I think that might call for a debate about the meaning of "properly" - and, indeed, about what it is that they are trying to "do" ("properly").
Whe I see the number of 70's and 80's properties which have been demolished I can not but agree and then when I see the poor standards of brand new build methods and worse the quality of the unskilled workers now doing the work with their CCL [DGAS] attitude, I seriously wonder how many of those will disappear even quicker. Then I look at the number of 100year old properties in my area without cracks or subsidance...
[do I take it that the bit I've highlighted should not have the "not"? ]
You seem to be regarding the 'but' as meaning 'not', but when I say or write "I can but agree", I mean "I can only agree" (aka "I agree").
It is - and even more so if you are right (in saying that what I've said/.written all my life {as above} is 'wrong')English is such an intetesting language
You seem to agree with Simon (in taking "but" to mean "not"). Maybe I've been wrong all my life!
You all seem 'agreed'
As BS3036 says; but does not mean only here; it means except.
It seems that I am at least not alone. If one Googles "can but agree" (with the quotes) one finds many examples of the "but" being used to mean "only". Somewhat confusingly, in some places one finds both 'versions' mentioned, such as ...
When in Edit - click More Options.
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
