Q: Where did the phrase — “If you will” — originate, and what does it mean? It is used by news people, commentators and others after statements and comments they make.
—Fred Nemeth, Sandy Springs
A: The phrase "if you will" is said to have originated in the 16th century and is "used to suggest that some people may not think this is a good way to say something," according to the Cambridge Dictionary.
“If you will” is called a “hedge phrase” by grammarist.com, and is used to “apologize for a weak phrase — often a bad metaphor, a corny coinage, or a phrase the writer is reluctant to use,” the website states.
Similar phrases include “so to speak,” “as it were” and “if you like,” according to the University of Pennsylvania’s Language Log.
Q: What was the cost of the temporary baseball stadium at Fort Bragg? Who paid for it?
—P.D. Gossage, Johns Creek
A: Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association combined to pay $5 million to build the temporary baseball stadium at Fort Bragg, the Associated Press reported.
The Miami Marlins defeated the Braves 5-2 in the game on Sunday night.
The 12,500-seat stadium was built on the site on the site of a former golf course.
Construction began in the spring and temporary bleachers were installed.
The area will be turned into recreational space for the base.
It was the first time a major professional league held a regular-season game on an active military base.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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