred in the past. I wonder if the fourth use of hence might have led to this confusion. I assume that when hence is used spatially, as in the last example, that it can mean three miles in any direction and not imply a specific continued trajectory. If so, I can see someone applying this same logic temporally and referring to an incident as occurring a week away from this point in time in either direction, past or future—particularly if that person was a time traveller.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 18:00
CallithumpianCallithumpian
22.7k756146
add a comment |
Garner's Modern American Usage has the following entry on hence:
This adverb has several meanings, listed here in decreasing order of frequency:
- "for this reason;therefore" your premise is flawed; hence, your argument fails
"from this source" she grew up in Colorado: hence her interest in mountain climbing
"from this time; from now" our anniversary is just two weeks hence
"from this place; away" the park is three miles hence
It's clear, as others have noted, that the Tor.com writer mistakenly used hence in this third sense to describe something that occurred in the past. I wonder if the fourth use of hence might have led to this confusion. I assume that when hence is used spatially, as in the last example, that it can mean three miles in any direction and not imply a specific continued trajectory. If so, I can see someone applying this same logic temporally and referring to an incident as occurring a week away from this point in time in either direction, past or future—particularly if that person was a time traveller.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 18:00
CallithumpianCallithumpian
22.7k756146
add a comment |
Garner's Modern American Usage has the following entry on hence:
This adverb has several meanings, listed here in decreasing order of frequency:
- "for this reason;therefore" your premise is flawed; hence, your argument fails
"from this source" she grew up in Colorado: hence her interest in mountain climbing
"from this time; from now" our anniversary is just two weeks hence
"from this place; away" the park is three miles hence
It's clear, as others have noted, that the Tor.com writer mistakenly used hence in this third sense to describe something that occurred in the past. I wonder if the fourth use of hence might have led to this confusion. I assume that when hence is used spatially, as in the last example, that it can mean three miles in any direction and not imply a specific continued trajectory. If so, I can see someone applying this same logic temporally and referring to an incident as occurring a week away from this point in time in either direction, past or future—particularly if that person was a time traveller.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 18:00
CallithumpianCallithumpian
22.7k756146
Garner's Modern American Usage has the following entry on hence:
This adverb has several meanings, listed here in decreasing order of frequency:
- "for this reason;therefore" your premise is flawed; hence, your argument fails
"from this source" she grew up in Colorado: hence her interest in mountain climbing
"from this time; from now" our anniversary is just two weeks hence
"from this place; away" the park is three miles hence
It's clear, as others have noted, that the Tor.com writer mistakenly used hence in this third sense to describe something that occurred in the past. I wonder if the fourth use of hence might have led to this confusion. I assume that when hence is used spatially, as in the last example, that it can mean three miles in any direction and not imply a specific continued trajectory. If so, I can see someone applying this same logic temporally and referring to an incident as occurring a week away from this point in time in either direction, past or future—particularly if that person was a time traveller.
answered Jul 12 '11 at 18:00
CallithumpianCallithumpian
22.7k756146
answered Jul 12 '11 at 18:00
CallithumpianCallithumpian
22.7k756146
answered Jul 12 '11 at 18:00
CallithumpianCallithumpian
22.7k756146
answered Jul 12 '11 at 18:00
CallithumpianCallithumpian
22.7k756146
22.7k756146
add a comment |
add a comment |
I found this source, which cites the 1913 edition of Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary via The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48. Emphasis added by me.
`2. From this time; in the future; as, a week hence. "Half an
hour hence." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
This is the only source I've found that specifically states that the time is in the future. It seems even the source word was ambiguous, meaning only "away from here" without specifying any (other) sort of directionality that might give us a clue.
Edit: I also have a notion about the time direction that is likely unprovable. Hence can also be used to mean something like "therefore." For instance, I ate garlic this morning hence the bad breath. In this sense, hence introduces the condition that follows the past event, so hence is associated with future time. Perhaps more clearly, hence moves us away from a point in the past (eating garlic) toward the present/future (having bad breath). Thus the arrow points forward in time, not backward.
answered Jul 16 '11 at 2:46
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
23.4k1993180
add a comment |
I found this source, which cites the 1913 edition of Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary via The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48. Emphasis added by me.
`2. From this time; in the future; as, a week hence. "Half an
hour hence." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
This is the only source I've found that specifically states that the time is in the future. It seems even the source word was ambiguous, meaning only "away from here" without specifying any (other) sort of directionality that might give us a clue.
Edit: I also have a notion about the time direction that is likely unprovable. Hence can also be used to mean something like "therefore." For instance, I ate garlic this morning hence the bad breath. In this sense, hence introduces the condition that follows the past event, so hence is associated with future time. Perhaps more clearly, hence moves us away from a point in the past (eating garlic) toward the present/future (having bad breath). Thus the arrow points forward in time, not backward.
answered Jul 16 '11 at 2:46
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
23.4k1993180
add a comment |
I found this source, which cites the 1913 edition of Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary via The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48. Emphasis added by me.
`2. From this time; in the future; as, a week hence. "Half an
hour hence." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
This is the only source I've found that specifically states that the time is in the future. It seems even the source word was ambiguous, meaning only "away from here" without specifying any (other) sort of directionality that might give us a clue.
Edit: I also have a notion about the time direction that is likely unprovable. Hence can also be used to mean something like "therefore." For instance, I ate garlic this morning hence the bad breath. In this sense, hence introduces the condition that follows the past event, so hence is associated with future time. Perhaps more clearly, hence moves us away from a point in the past (eating garlic) toward the present/future (having bad breath). Thus the arrow points forward in time, not backward.
answered Jul 16 '11 at 2:46
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
23.4k1993180
I found this source, which cites the 1913 edition of Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary via The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48. Emphasis added by me.
`2. From this time; in the future; as, a week hence. "Half an
hour hence." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
This is the only source I've found that specifically states that the time is in the future. It seems even the source word was ambiguous, meaning only "away from here" without specifying any (other) sort of directionality that might give us a clue.
Edit: I also have a notion about the time direction that is likely unprovable. Hence can also be used to mean something like "therefore." For instance, I ate garlic this morning hence the bad breath. In this sense, hence introduces the condition that follows the past event, so hence is associated with future time. Perhaps more clearly, hence moves us away from a point in the past (eating garlic) toward the present/future (having bad breath). Thus the arrow points forward in time, not backward.
answered Jul 16 '11 at 2:46
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
23.4k1993180
edited Jul 16 '11 at 3:25
answered Jul 16 '11 at 2:46
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
23.4k1993180
answered Jul 16 '11 at 2:46
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
23.4k1993180
answered Jul 16 '11 at 2:46
Kit Z. Fox♦Kit Z. Fox
23.4k1993180
23.4k1993180
add a comment |
add a comment |
The use of hence referring to past times is obscure and rare as mentioned in OED.
From OED via library online service (which I unfortunately can't link because it required my library card):
hence, adv.
II. Of time.
4.a. From this time onward, henceforward, henceforth. Also with from (†fro). arch. and poet.
but
4.†b. (At some time in the past reckoned) from now; in quot. 1393 = since, ago. Obs. rare.
1393 Langland Piers Plowman C. vi. 35 Whanne ich ȝong was‥meny ȝer hennes.
1610 Bp. J. Hall Common Apol. against Brownists xiii. 34 But you leape backe‥from hence to the Apostles times.
answered Jul 18 '11 at 0:51
Spare OomSpare Oom
1,29921125
add a comment |
The use of hence referring to past times is obscure and rare as mentioned in OED.
From OED via library online service (which I unfortunately can't link because it required my library card):
hence, adv.
II. Of time.
4.a. From this time onward, henceforward, henceforth. Also with from (†fro). arch. and poet.
but
4.†b. (At some time in the past reckoned) from now; in quot. 1393 = since, ago. Obs. rare.
1393 Langland Piers Plowman C. vi. 35 Whanne ich ȝong was‥meny ȝer hennes.
1610 Bp. J. Hall Common Apol. against Brownists xiii. 34 But you leape backe‥from hence to the Apostles times.
answered Jul 18 '11 at 0:51
Spare OomSpare Oom
1,29921125
add a comment |
The use of hence referring to past times is obscure and rare as mentioned in OED.
From OED via library online service (which I unfortunately can't link because it required my library card):
hence, adv.
II. Of time.
4.a. From this time onward, henceforward, henceforth. Also with from (†fro). arch. and poet.
but
4.†b. (At some time in the past reckoned) from now; in quot. 1393 = since, ago. Obs. rare.
1393 Langland Piers Plowman C. vi. 35 Whanne ich ȝong was‥meny ȝer hennes.
1610 Bp. J. Hall Common Apol. against Brownists xiii. 34 But you leape backe‥from hence to the Apostles times.
answered Jul 18 '11 at 0:51
Spare OomSpare Oom
1,29921125
The use of hence referring to past times is obscure and rare as mentioned in OED.
From OED via library online service (which I unfortunately can't link because it required my library card):
hence, adv.
II. Of time.
4.a. From this time onward, henceforward, henceforth. Also with from (†fro). arch. and poet.
but
4.†b. (At some time in the past reckoned) from now; in quot. 1393 = since, ago. Obs. rare.
1393 Langland Piers Plowman C. vi. 35 Whanne ich ȝong was‥meny ȝer hennes.
1610 Bp. J. Hall Common Apol. against Brownists xiii. 34 But you leape backe‥from hence to the Apostles times.
answered Jul 18 '11 at 0:51
Spare OomSpare Oom
1,29921125
edited Jul 18 '11 at 2:04
answered Jul 18 '11 at 0:51
Spare OomSpare Oom
1,29921125
answered Jul 18 '11 at 0:51
Spare OomSpare Oom
1,29921125
answered Jul 18 '11 at 0:51
Spare OomSpare Oom
1,29921125
1,29921125
add a comment |
add a comment |
I have never heard of it being used to indicate a time in the past and can't find any support for it. I also agree it's simply a mistake.
It's possible that "since" was meant; I can't say I'm certain that it's correct usage, but I have seen it used to mean "ago".
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:00
Sean OwenSean Owen
26825
2
"Since" meaning "ago" is alive and well in Yorkshire, but it is archaic in standard Englishes. I agree with Robusto that the author was looking for a word meaning a relative "ago" and thought that "hence" would do.
– Colin Fine
Jun 23 '11 at 17:11
@ColinFine: Hmm... is it really so rare outside Yorkshire? I think I've heard it occasionally. // Wherever I heard it, I think I interpreted it as "they buried her [and it's now] two weeks since [then]".
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 4:44
@Cerberus: I've no doubt it goes beyond Yorkshire, but I don't know how widely. I would regard it as archaic in general use (indeed, when W. S. Gilbert wrote in Ruddigore in the 1880's "He died ten years since" I believe it was deliberately archaic or rustic).
– Colin Fine
Jun 24 '11 at 15:13
@ColinFine: Yes it doesn't sound standard to me; I remember my confusion when I first heard it (it must have been long since). Rustic sounds appropriate (I'd never have guessed Yorkshire, but something provincial, yes).
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 16:10
@ColinFine et al., I have to disagree. A week since is perfectly standard English. At least here, on the East Coast of the US, I here it in practical if not frequent use. Ago is certainly preferred.
– Ryan Haber
Jul 14 '11 at 21:20
add a comment |
I have never heard of it being used to indicate a time in the past and can't find any support for it. I also agree it's simply a mistake.
It's possible that "since" was meant; I can't say I'm certain that it's correct usage, but I have seen it used to mean "ago".
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:00
Sean OwenSean Owen
26825
2
"Since" meaning "ago" is alive and well in Yorkshire, but it is archaic in standard Englishes. I agree with Robusto that the author was looking for a word meaning a relative "ago" and thought that "hence" would do.
– Colin Fine
Jun 23 '11 at 17:11
@ColinFine: Hmm... is it really so rare outside Yorkshire? I think I've heard it occasionally. // Wherever I heard it, I think I interpreted it as "they buried her [and it's now] two weeks since [then]".
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 4:44
@Cerberus: I've no doubt it goes beyond Yorkshire, but I don't know how widely. I would regard it as archaic in general use (indeed, when W. S. Gilbert wrote in Ruddigore in the 1880's "He died ten years since" I believe it was deliberately archaic or rustic).
– Colin Fine
Jun 24 '11 at 15:13
@ColinFine: Yes it doesn't sound standard to me; I remember my confusion when I first heard it (it must have been long since). Rustic sounds appropriate (I'd never have guessed Yorkshire, but something provincial, yes).
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 16:10
@ColinFine et al., I have to disagree. A week since is perfectly standard English. At least here, on the East Coast of the US, I here it in practical if not frequent use. Ago is certainly preferred.
– Ryan Haber
Jul 14 '11 at 21:20
add a comment |
I have never heard of it being used to indicate a time in the past and can't find any support for it. I also agree it's simply a mistake.
It's possible that "since" was meant; I can't say I'm certain that it's correct usage, but I have seen it used to mean "ago".
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:00
Sean OwenSean Owen
26825
I have never heard of it being used to indicate a time in the past and can't find any support for it. I also agree it's simply a mistake.
It's possible that "since" was meant; I can't say I'm certain that it's correct usage, but I have seen it used to mean "ago".
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:00
Sean OwenSean Owen
26825
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:00
Sean OwenSean Owen
26825
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:00
Sean OwenSean Owen
26825
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:00
Sean OwenSean Owen
26825
26825
2
"Since" meaning "ago" is alive and well in Yorkshire, but it is archaic in standard Englishes. I agree with Robusto that the author was looking for a word meaning a relative "ago" and thought that "hence" would do.
– Colin Fine
Jun 23 '11 at 17:11
@ColinFine: Hmm... is it really so rare outside Yorkshire? I think I've heard it occasionally. // Wherever I heard it, I think I interpreted it as "they buried her [and it's now] two weeks since [then]".
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 4:44
@Cerberus: I've no doubt it goes beyond Yorkshire, but I don't know how widely. I would regard it as archaic in general use (indeed, when W. S. Gilbert wrote in Ruddigore in the 1880's "He died ten years since" I believe it was deliberately archaic or rustic).
– Colin Fine
Jun 24 '11 at 15:13
@ColinFine: Yes it doesn't sound standard to me; I remember my confusion when I first heard it (it must have been long since). Rustic sounds appropriate (I'd never have guessed Yorkshire, but something provincial, yes).
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 16:10
@ColinFine et al., I have to disagree. A week since is perfectly standard English. At least here, on the East Coast of the US, I here it in practical if not frequent use. Ago is certainly preferred.
– Ryan Haber
Jul 14 '11 at 21:20
add a comment |
2
"Since" meaning "ago" is alive and well in Yorkshire, but it is archaic in standard Englishes. I agree with Robusto that the author was looking for a word meaning a relative "ago" and thought that "hence" would do.
– Colin Fine
Jun 23 '11 at 17:11
@ColinFine: Hmm... is it really so rare outside Yorkshire? I think I've heard it occasionally. // Wherever I heard it, I think I interpreted it as "they buried her [and it's now] two weeks since [then]".
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 4:44
@Cerberus: I've no doubt it goes beyond Yorkshire, but I don't know how widely. I would regard it as archaic in general use (indeed, when W. S. Gilbert wrote in Ruddigore in the 1880's "He died ten years since" I believe it was deliberately archaic or rustic).
– Colin Fine
Jun 24 '11 at 15:13
@ColinFine: Yes it doesn't sound standard to me; I remember my confusion when I first heard it (it must have been long since). Rustic sounds appropriate (I'd never have guessed Yorkshire, but something provincial, yes).
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 16:10
@ColinFine et al., I have to disagree. A week since is perfectly standard English. At least here, on the East Coast of the US, I here it in practical if not frequent use. Ago is certainly preferred.
– Ryan Haber
Jul 14 '11 at 21:20
2
2
"Since" meaning "ago" is alive and well in Yorkshire, but it is archaic in standard Englishes. I agree with Robusto that the author was looking for a word meaning a relative "ago" and thought that "hence" would do.
– Colin Fine
Jun 23 '11 at 17:11
"Since" meaning "ago" is alive and well in Yorkshire, but it is archaic in standard Englishes. I agree with Robusto that the author was looking for a word meaning a relative "ago" and thought that "hence" would do.
– Colin Fine
Jun 23 '11 at 17:11
@ColinFine: Hmm... is it really so rare outside Yorkshire? I think I've heard it occasionally. // Wherever I heard it, I think I interpreted it as "they buried her [and it's now] two weeks since [then]".
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 4:44
@ColinFine: Hmm... is it really so rare outside Yorkshire? I think I've heard it occasionally. // Wherever I heard it, I think I interpreted it as "they buried her [and it's now] two weeks since [then]".
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 4:44
@Cerberus: I've no doubt it goes beyond Yorkshire, but I don't know how widely. I would regard it as archaic in general use (indeed, when W. S. Gilbert wrote in Ruddigore in the 1880's "He died ten years since" I believe it was deliberately archaic or rustic).
– Colin Fine
Jun 24 '11 at 15:13
@Cerberus: I've no doubt it goes beyond Yorkshire, but I don't know how widely. I would regard it as archaic in general use (indeed, when W. S. Gilbert wrote in Ruddigore in the 1880's "He died ten years since" I believe it was deliberately archaic or rustic).
– Colin Fine
Jun 24 '11 at 15:13
@ColinFine: Yes it doesn't sound standard to me; I remember my confusion when I first heard it (it must have been long since). Rustic sounds appropriate (I'd never have guessed Yorkshire, but something provincial, yes).
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 16:10
@ColinFine: Yes it doesn't sound standard to me; I remember my confusion when I first heard it (it must have been long since). Rustic sounds appropriate (I'd never have guessed Yorkshire, but something provincial, yes).
– Cerberus
Jun 24 '11 at 16:10
@ColinFine et al., I have to disagree. A week since is perfectly standard English. At least here, on the East Coast of the US, I here it in practical if not frequent use. Ago is certainly preferred.
– Ryan Haber
Jul 14 '11 at 21:20
@ColinFine et al., I have to disagree. A week since is perfectly standard English. At least here, on the East Coast of the US, I here it in practical if not frequent use. Ago is certainly preferred.
– Ryan Haber
Jul 14 '11 at 21:20
add a comment |
"Hence" has more usages than just "from this/that time"; it is also used to point to the source or origin of something.
E.g. "Bill issued hence" means "Bill came out from there", where there is pointing to an antecedent in a previous clause or statement.
If you want to be clear that the meaning is "from this/that time", use "henceforth", which has drifted into being used only for time (when it's used at all).
answered Jul 12 '11 at 17:07
Mark WallaceMark Wallace
1,361610
I think there's a confusion betwen hence and thence: hence means 'from here' (and extensions): thence is 'from there'.
– TimLymington
Jul 15 '11 at 21:13
add a comment |
"Hence" has more usages than just "from this/that time"; it is also used to point to the source or origin of something.
E.g. "Bill issued hence" means "Bill came out from there", where there is pointing to an antecedent in a previous clause or statement.
If you want to be clear that the meaning is "from this/that time", use "henceforth", which has drifted into being used only for time (when it's used at all).
answered Jul 12 '11 at 17:07
Mark WallaceMark Wallace
1,361610
I think there's a confusion betwen hence and thence: hence means 'from here' (and extensions): thence is 'from there'.
– TimLymington
Jul 15 '11 at 21:13
add a comment |
"Hence" has more usages than just "from this/that time"; it is also used to point to the source or origin of something.
E.g. "Bill issued hence" means "Bill came out from there", where there is pointing to an antecedent in a previous clause or statement.
If you want to be clear that the meaning is "from this/that time", use "henceforth", which has drifted into being used only for time (when it's used at all).
answered Jul 12 '11 at 17:07
Mark WallaceMark Wallace
1,361610
"Hence" has more usages than just "from this/that time"; it is also used to point to the source or origin of something.
E.g. "Bill issued hence" means "Bill came out from there", where there is pointing to an antecedent in a previous clause or statement.
If you want to be clear that the meaning is "from this/that time", use "henceforth", which has drifted into being used only for time (when it's used at all).
answered Jul 12 '11 at 17:07
Mark WallaceMark Wallace
1,361610
answered Jul 12 '11 at 17:07
Mark WallaceMark Wallace
1,361610
answered Jul 12 '11 at 17:07
Mark WallaceMark Wallace
1,361610
answered Jul 12 '11 at 17:07
Mark WallaceMark Wallace
1,361610
1,361610
I think there's a confusion betwen hence and thence: hence means 'from here' (and extensions): thence is 'from there'.
– TimLymington
Jul 15 '11 at 21:13
add a comment |
I think there's a confusion betwen hence and thence: hence means 'from here' (and extensions): thence is 'from there'.
– TimLymington
Jul 15 '11 at 21:13
I think there's a confusion betwen hence and thence: hence means 'from here' (and extensions): thence is 'from there'.
– TimLymington
Jul 15 '11 at 21:13
I think there's a confusion betwen hence and thence: hence means 'from here' (and extensions): thence is 'from there'.
– TimLymington
Jul 15 '11 at 21:13
add a comment |
Five hundred years ago I would have made all
England such an England as neither Dane, Saxon, nor
Norman should have conquered. Five hundred years
hence I should have been such a counsellor to Kings as
the world hath never dreamed of.
Kipling, Puck of Pooks's Hill.
Not exactly proof, but evidence that Kipling, at least, used hence for the future only (and meaning 'from here', not 'from some other point').
answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:57
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.5k875143
add a comment |
Five hundred years ago I would have made all
England such an England as neither Dane, Saxon, nor
Norman should have conquered. Five hundred years
hence I should have been such a counsellor to Kings as
the world hath never dreamed of.
Kipling, Puck of Pooks's Hill.
Not exactly proof, but evidence that Kipling, at least, used hence for the future only (and meaning 'from here', not 'from some other point').
answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:57
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.5k875143
add a comment |
Five hundred years ago I would have made all
England such an England as neither Dane, Saxon, nor
Norman should have conquered. Five hundred years
hence I should have been such a counsellor to Kings as
the world hath never dreamed of.
Kipling, Puck of Pooks's Hill.
Not exactly proof, but evidence that Kipling, at least, used hence for the future only (and meaning 'from here', not 'from some other point').
answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:57
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.5k875143
Five hundred years ago I would have made all
England such an England as neither Dane, Saxon, nor
Norman should have conquered. Five hundred years
hence I should have been such a counsellor to Kings as
the world hath never dreamed of.
Kipling, Puck of Pooks's Hill.
Not exactly proof, but evidence that Kipling, at least, used hence for the future only (and meaning 'from here', not 'from some other point').
answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:57
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.5k875143
answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:57
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.5k875143
answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:57
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.5k875143
answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:57
TimLymingtonTimLymington
32.5k875143
32.5k875143
add a comment |
add a comment |
I would agree on the ago. the NGram Viewer seems to do as well - here is the usage by the way
NGRAM http://ngrams.googlelabs.com/chart?content=a%20week%20hence&corpus=0&smoothing=3&year_start=1800&year_end=2000
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:55
mplungjanmplungjan
27.5k471108
How does that NGram support any particular usage? Isn't it just tracking uses of "a week hence"? How would it know if that hence was for the future or not?
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:51
It does not. It shows that it is getting to be more and more archaic to use it, hence the danger of abusing it ;)
– mplungjan
Jul 17 '11 at 5:50
add a comment |
I would agree on the ago. the NGram Viewer seems to do as well - here is the usage by the way
NGRAM http://ngrams.googlelabs.com/chart?content=a%20week%20hence&corpus=0&smoothing=3&year_start=1800&year_end=2000
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:55
mplungjanmplungjan
27.5k471108
How does that NGram support any particular usage? Isn't it just tracking uses of "a week hence"? How would it know if that hence was for the future or not?
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:51
It does not. It shows that it is getting to be more and more archaic to use it, hence the danger of abusing it ;)
– mplungjan
Jul 17 '11 at 5:50
add a comment |
I would agree on the ago. the NGram Viewer seems to do as well - here is the usage by the way
NGRAM http://ngrams.googlelabs.com/chart?content=a%20week%20hence&corpus=0&smoothing=3&year_start=1800&year_end=2000
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:55
mplungjanmplungjan
27.5k471108
I would agree on the ago. the NGram Viewer seems to do as well - here is the usage by the way
NGRAM http://ngrams.googlelabs.com/chart?content=a%20week%20hence&corpus=0&smoothing=3&year_start=1800&year_end=2000
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:55
mplungjanmplungjan
27.5k471108
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:55
mplungjanmplungjan
27.5k471108
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:55
mplungjanmplungjan
27.5k471108
answered Jun 23 '11 at 13:55
mplungjanmplungjan
27.5k471108
27.5k471108
How does that NGram support any particular usage? Isn't it just tracking uses of "a week hence"? How would it know if that hence was for the future or not?
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:51
It does not. It shows that it is getting to be more and more archaic to use it, hence the danger of abusing it ;)
– mplungjan
Jul 17 '11 at 5:50
add a comment |
How does that NGram support any particular usage? Isn't it just tracking uses of "a week hence"? How would it know if that hence was for the future or not?
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:51
It does not. It shows that it is getting to be more and more archaic to use it, hence the danger of abusing it ;)
– mplungjan
Jul 17 '11 at 5:50
How does that NGram support any particular usage? Isn't it just tracking uses of "a week hence"? How would it know if that hence was for the future or not?
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:51
How does that NGram support any particular usage? Isn't it just tracking uses of "a week hence"? How would it know if that hence was for the future or not?
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:51
It does not. It shows that it is getting to be more and more archaic to use it, hence the danger of abusing it ;)
– mplungjan
Jul 17 '11 at 5:50
It does not. It shows that it is getting to be more and more archaic to use it, hence the danger of abusing it ;)
– mplungjan
Jul 17 '11 at 5:50
add a comment |
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6
I think it was simply a solecism. The writer of the sentence thinks "hence" means in the past.
– Robusto
Jun 23 '11 at 14:22
1
Given that the sentence in question has a typo in warns, I suspect no such authority will be found.
– MrHen
Jul 16 '11 at 20:53
1
It looked OK to me at first with "hence" being used like the less common "thence", but when reading the whole thing including the "ago" at the beginning, it's definitely just plain wrong.
– hippietrail
Jul 27 '11 at 11:30