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January 29 Information
whatever besets you/whatever you are beset by
Which is preferable? Or, does it make no difference? "I wish you the best in whatever besets you and I look forward to hearing from you again." "I wish you the best in whatever you are beset by and I look forward to hearing from you again." Thank you.
Bus stop (
talk)
22:07, 29 January 2017 (UTC)reply
Yes, somebody wrote me and implied that they would be out of circulation for awhile but that they didn't want to disclose the reason why. I replied using the first version. But then after thinking about the wording I decided the second and lengthier version was preferable. But it is too late as the email has already been sent.
Bus stop (
talk)
22:31, 29 January 2017 (UTC)reply
I'd have said "I wish you the best in whatever befalls you ..." but I'm sure the person would understand your meaning.
Dbfirs23:15, 29 January 2017 (UTC)reply
If you do not know what the problem is, do not use the word "beset" - it implies that they are under threat from all sides, which may not be the case. Just say that you wish them well in whatever troubles them, or in whatever problem they have. That is much more normal English.
Wymspen (
talk)
10:42, 30 January 2017 (UTC)reply
Welcome to the Wikipedia Language Reference Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the
current reference desk pages.
January 29 Information
whatever besets you/whatever you are beset by
Which is preferable? Or, does it make no difference? "I wish you the best in whatever besets you and I look forward to hearing from you again." "I wish you the best in whatever you are beset by and I look forward to hearing from you again." Thank you.
Bus stop (
talk)
22:07, 29 January 2017 (UTC)reply
Yes, somebody wrote me and implied that they would be out of circulation for awhile but that they didn't want to disclose the reason why. I replied using the first version. But then after thinking about the wording I decided the second and lengthier version was preferable. But it is too late as the email has already been sent.
Bus stop (
talk)
22:31, 29 January 2017 (UTC)reply
I'd have said "I wish you the best in whatever befalls you ..." but I'm sure the person would understand your meaning.
Dbfirs23:15, 29 January 2017 (UTC)reply
If you do not know what the problem is, do not use the word "beset" - it implies that they are under threat from all sides, which may not be the case. Just say that you wish them well in whatever troubles them, or in whatever problem they have. That is much more normal English.
Wymspen (
talk)
10:42, 30 January 2017 (UTC)reply