May Day and QBI

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by John Vasco

Nick,

Ah but, ah but, ah but... if it was taken from part of a fuller sentence, such as "Pouvez vous m'aidez', then it would be OK. And doesn't "aidez-moi" mix singular and plural? I'm thinking "Aidez-nous", n'est-ce pas? I feckin' hate French, as well...

Good point re it being an extract from a longer and more polite request, mon brave, but - speaking with all the authority of a Grade A at A-Level (1969) - not so good re mixing singular and plural. "Aidez" in this context is a second person plural imperative (also used toward individuals with whom one is not on familiar terms). So an appropriate form of address when broadcast into the ether for whoever might hear it. As in "help me, you guys."

If one were seeking help from a friend, it would indeed be "aides-moi."

I don't mind French at all, actually (they gave the world Paris and Sophie Marceau).