The construction of “Known but to God”
The Tomb of the Unknown Solider has the engraving "KNOWN BUT TO GOD", as presumably no man knows his name, but shouldn't it read "unknown, but to God", as the default for everyone is "unknown", with the exception "but to God"?
Is the construction older? How should it be parsed?
meaning phrases conjunctions negation
edited May 14 '11 at 13:14
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
asked Jan 18 '11 at 21:18
Nick TNick T
64651123
add a comment |
The Tomb of the Unknown Solider has the engraving "KNOWN BUT TO GOD", as presumably no man knows his name, but shouldn't it read "unknown, but to God", as the default for everyone is "unknown", with the exception "but to God"?
Is the construction older? How should it be parsed?
meaning phrases conjunctions negation
edited May 14 '11 at 13:14
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
asked Jan 18 '11 at 21:18
Nick TNick T
64651123
2
Gravestones of unknowns in Commonwealth cemeteries are inscribed "Known unto God".
– Brian Nixon
Jan 18 '11 at 22:14
add a comment |
The Tomb of the Unknown Solider has the engraving "KNOWN BUT TO GOD", as presumably no man knows his name, but shouldn't it read "unknown, but to God", as the default for everyone is "unknown", with the exception "but to God"?
Is the construction older? How should it be parsed?
meaning phrases conjunctions negation
edited May 14 '11 at 13:14
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
asked Jan 18 '11 at 21:18
Nick TNick T
64651123
The Tomb of the Unknown Solider has the engraving "KNOWN BUT TO GOD", as presumably no man knows his name, but shouldn't it read "unknown, but to God", as the default for everyone is "unknown", with the exception "but to God"?
Is the construction older? How should it be parsed?
meaning phrases conjunctions negation
meaning phrases conjunctions negation
edited May 14 '11 at 13:14
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
asked Jan 18 '11 at 21:18
Nick TNick T
64651123
edited May 14 '11 at 13:14
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
asked Jan 18 '11 at 21:18
Nick TNick T
64651123
edited May 14 '11 at 13:14
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
edited May 14 '11 at 13:14
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
edited May 14 '11 at 13:14
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
83.2k31281380
asked Jan 18 '11 at 21:18
Nick TNick T
64651123
asked Jan 18 '11 at 21:18
Nick TNick T
64651123
asked Jan 18 '11 at 21:18
Nick TNick T
64651123
64651123
2
Gravestones of unknowns in Commonwealth cemeteries are inscribed "Known unto God".
– Brian Nixon
Jan 18 '11 at 22:14
add a comment |
2
Gravestones of unknowns in Commonwealth cemeteries are inscribed "Known unto God".
– Brian Nixon
Jan 18 '11 at 22:14
2
2
Gravestones of unknowns in Commonwealth cemeteries are inscribed "Known unto God".
– Brian Nixon
Jan 18 '11 at 22:14
Gravestones of unknowns in Commonwealth cemeteries are inscribed "Known unto God".
– Brian Nixon
Jan 18 '11 at 22:14
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
In the phrase
Known but to God
but functions as an adverb, and, as such, it means only. Thus, the inscription could very well read:
Known only to God
answered Jan 18 '11 at 21:23
Jimi OkeJimi Oke
24.7k265102
1
So the comma I figured was implicit doesn't belong there at all, as it changes the meaning?
– Nick T
Jan 19 '11 at 13:11
2
@Nick T: Right, the comma doesn't belong there. With the comma, but becomes a preposition, which means except!
– Jimi Oke
Jan 19 '11 at 15:05
add a comment |
The tomb of the unkown soldier, or any of the graves at Arlington that are inscribed with the same quote for that matter, have a comma so the point made regarding that is moot. Just because someone posts something with it that way doesn't mean it's accurate.
I don't think the language used at the time makes any difference. If you are focused on that maybe take a step back for a few seconds and think about how strange it sounds to be concerned with the wording considering the gravity of why it was used.
edited Aug 13 '17 at 8:44
Helmar
4,95472361
answered Aug 13 '17 at 4:48
leahleah
111
Please provide a reference that these have a comma. I don't see one in the 4th picture here.
– Peter Shor
Aug 13 '17 at 10:47
add a comment |
Known but to God means Known only to God.
answered 10 hours ago
Mike MoooresMike Mooores
1
New contributor
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Welcome to English Language & Usage! The question is not what it means; I think it's safe to assume the author already knows.
– Glorfindel
10 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– choster
7 hours ago
add a comment |
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3 Answers
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active
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
In the phrase
Known but to God
but functions as an adverb, and, as such, it means only. Thus, the inscription could very well read:
Known only to God
answered Jan 18 '11 at 21:23
Jimi OkeJimi Oke
24.7k265102
1
So the comma I figured was implicit doesn't belong there at all, as it changes the meaning?
– Nick T
Jan 19 '11 at 13:11
2
@Nick T: Right, the comma doesn't belong there. With the comma, but becomes a preposition, which means except!
– Jimi Oke
Jan 19 '11 at 15:05
add a comment |
In the phrase
Known but to God
but functions as an adverb, and, as such, it means only. Thus, the inscription could very well read:
Known only to God
answered Jan 18 '11 at 21:23
Jimi OkeJimi Oke
24.7k265102
1
So the comma I figured was implicit doesn't belong there at all, as it changes the meaning?
– Nick T
Jan 19 '11 at 13:11
2
@Nick T: Right, the comma doesn't belong there. With the comma, but becomes a preposition, which means except!
– Jimi Oke
Jan 19 '11 at 15:05
add a comment |
In the phrase
Known but to God
but functions as an adverb, and, as such, it means only. Thus, the inscription could very well read:
Known only to God
answered Jan 18 '11 at 21:23
Jimi OkeJimi Oke
24.7k265102
In the phrase
Known but to God
but functions as an adverb, and, as such, it means only. Thus, the inscription could very well read:
Known only to God
answered Jan 18 '11 at 21:23
Jimi OkeJimi Oke
24.7k265102
answered Jan 18 '11 at 21:23
Jimi OkeJimi Oke
24.7k265102
answered Jan 18 '11 at 21:23
Jimi OkeJimi Oke
24.7k265102
answered Jan 18 '11 at 21:23
Jimi OkeJimi Oke
24.7k265102
24.7k265102
1
So the comma I figured was implicit doesn't belong there at all, as it changes the meaning?
– Nick T
Jan 19 '11 at 13:11
2
@Nick T: Right, the comma doesn't belong there. With the comma, but becomes a preposition, which means except!
– Jimi Oke
Jan 19 '11 at 15:05
add a comment |
1
So the comma I figured was implicit doesn't belong there at all, as it changes the meaning?
– Nick T
Jan 19 '11 at 13:11
2
@Nick T: Right, the comma doesn't belong there. With the comma, but becomes a preposition, which means except!
– Jimi Oke
Jan 19 '11 at 15:05
1
1
So the comma I figured was implicit doesn't belong there at all, as it changes the meaning?
– Nick T
Jan 19 '11 at 13:11
So the comma I figured was implicit doesn't belong there at all, as it changes the meaning?
– Nick T
Jan 19 '11 at 13:11
2
2
@Nick T: Right, the comma doesn't belong there. With the comma, but becomes a preposition, which means except!
– Jimi Oke
Jan 19 '11 at 15:05
@Nick T: Right, the comma doesn't belong there. With the comma, but becomes a preposition, which means except!
– Jimi Oke
Jan 19 '11 at 15:05
add a comment |
The tomb of the unkown soldier, or any of the graves at Arlington that are inscribed with the same quote for that matter, have a comma so the point made regarding that is moot. Just because someone posts something with it that way doesn't mean it's accurate.
I don't think the language used at the time makes any difference. If you are focused on that maybe take a step back for a few seconds and think about how strange it sounds to be concerned with the wording considering the gravity of why it was used.
edited Aug 13 '17 at 8:44
Helmar
4,95472361
answered Aug 13 '17 at 4:48
leahleah
111
Please provide a reference that these have a comma. I don't see one in the 4th picture here.
– Peter Shor
Aug 13 '17 at 10:47
add a comment |
The tomb of the unkown soldier, or any of the graves at Arlington that are inscribed with the same quote for that matter, have a comma so the point made regarding that is moot. Just because someone posts something with it that way doesn't mean it's accurate.
I don't think the language used at the time makes any difference. If you are focused on that maybe take a step back for a few seconds and think about how strange it sounds to be concerned with the wording considering the gravity of why it was used.
edited Aug 13 '17 at 8:44
Helmar
4,95472361
answered Aug 13 '17 at 4:48
leahleah
111
Please provide a reference that these have a comma. I don't see one in the 4th picture here.
– Peter Shor
Aug 13 '17 at 10:47
add a comment |
The tomb of the unkown soldier, or any of the graves at Arlington that are inscribed with the same quote for that matter, have a comma so the point made regarding that is moot. Just because someone posts something with it that way doesn't mean it's accurate.
I don't think the language used at the time makes any difference. If you are focused on that maybe take a step back for a few seconds and think about how strange it sounds to be concerned with the wording considering the gravity of why it was used.
edited Aug 13 '17 at 8:44
Helmar
4,95472361
answered Aug 13 '17 at 4:48
leahleah
111
The tomb of the unkown soldier, or any of the graves at Arlington that are inscribed with the same quote for that matter, have a comma so the point made regarding that is moot. Just because someone posts something with it that way doesn't mean it's accurate.
I don't think the language used at the time makes any difference. If you are focused on that maybe take a step back for a few seconds and think about how strange it sounds to be concerned with the wording considering the gravity of why it was used.
edited Aug 13 '17 at 8:44
Helmar
4,95472361
answered Aug 13 '17 at 4:48
leahleah
111
edited Aug 13 '17 at 8:44
Helmar
4,95472361
edited Aug 13 '17 at 8:44
Helmar
4,95472361
edited Aug 13 '17 at 8:44
Helmar
4,95472361
4,95472361
answered Aug 13 '17 at 4:48
leahleah
111
answered Aug 13 '17 at 4:48
leahleah
111
answered Aug 13 '17 at 4:48
leahleah
111
111
Please provide a reference that these have a comma. I don't see one in the 4th picture here.
– Peter Shor
Aug 13 '17 at 10:47
add a comment |
Please provide a reference that these have a comma. I don't see one in the 4th picture here.
– Peter Shor
Aug 13 '17 at 10:47
Please provide a reference that these have a comma. I don't see one in the 4th picture here.
– Peter Shor
Aug 13 '17 at 10:47
Please provide a reference that these have a comma. I don't see one in the 4th picture here.
– Peter Shor
Aug 13 '17 at 10:47
add a comment |
Known but to God means Known only to God.
answered 10 hours ago
Mike MoooresMike Mooores
1
New contributor
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Welcome to English Language & Usage! The question is not what it means; I think it's safe to assume the author already knows.
– Glorfindel
10 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– choster
7 hours ago
add a comment |
Known but to God means Known only to God.
answered 10 hours ago
Mike MoooresMike Mooores
1
New contributor
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Welcome to English Language & Usage! The question is not what it means; I think it's safe to assume the author already knows.
– Glorfindel
10 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– choster
7 hours ago
add a comment |
Known but to God means Known only to God.
answered 10 hours ago
Mike MoooresMike Mooores
1
New contributor
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Known but to God means Known only to God.
answered 10 hours ago
Mike MoooresMike Mooores
1
New contributor
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 10 hours ago
Mike MoooresMike Mooores
1
New contributor
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 10 hours ago
Mike MoooresMike Mooores
1
answered 10 hours ago
Mike MoooresMike Mooores
1
1
New contributor
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Mike Mooores is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Welcome to English Language & Usage! The question is not what it means; I think it's safe to assume the author already knows.
– Glorfindel
10 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– choster
7 hours ago
add a comment |
1
Welcome to English Language & Usage! The question is not what it means; I think it's safe to assume the author already knows.
– Glorfindel
10 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– choster
7 hours ago
1
1
Welcome to English Language & Usage! The question is not what it means; I think it's safe to assume the author already knows.
– Glorfindel
10 hours ago
Welcome to English Language & Usage! The question is not what it means; I think it's safe to assume the author already knows.
– Glorfindel
10 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– choster
7 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– choster
7 hours ago
add a comment |
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2
Gravestones of unknowns in Commonwealth cemeteries are inscribed "Known unto God".
– Brian Nixon
Jan 18 '11 at 22:14